Breast lifts elevate the breast and nipple, creating a more youthful appearance. The number and type of incisions depends on the extent of surgery needed by each patient. Some surgeons’ goal is to decrease the overall number of incisions, basing their decisions on the amount of correction required. Implants are often combined with a breast lift to minimize the need for incisions.

The procedure usually takes around two hours, and is most often performed under general anesthesia. Patients will return home the same day and be back to work in ten days. It is important for patients to avoid vigorous exercise for two to three weeks. A sports bra should be worn for two weeks following surgery with no underwires.

A breast lift is normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Significant complications from breast lifts are not frequent. Thousands of women go through surgery, without experiencing major problems and are pleased with the results. Following a breast lift, the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple may vary slightly, permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur. Revisional surgery may be helpful where incisions have healed poorly. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are not common, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce the risks by clearly following your physician’s advice before and after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Implants
Q: Are breast implants placed above or below the muscle?
A: Some surgeons will place implants below the muscle, because they believe this gives you a softer result. The muscle action on the implant breaks up scar tissue around the implant that can result in hardness of the breast. In trim patients with limited breast tissue, the muscle also gives additional coverage for the implant, which make the breast feel more natural.

Q: Do incisions around the nipple result in decreased nipple sensation?
A: It is extremely rare to see decreased sensation of the nipple with this incision. The nerve to the nipple enters the breast in a predictable location and care is taken at the time of surgery to protect this nerve.

Q: Do surgeons offer Silicone implants?
A: Yes. Some surgeons may be on an experimental protocol that allows me to use silicone in certain cases.

Q: When is Silicone a better choice?
A: Patients who are trim with limited breast tissue are at risk for rippling when using saline implants due to the limited amount of tissue they have to cover the implant. In these cases silicone can give a more natural and softer result with decreased rippling.

Q: Do surgeons recommend routine removal and replacements of implants every 10-15 years?
A: Some surgeons only recommend removal if you are having problems with your implants or if they have deflated.

LookingYourBest.com is an online resource for breast lifts in San Jose. To learn more, please visit http://www.struckmd.com/webpages/breastlift.htm and http://lookingyourbest.com/breast/articles/BreastLift.

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