Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that has become increasingly popular among patients who have experienced sagging breasts due to various factors such as weight loss, age, genetics, or breastfeeding. The aim of this surgery is to restore the shape, size, and position of the breasts and improve their overall appearance, which can have a significant impact on a woman’s self-esteem and confidence.
Weight loss and Breasts- what are “Ozempic® Breasts”?
Many individuals are turning to weight loss programs including powerful new drugs such as Ozempic® or Wegovy® to help them achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. However, one common side effect of significant weight loss is the loss of breast volume and elasticity, which can lead to sagging or drooping breasts. This is a common concern for many Ozempic® weight loss patients, who sometimes use the term “Ozempic® breasts” as it can affect their appearance and self-confidence.
When a person gains weight, the breasts can also increase in size due to the accumulation of fat in the breast tissue. However, when a person loses weight, the breasts can lose volume, and the skin may not have enough elasticity to retract, causing the breasts to sag. This can be especially noticeable in patients who have lost a significant amount of weight quickly (which we commonly see with new weight loss treatments) as the skin may not have had enough time to adjust.
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, can help to address this issue by lifting and reshaping the breasts to restore a more youthful and perky appearance.
What is involved in a mastopexy?
During a mastopexy procedure, Dr. Gallagher will make incisions on the breasts to remove excess skin and tissue. Often, an anchor-shaped scar around the nipple and base of the breast is needed. The nipple and areola are then repositioned to a higher position on the breast, and the remaining tissue is reshaped and lifted to create a more youthful and perky appearance. Typically, we “overlift” the breasts as they will settle into a very natural and perky appearance in the weeks following surgery.
In some cases, breast implants or the patient’s own fat taken from elsewhere on the body may also be used during the surgery to restore lost volume and improve the overall shape and size of the breasts. The plastic surgeon will customize the approach based on the individual patient’s needs, size goals, and body shape to ensure the best possible outcome.
Dr. Gallagher is an experienced plastic surgeon who offers customized mastopexy procedures tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. She uses advanced surgical techniques and the latest technology to provide patients with safe and effective results.
Breast Lift Recovery
After surgery, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and proper post-operative care. Most patients can return to work and resume normal activities within two weeks of the procedure. Typically, our out-of-town patients stay for about a week. Patients will go under general anesthesia for this procedure and go home the same day. Usually, they will return to work about two weeks after the surgery. All stitches are dissolvable and again Dr Gallagher never uses drains for this procedure.
What about the scars after breast lift?
One of the most common concerns among patients who are considering mastopexy is whether their scars will go away after the procedure. While scars are an inevitable part of any surgical procedure, there are several factors that can impact the appearance of scars after mastopexy.
The location and size of the incisions made during mastopexy will depend on the individual patient’s needs and goals, as well as the severity of their breast sagging. In general, the incisions will be made around the areola and down the breast, creating a lollipop or anchor shape. While these incisions may result in some visible scarring, the good news is that the scars can usually be concealed by clothing or a bra.
It’s important to remember that every patient heals differently, and the appearance of scars can vary from person to person. Some patients may experience thicker, raised scars, while others may develop lighter, flatter scars. Additionally, some patients may be more prone to developing keloid scars, which can be more difficult to treat.
Scar Prevention Care
However, there are several things that patients can do to help minimize the appearance of scars after mastopexy. Dr. Gallagher will instruct patients on their initialized scar care regimen.
While it’s impossible to guarantee that scars will completely disappear after mastopexy, many patients find that their scars become less noticeable over time. In fact, scars can continue to improve for up to two years after surgery.
While scars are an inevitable part of mastopexy, there are several things that patients can do to help minimize their appearance. By following post-operative care instructions and taking steps to promote healing, patients can help ensure the best possible outcome after their mastopexy procedure.
Breast Lift Benefits
Breast lift surgery can be an effective solution for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts due to weight loss, age, genetics, or breastfeeding. We are seeing many weight loss patients seek this in the era of Semaglutide drugs. With the right care and expertise, patients can achieve a more youthful and perky appearance that can have a positive impact on their self-confidence and overall quality of life.
