Breast Lift in Houston, TX
The breasts we end up with aren’t always the breasts we started out with. Factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations, coupled with the toll of gravity, can contribute to loss of tissue and skin elasticity, causing the breasts to sag and look deflated.
The breast lift (mastopexy) is a common surgical procedure that raises the position of the breasts on the chest. It is done by removing excess, stretched skin and reshaping and lifting the surrounding breast tissue, while also raising the areola to a more forward position. Large or stretched areolas can also be revised during this procedure, so that they, too, are better aligned and proportioned. A breast lift can give you back that youthful, perky position and restore fullness and shape – creating proportionate, firmer, and lifted breasts.
Dr. Courtney has helped hundreds of patients look and feel their very best. Practicing in Houston, TX at one of the largest plastic surgery practices in the country, The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS), Dr. Courtney takes the time to thoroughly listen to the concerns and wishes of each patient. Courtney will develop a customized treatment plan best suited for your needs and body type.
To get your breast lift questions answered or schedule a consultation with Houston-based plastic surgeon Dr.Courtney, call 713.522.4411.
Do You Need a Breast Lift?
No matter the cause, sagging breasts and uneven breasts can be corrected with a breast lift. Nursing and pregnancy change the body in many ways, especially the breasts. Hormonal and growth changes during this time stretch tissue such that breasts may appear hanging instead of sitting up nicely.
Pregnancy and lactation aren’t the only causes of breast laxity, however. Those who have lost a substantial amount of weight are often left with drooping breasts.
Some breasts droop naturally, a hereditary issue many rectify with breast surgery. The perkier position can help them feel more attractive and enhance the fit of their clothing. Others may have an asymmetry between their breasts or areolas. Dr. Courtney uses his aesthetic skills during surgery to ensure breasts and nipples are symmetrical.
If you are considering breast lift surgery with Dr. Courtney, your health and safety are his primary concern. Some factors he will assess are:
You must be in overall good health, able to explain all medical conditions and medications you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines, as you should avoid all aspirins and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drugs for at least one week prior and one week after surgery. These can cause excessive bruising and can increase risk of hemorrhaging. .
Use of these substances impacts both safety during the procedure and how your body heals post-operatively. Interested candidates should not smoke for at least four weeks leading up to and after surgery.
Weight fluctuations can affect the results of your procedure. You should be close to your goal weight before undertaking the procedure.
Hormonal changes both during and after pregnancy can affect the size and shape of your breasts, potentially changing your outcome. Dr. Courtney will ask how recently you’ve given birth as well as whether you plan to have more children. Further, he advises patients to postpone breast lift surgery to at least six months after stopping breast-feeding.
Patients must understand that the breast lift does not replace lost volume or increase the size of your breasts. Therefore, most women who have a mastopexy, combine it with a breast augmentation — either with breast implants or via a fat transfer — to achieve that round, fuller breast shape in a lifted position.
Dr. Courtney wants to ensure the timing of your procedure best aligns with your family, health, and lifestyle goals.
Discussing Your Mastopexy Procedure in an Initial Consultation
When you come into our state-of-the-art facility, you will meet with Dr. Courtney and his patient care coordinator to discuss your individual aesthetic needs. After thoroughly reviewing your medical history, Dr. Courtney will conduct a physical exam to assess your body’s natural architecture and balance. You will also discuss your lifestyle and personal habits. Carefully listening to your concerns and goals, Dr. Courtney will discuss the best-suited surgical techniques and will share before and after photos for visual reference. To fully understand your vision, he will also review the images you bring of yourself at a younger age or of others.
Using Vectra XT 3D Imaging technology, Dr. Courtney can superimpose shadows of different breast sizes onto your body. Together, you’ll change implant size and shape, and then check the results. You’ll see first hand which choices will render the most natural and flattering results. We’re proud to be one of the few Houston practices to offer Vectra XT 3D Imaging technology. The peace of mind it brings patients is priceless.
With each patient having a unique physique and varying concerns, your consultation with Dr. Courtney will be a highly-personalized and individualized experience. Dr. Courtney ensures that his patients thoroughly understand the procedure, any risks associated, recovery time and activity limitations, as well as expected outcome and benefits. He welcomes any questions that his patients have throughout this surgical journey. Providing the best and safest level of care is of utmost importance to Dr. Courtney, so please allow an hour to an hour and a half for your initial mastopexy consultation appointment.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about a certain procedure, schedule your consultation today. Dr. Courtney and his team are excited to meet you!
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about a certain procedure, schedule your consultation today. Dr. Courtney and his team are excited to meet you!
Customizing your Breast Lift Procedure
There are many different incision techniques and options available for a breast lift. After your consultation, Dr. Courtney will be able to determine the best incision method given existing breast tissue and amount of excess skin to be removed – all while achieving your personal goals with the least visible scarring possible.
The amount of deflation will dictate the incision techniques. These include:
Technique used to correct minimal sagging involving a small incision running halfway around the top edge of the areola. Typically, this technique is combined with a breast augmentation. Surgeons use this incision infrequently.
Also for women experiencing mild sagging, this breast lift technique consists of a circular incision that completely outlines the edge of the areola. Similar to the Crescent lift, the “donut” lift is commonly performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation and also results in a less noticeable scar given because its placement blends well with the areola. This incision technique is also effective if needing to reduce areola size.
