Is Now the Right Time for a Breast Lift?

Have you noticed a change in the appearance of your breasts? Perhaps they’ve lost some volume or firmness, or maybe they sit lower than they used to. If you’re wondering if now is the right time for a Breast Lift to restore a more youthful look and improve your confidence, you’re in good company.

Breast Lifts have become increasingly popular as a cosmetic surgery procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 30% surge in Breast Lift procedures in recent years. This rise in popularity reflects a desire among women to address the natural changes their breasts undergo due to factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, and even genetics.

While a Breast Lift can be transformative, timing the procedure for optimal results is key. Here at our all-female plastic surgery practice, we understand the unique needs and concerns women have regarding this surgery. As a board-certified female plastic surgeon, I can guide you through a personalized consultation, discussing your goals, medical history, and any questions you may have towards achieving your desired results.

The most important factor in determining the right time for a Breast Lift is you. This procedure is all about empowering you to feel your absolute best. So, if you experience any of the following concerns about your breasts, a lift might be the answer:

• Loss of volume or fullness: Over time, breasts can lose their perkiness and youthful shape due to natural aging, weight fluctuations, or even genetics.
• Stretched or sagging skin: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight loss can lead to loose skin on the breasts.
• Uneven breasts: Some women have breasts that differ noticeably in size or position. A lift can help create a more balanced appearance.

If these concerns are affecting your self-esteem and impacting your daily life, then a Breast Lift could be a transformative procedure. And the right time for a Breast Lift might be now.

While addressing your current self-image is crucial, it’s also important to consider your future plans. Here are two key life plans to keep in mind when determining if it’s the right time for a Breast Lift:

Pregnancy / Breastfeeding

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and it can also cause significant changes to your breasts. The hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to increased breast size and stretching of the supportive tissues. While these changes are necessary for milk production and breastfeeding, they can undo the results of a Breast Lift.

If you’re considering getting pregnant within the next 2-5 years, we recommend that you postpone your Breast Lift until after you finish. Waiting until after your breast finishes stretching with hormones ensures that your Breast Lift results last through time. Most women are generally able to breastfeed successfully after a Breast Lift (depending on the type of lift performed and the specific incision patterns). That said, the breasts may stretch and subsequently sag after pregnancy and breastfeeding, limiting the longevity of your investment in the surgery.

Weight Loss

Many people are actively on a weight loss journey, either with diet and exercise or the addition of meds like Semaglutide, Ozempic, Mounjaro. This will affect your breast appearance if you tend to lose and gain weight in your breasts. If you were to lose 30 lbs or more after a Breast Lift, you could have a recurrence of laxity or breast sagging. This is similar to experiencing pregnancy and breastfeeding shortly after a Breast Lift. Both of these things, weight loss and hormone fluctuations shortly after your surgery can lead to the breasts sagging again. For these reasons, to optimize the outcome and longevity, we would want to do the surgery after you have lost the weight you planned to lose.

Internal Bra with Galaflex or Durasorb Mesh

While we recommend taking pregnancy and weight loss journeys into consideration when deciding if now is the right time for a Breast Lift procedure, we also want to make sure we help your results last as long as possible. Even after surgery, your skin and soft tissues can continue to lose elasticity with time, especially when you have a substantial amount of stretch marks to begin with. When your breasts sit low on your chest, or if you have a history of extensive stretch marks on your breasts and total loss of support, we may recommend placing an internal bra at the time of your surgery.

An internal bra is not right for everyone, but when done in the right person, can make a world of difference. The mesh we use is absorbable, and your body will break it down and turn it into a scar that is at least 3 times stronger than your own native tissues. Imagine weaving a hammock with the same suture I use in surgery – this is what the internal mesh bra is made up of. We anchor this to your chest and use it to hold up the lower half of your breast and support that lower pole to give you a youthful appearance that lasts.

Obviously, we want to time it just right along with the rest of your plastic surgery journey. During your consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, we will go over the pros and cons of using an internal bra made of mesh and if we think you would benefit from that as a part of your surgery with our all female team.

As a woman, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and a mother myself, I understand firsthand the physical changes that pregnancy and breastfeeding can bring. The desire to restore your breasts to a perkier, more youthful appearance after this incredible journey is completely natural. The decision to undergo a Breast Lift is deeply personal. There’s no right or wrong answer, and it should ultimately reflect what makes you feel confident and fulfilled in your own skin.

That’s why I encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself, especially one who understands the unique needs of women who have been pregnant and breastfed. During this consultation, we can discuss your specific concerns and goals. I’ll perform a thorough examination to assess your breast tissue, skin elasticity, and overall health. We’ll explore the different approaches and determine which one would best achieve your desired outcome. This may include looking at Before & After photos on our web gallery or social media pages so that you can see outcomes on body types similar to yours.

More importantly, I’ll be here to answer all your questions openly and honestly. We’ll discuss the impact of pregnancy and breastfeeding on your long-term results, so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your future plans. My goal is to empower you throughout this entire process. I want you to feel confident and prepared every step of the way, from the initial consultation to recovery. Remember, this is about you and your journey. Let’s work together to help you achieve the results you desire!

Think now might be the right time for a Breast Lift? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. One of our all-female-staff members will be happy to assist you!