Breast Lift
If you are considering a breast lift, also called a mastopexy, you will be happy to know that Dr. Robert Walton has many years’ experience in breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, and microsurgery for breast reconstruction. Many consider him the preeminent breast surgeon in the state.
Breast lifts are a fairly common procedure; with approximately 90,000 breast lifts performed each year in the US. It is considered a safe procedure that results in a more youthful contour.
Who is a good candidate for a breast lift?
In general, any woman who is physically and emotionally healthy and who has realistic expectations is a good candidate for breast lift surgery. If your breasts sag, due either to genetics, age, or weight loss, a breast lift can bring your breasts to a higher, more youthful position. You may or may not require a breast implant with your breast lift, depending upon the breast volume available.
If you have a family history of breast cancer or are over the age of 35, Dr. Walton requests that you obtain a mammogram before your procedure to ensure that there are no pre-existing breast problems. Naturally, any abnormalities detected on the mammogram must be addressed before the procedure.
How breast lift is performed
Breast lift procedures are performed at the 900 North Michigan Surgical Center on Michigan Avenue, (a JCAHO Approved outpatient surgical facility) or at the St. Joseph’s Hospital on North Lake Shore Drive. Anesthesia is provided at both facilities by highly trained and experienced board-certified anesthesiologists. Although each woman is unique, a breast lift without implants generally takes about 1 to 2 hours. Breast lifts with implants generally require about 2 to 3 hours of surgery time. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to bring a friend or family member with you to drive you home following your procedure.
Once the anesthesia has been induced, an incision is placed. Depending upon the amount of lift required and whether or not an implant will be inserted to add volume to the breast, the incision could be strictly around the areola or it could extend vertically from the areola to the crease under the breast and, possibly, horizontally in the crease underneath the breast as well. When the breast has been lifted to its final position, the areola is replaced. The excess skin is removed and incisions are carefully closed.
You will leave the operating suite with a compressive breast garment, which is worn 24 hours a day until instructed otherwise by Dr. Walton at your postoperative visit in his Chicago plastic surgery office. He may also place a small drain in each breast, which is usually removed the day after surgery.
If your breast lift is being performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation, the size and type of implant will have been determined at your consultation appointment with Dr. Walton in his Chicago plastic surgery office. Breast lifts are also performed as part of a breast reduction procedure.
Recovery form the breast lift in Chicago
During the immediate postoperative period of about a week, you will benefit from ice packs and analgesics for discomfort. Don’t worry if the breasts seem larger than you desired, as there may be some swelling, which will disappear in about 30 days. Please be aware that some patients have long-term lack of nipple sensation, though most find sensation returning in about 1-3 months.
You’ll feel back to normal in about a week and the incisions will be fully healed in approximately six weeks.
During the recovery period, Dr. Walton advises his patients to avoid lifting their arms over their head and to abstain from heavy exercising that uses the chest muscles, such as lifting weights, children, or pets.
Next steps
The next step to achieving your cosmetic goals is to call our office for a consultation. This one-on-one time allows you to investigate all the available options for breast lift procedures and to get to know Dr. Walton. You will never feel pressured to choose surgery, and we recommend that you bring a family member or trusted friend with you to be sure you ask all the questions you wish. Your consultation fee is applied to any surgery plan.
For an appointment, please call Chicago Plastic Surgery, LLC office at 312-337-7795, or contact Dr. Walton by filling out our online form. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your breast lift transformation here in Chicago.