Debunking Myths About Breast Lifts
If you’re experiencing sagging or changes in your breasts’ appearance that are not associated with illness, then a breast lift might be right for you. And you may have questions.
A breast lift, known medically as mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue. This raises and reshapes sagging breasts to deliver an uplifted breast profile.
Yet, despite all the benefits of this amazing procedure, myths about breast lifts continue to proliferate. We’re here to debunk them.
Most of the Myths About Breast Lifts Just Aren’t True
For whatever reason, many aspects of breast lifts are misunderstood or ill-conceived. The following four myths about breast lifts should not be accepted as fact:
- Your Breast Size Will Change Significantly
The misconception that your breast size will change is likely drawn from confusing a breast lift with breast augmentation/reduction. The objective of a breast lift is to reshape the breasts to improve their contour. By contrast, a breast augmentation/reduction serves to increase/decrease the breast size.
There are cases where a plastic surgeon may recommend combining the two procedures to reach the desired outcome. But a breast lift by itself will not significantly change your breast size.
- They Are Only for Older Women
Because breast lifts are primarily associated with sagging, there’s a belief that breast lifts are only performed on older women. But sagging breasts are not solely the result of aging.
For some women, breast shape and position can change due to pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, or even genetics. So while it’s often older women seeking mastopexy, it’s a procedure that can be easily performed on women of various ages.
- Breastfeeding Becomes an Impossibility
Because a breast lift involves repositioning the nipple and areola, younger patients are often concerned about how the procedure will affect their milk ducts and ability to breastfeed. We can’t come right out and say that a breast lift will not impact breastfeeding. It could, potentially. But many women have been successful with breastfeeding after a breast lift. It will vary from patient to patient.
While it’s probably best to wait until you’re done having children to get a breast lift, there are extenuating circumstances. In these cases, a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon will tailor the surgery to preserve the milk ducts as much as possible.
- The Scars Are Very Visible
Any surgical procedure carries the potential for scarring. A breast lift is no different. However, the notion that mastopexy in particular leaves highly noticeable scars is untrue. Based on the skill of the surgeon and the specific technique he/she uses, scarring can be minimized. Surgeons can make incisions along the natural contours of your breast to make potential scarring less visible.
Of course, keeping up with recommended postoperative care and your own individual healing process will also be factors.
It Comes Down to Making Informed Choices
If you’re considering mastopexy but still have concerns regarding the myths about breast lifts, contact us today.
Our highly qualified plastic surgeons will clear up any misconceptions you may have and provide you with a clear understanding of the procedure and what to expect.
Then, based on this knowledge, you can make an informed choice about whether a breast lift is right for you.
