At Watterson Plastic Surgery, Dr. Paul Watterson specializes in transforming appearances and boosting inner confidence through various techniques, including breast lifts.
Known medically as mastopexy, this procedure raises and refines the shape of sagging breasts. It brings back the youthful contour that time may have altered.
Dr. Watterson and his compassionate team are committed to supporting you through each step of this life-changing process. They will gladly answer any questions you might have.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift elevates and reshapes breasts that have changed in volume or elasticity. Breasts can lose shape and firmness for several reasons. However, they are commonly affected by aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss.
Dr. Watterson removes excess, sagging skin during the breast lift procedure. He also tightens the surrounding tissue. The result is an improved breast contour.Â
The nipples and areolas often get stretched or start to point downward due to natural changes. They can also be repositioned or resized to enhance your overall appearance.
Types of Breast Lifts
Patients can work with Dr. Watterson to choose the best type of lift for their unique needs and situations. Some different types of breast lifts he offers include:
Circumareolar Lift
Also known as a "Donut Lift," the circumareolar lift works best for those who need minimal adjustment.Â
This procedure involves making an incision around the perimeter of the areola. It allows for the removal of a small ring of skin and a subtle lifting of the nipple to a slightly higher position.
Circumareolar lifts are most effective for those with minor sagging. They are also a good choice if you want a less invasive option that causes minimal scarring.
Lollipop Lift
This surgery is named for its distinctive incision pattern that resembles a lollipop — it goes around the areola and then vertically down toward the breast crease.
A Lollipop Lift is most suitable for women with smaller, moderately sagging breasts. It allows for more significant reshaping and lifting than the circumareolar method.
Anchor Lift
The Anchor Lift, or the Inverted T Lift, involves three incisions:
- One around the areola
- One vertically downward from the areola to the breast crease
- One along the breast crease’s natural curve
This technique works best for women with larger, heavily sagging breasts that require significant reshaping. The Anchor lift allows for the removal of a great deal of excess skin and sagging tissue. It enables substantial lifting and reshaping of the entire breast.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
Undergoing a breast lift can not only enhance your physical appearance but also boost your emotional well-being. Benefits include:
- Improved breast symmetry and shape
- Elevated nipple position, which aligns them with the breast crease
- Increased confidence and satisfaction in your appearance
- Reduced under-breast irritation
- Renewed ability to wear form-fitting clothes without the need for a bra
Are You a Good Candidate?
You may be a perfect candidate for a breast lift if you:
- Are physically healthy
- Are able to maintain a stable weight
- Are bothered by your breasts sagging or having lost shape or volume
- Have nipples or areolas that point downward or fall below the breast crease
- Have stretched skin or enlarged areolas
- Have one breast that sits lower than the other
- Do not smoke, as smoking can complicate both the surgery and recovery process
Remember that this procedure is highly personalized. It is not recommended for women planning substantial weight loss or those considering future pregnancies. These changes might interfere with the results.
FAQs
How Are a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation Different?
These are two distinct surgeries aimed at improving your breasts’ appearance. However, they serve different purposes.
A breast lift primarily addresses sagging or misshapen breasts by removing excess skin and lifting breast tissue. Breast augmentation involves using implants or, occasionally, fat transfer to increase breasts’ size and fullness.
At Watterson Plastic Surgery, we will help you choose which procedure or combination best meets your aesthetic goals.
What Can I Expect During the Consultation Process?
The first step toward greater satisfaction in your appearance is a consultation at Watterson Plastic Surgery. You’ll meet with Dr. Watterson during this appointment to discuss your goals and expectations. He will:
- Review your medical history
- Conduct a thorough physical exam
- Discuss potential outcomes
- Address any risks
The consultation is your first step toward an enhanced silhouette. Dr. Watterson will ensure you feel comfortable throughout the entire meeting.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The length of a breast lift surgery varies depending on your case’s complexity. Typically, it lasts about 2 to 3 hours.
Dr. Watterson will provide a more specific timeline based on your specific surgical plan during your consultation.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Breast Lift?
Recovery time also varies. However, most patients return to work and light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Full recovery, including resuming vigorous exercise and heavy lifting, takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
These are average timelines. Dr. Watterson will give you a more detailed estimate tailored to your situation.
Remember that following all post-operative care instructions is crucial throughout your recovery period. Abiding by these guidelines will ensure the best results and a smooth healing process.
Can I Combine a Breast Lift and Augmentation?
Yes. Combining the two procedures is popular among patients looking to enhance both the shape and size of their breasts simultaneously.
This combination can be a particularly good fit if you have experienced volume loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight changes. During your consultation, you and Dr. Watterson can discuss your aesthetic goals and determine if a combined surgery is right for you.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Breast lift results are noticeable immediately and are long-lasting. Remember, though, that they are not immune to the effects of aging or gravity. Living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding excessive weight gain will help preserve your results.
While the lifted contour can be permanent, breast tissue will naturally change over time. It is essential to have realistic expectations. Understand that future pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations can affect the long-term outcomes of your lift.
Why Choose Watterson Plastic Surgery?
Choosing Watterson Plastic Surgery for your breast lift means selecting a practice that prioritizes precision. Dr. Watterson stands out from competitors with his unique approach to pre-surgical planning and intraoperative strategies.Â
Unlike many surgeons, Dr. Watterson marks the patient's breasts while they are standing up. This method allows him to assess how the breasts naturally rest under gravity’s influence. He can then ensure that any adjustments made throughout the procedure complement natural body dynamics.
Dr. Watterson also employs methods that enhance accuracy and patient satisfaction during surgery. He keeps the patient's arms in a natural position, occasionally sitting the patient up. This practice is crucial for checking the nipple height and symmetry in the most natural state possible.Â
By using gravity as his guide, Dr. Watterson can make precise alterations. This technique contributes to his higher success rate compared to the average plastic surgeon.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Watterson
Are you ready to learn more about the breast lift procedure? Do you want to find out if you are a good candidate?
Contact Watterson Plastic Surgery today at 801-571-2020 to schedule your consultation. Let us help you regain confidence and comfort!