This is the most commonly-used technique for correcting deflated breasts. It corrects moderate sagging and provides more extensive reshaping. This type of lift involves two incisions – one around the edge of the areola and another running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the crease under the breast, known as the inframammary fold (IMF). The circle around the nipple and the vertical incision make a “lollipop” outline on the breasts. These two incision placements allow for re-contouring of the breast and removal of excess skin, providing a mostly hidden scar.
The horizontal flip of the lollipop lift, the anchor lift is reserved for the most aggressive breast reductions and lifts. It involves three incisions: one around the edge of the areola, one vertically from bottom of areola to the inframammary fold, and then horizontally along the fold. The three incisions allow for a significant amount of breast tissue and excess skin to be removed. This technique is also best suited for those look for breast reduction with a lift. Though portions of this incision technique will have visible scarring, with proper care, it typically fades over time and remains hidden in a bra or bikini top.
Once the proper incisions have been made, Dr. Courtney first sculpts the tissue to reduce fullness in the lower portion of the breasts while re-contouring the upper breasts. Once he forms the new shape and position, he removes the excess skin so that the remaining tissue can be lifted and tightened. If your areolas are disproportionate or overly large, Dr. Courtney will also reshape and/or reduce them to be better proportioned. He can also reposition them into a forward or upright direction, if needed. Finally, he will close the incisions using dissolvable sutures and use a compression garment to help reduce swelling and aid with comfort.
Aa part of the surgical procedure, Dr. Courtney assesses the best “pedicle” to work from. The pedicle is the segment of tissue responsible for delivering and maintaining blood supply and sensation/innervation to the areola. The pedicle typically remains attached to the areola, during a breast lift procedure. However, it can also be taken from either the upper breast tissue that remains attached (known as a superior pedicle); from the central chest area (called a medial pedicle); inferior area which is from the bottom; or from the side of the breast (lateral), though rarely used. A superior pedicle is most often used with a breast lift unless the tissue has extensive staging. In your discussions with Dr. Courtney, he will decide which pedicle is best-suited depending on breast anatomy, incision technique, and aesthetic goals.
Regardless of the surgical technique and pedicle chosen, Dr. Courtney performs the most recent and advanced techniques for a mastopexy, minimizing the visibility of scars while achieving a more youthful breast shape and position for his patients.
Can Breast Lift Surgery Be Combined with Other Procedures?
While a breast lift will significantly improve the shape and position of sagging breasts, it does not combat loss of volume. Many women combine a mastopexy with a breast augmentation to achieve desired fullness to accompany a more sensuous figure. Whether the breast augmentation is performed using saline or silicone implants, or through a fat transfer to the breast, Dr. Courtney will listen closely to your concerns and help you determine the implant type, if needed, and best-suited size given your personal goals and body architecture. Remember, the Vectra XT 3D Imaging technology helps you get a good idea of whether your vision will match the outcome.
On the other hand, women looking for a slimmer figure may want a breast reduction while undergoing their breast lift. Some may find that their breasts are too heavy and dense, causing discomfort in their upper back. During this combined procedure, Dr. Courtney will remove additional tissue to establish the desired size while lifting and reshaping the breast tissue and areola, using the same incisions.
Finally, your breast lift may be just a part of your mommy makeover, a combination of procedures designed to slim and trim a woman’s entire figure. Aiming to restore the pre-baby, pre-nursing shape, the mommy makeover can include breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, vaginal rejuvenation and more.
I pride myself on always having their best and unbiased interests in mind. I am the type of person who continues to internalize the needs of my patients and the best course of action, even after the consultation concludes, to ensure optimal results.
What Will My Recovery Be Like After Breast Lift Surgery?
A mastopexy is an outpatient procedure, using general anesthesia under careful watch of one of our board-certified, highly-trained anesthesiologists. When you awake from surgery, your breasts will be wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your body as it heals. Before leaving our state-of-the-art surgical center, The ACPS SurgiCentre, Dr. Courtney will detail instructions for how the compression bandage should be worn. He’ll also outline the healing process. It is important to follow these directives to ensure a successful recovery and outcome.
Typically, recovery from a breast lift takes about a week to two weeks, with mild bruising and/or temporary numbness expected. For the first day or two after surgery, it is recommended that another adult stays nearby for assistance, as you will not be able to lift your arms. With tenderness and soreness being most prevalent for the first few days, Dr. Courtney will prescribe medications necessary for a comfortable recovery.
Patients are normally able to perform light activities and shower within 48 hours of surgery. They resume normal daily activities within a week. However, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise must be avoided for about six weeks, or until you have Dr. Courtney’s clearance.
Though you may see a noticeable difference immediately after surgery, your breasts will continue to heal over the coming weeks. As the swelling subsides, they will begin to settle into their final position. Throughout the recovery process, you will have several follow-up appointments with Dr. Courtney to closely monitor your healing process and activity. He will advise when to resume well-women check-ups. Together with his dedicated staff, Dr. Courtney will walk with you, step-by-step, throughout the entire mastopexy process, answering all your questions and concerns.
If you have specific questions about what’s involved in breast lift surgery, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713.522.4411 or contact us via our online form today. Well look forward to your call or visit!
