Breast Lifts - Frequently Asked Questions
in Indiana
How do I know if I need a breast lift?
Aging and pregnancy are the two most common causes of sagging of the breasts, a condition known as breast ptosis. Ideally the position of the nipple should be either at or above the breast fold. If your nipple lies below the fold or is pointing downward, you have sagging breasts or breast ptosis. Small amounts of sagging can be corrected with a breast implant, but if the sagging is more advanced you may need a breast lift with an implant. In borderline cases, it is reasonable to try breast augmentation alone with the knowledge that a lift may be need later once the silicone breast implants have settled.
Some women have been told that larger amounts of sagging can be corrected with larger silicone breast implants, but this is incorrect. The weight of a larger implant may make your sagging worse. This is an important decision so if you think you may need a breast lift, get opinions from at least two plastic surgeons before making your final decision.
Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast lift?
The ability to breastfeed after a breast lift depends on the number and location of the milk ducts, which deliver the milk to the nipple, and this characteristic varies among patients. Since a breast lift involves placing the nipple at a higher location on the breast, an incision in the breast tissue may divide enough of the milk ducts to impair breastfeeding. If it is important to you to be able to breastfeed, you should consider waiting to have a mastopexy until you have had all of your children.
What are the risks of a breast lift (mastopexy)?
The risk of having any breast lift complications is very low. But all surgery brings some risk, so it's best to consider it before going ahead with your procedure. There are two categories of risks:
- General risks associated with all surgical procedures such as possible adverse reaction to the anesthetic, excess bleeding, infection and scarring. Dr. Fata will go over these with you ahead of time, and what can be done in case any of them were to happen.
- Specific risks associated with a breast lift. There could be changes in the feeling or sensation of the breast, impaired circulation to the nipple, which is extremely rare, and disappointment in the size or shape of your breast.
If you are considering a breast augmentation with a lift, please also review the Breast Implant Questions page.
There are a lot of issues to consider before you have any cosmetic surgery. Dr. Fata is available to give you a consultation if you would like to call us or send an email. You could bring your personal questions and Dr. Fata is good at giving clear answers. We serve all of Indianapolis and we look forward to meeting with you.
Meet Dr. Fata
Dr. Joseph Fata brings the most advanced training and
years of experience to his practice in cosmetic plastic
surgery. He has developed a surgical expertise that has
made him one of Indianapolis' most highly sought and
respected plastic surgeons. Dr. Fata has been a
national and international guest lecturer on a...
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