It is common for women who consult with Dr. Flint about breast surgery to be uncertain about whether a breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a combination is the best surgical option for them. Once Dr. Flint hears about your goals and examines your breasts, she can provide an opinion. A good rule of thumb is that if the nipple complex is below the fold underneath the breast, an augmentation alone will not provide adequate shape correction and a lift is beneficial. In patients who want to add size as well, a breast implant is placed at the time of the lift. Additionally, some women with fuller breasts that droop don't feel they want an implant because they are happy with their size. Dr. Flint occasionally uses implants in those cases at the time of a lift to preserve the shape of the upper part of the breast over a longer period of time.
This procedure improves the shape of the breast by raising the position of the nipple complex and decreasing the size of the areolae.
Breast lifting can be done with or without changing the size of the breast. If more fullness is desired, Dr. Flint will recommend that a breast implant be added. If the breasts are very heavy and pendulous the breast may be downsized at surgery. It depends on your goals. Most importantly, the shape will be improved and the nipple complex will be downsized and moved up higher on the breast and chest wall.
The scar pattern varies depending on how much lift is required and the pre-operative size of the breasts. Most patients find the improvement in shape well worth the trade off of having a scar. Scars generally fade nicely with time.
Dr. Flint will meet with you and discuss your goals regarding your breast surgery. She will examine you and discuss your options and make recommendations. All of your questions will be answered. You will be given information regarding the fees and an opportunity to select a date for your surgery if you so desire.
The procedure lasts approximately two hours and you will be able to go home about two hours after your surgery. Dr. Flint will see you in the office in one to two days, and place you in a sports bra at that time. Three weeks later, she will re-examine you and allow you to return to full activities. Most people take one to two weeks off of work. Discomfort is mild and should resolve within seven to ten days. Breast shape will be improved immediately but will continue to improve over the first three post-operative months. This procedure should be performed after child-bearing to avoid stretching the skin following the procedure.
If you live in the Scottsdale / Mesa area, or plan to travel for your breast lift surgery, contact Dr. Flint's office to schedule a consultation and take the next step towards a new you!
Convenient Phoenix locations:
Scottsdale Office
7301 E. Second St., Suite 200
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Ph: (480) 945-3300
Fax: (480) 945-3388
Mesa Office
1520 S. Dobson, Suite 218
Mesa, Arizona 85202
Ph: (480) 945-3300
Fax: (480) 945-3388
©2010 Patti Flint, M.D., P.C. All Rights Reserved
Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Patti Flint specializes in breast augmentation in Scottsdale and Mesa Arizona. She also performs a number cosmetic surgery procedures for the body, breast, face and skin including facelift, liposuction, breast reduction, tummytuck and a number of skin rejuvenation procedures.
