Breast Lift

When you have a breast lift, a surgeon removes extra skin and raises your breast. Then your incisions are closed and your breasts are bandaged. You may have small drains placed in your breasts; they will be removed in a few days. (If you are getting implants as part of the procedure, the surgeon will insert them.)

Sometimes general anesthesia is used for breast lift surgery, but sedation and local anesthesia can be used, too.

Breast lift surgery is a relatively low-risk procedure. But smoking can impede healing, so if you’re a smoker your surgeon might recommend that you stop, at least during the time of your procedure. You should also know that Hancock Regional Hospital has been rated one of the safest hospitals in America by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care watchdog organization; and was named the safest hospital in Indiana on the Lown Institute Hospital Index.

Some of the possible side effects of general anesthesia include nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, bruising (from the IV), itching, shivering and feeling cold, difficulty urinating, and sleepiness. In older patients, memory loss and temporary confusion are possible. 

Some of the possible side effects of intravenous sedation are drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, headache, bruising (from the IV), amnesia about the procedure, and crying. 

Breasts lifts create firmer, higher, and more elastic breasts. Generally, the procedure lasts for 10 to 15 years, but that depends on factors like weight fluctuations, health, and your age.

You don’t need a referral to see a plastic surgeon.

You can always get a second or third opinion, but it isn’t required. 

Your health history will be compiled and available to the team before, during, and after surgery. If you’re a Hancock Health patient, we will be able to access your records within our system. If you aren’t, we’ll work with your doctors to get the necessary information. 

Consult the Price Transparency Tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much a breast lift might cost.

Because it’s typically elective cosmetic surgery, Medicare will usually not cover breast augmentation unless it has been deemed medically necessary.

Prior to your procedure you may be asked to get lab tests, a medical evaluation, or a baseline mammogram. (You might be asked to get another mammogram after your procedure so your care providers can better understand future changes to your breasts.) Exercise, including strength training and upper body stretches, can help with your posture and fitness level. If you smoke, you’ll probably be asked to stop for several weeks or months, and you’ll also likely be instructed not to take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements because they can increase bleeding. Your surgeon will also likely tell you not to eat anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. (Not sure where to go to get your lab tests? Check out Gateway Hancock Health, where you’ll be able to get in and out quickly and pay, on average, 70% less than you’ll pay at a hospital.)

You’ll arrive an hour before your surgery and be escorted to the preoperative waiting area.You’ll remove all of your clothing and jewelry, and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.) You’ll sign any necessary paperwork and a preoperative nurse will take your vital signs, review your medications, and answer any questions.You’ll meet the members of your surgery team. They will mark the location of your surgery on your body. An I.V. (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm, so medications—including general anesthesia—can be administered. If you’re using a local anesthesia and sedation, you’ll receive an injection.When it’s time for your surgery, you will be wheeled into the operating suite on a stretcher.

In addition to the surgeon, you have an anesthesiologist, nurses—some of them specialize in working with patients and others assist the surgeon—and support staff, who will check you in and out, compile your records, and more. They all work together, performing their individual jobs, so your procedure is as successful as possible. 

You should bring something to keep you entertained in the waiting area. You’ll also want to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, including a loose fitting top that buttons up or has a zipper closure. A blanket and a pillow might also be helpful during the ride home. You may want a bottle of water and some crackers for the ride home after your procedure.

Depending on the technique being used for your breast lift, your surgeon might make incisions horizontally along the breast creases, around your areola, or from your areola vertically down to your breast fold. If you are getting implants, they will be inserted. Your surgeon will remove the extra breast skin and move the nipples and areola to a higher position. If necessary, the size of your areola will be reduced by removing skin at the perimeter. Stitches are placed deep within your breast to support the lifted breast. Then your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, and/or surgical tape.

A breast lift takes about three hours. 

You’ll be able to go home the same day as your surgery.

You’ll spend about two hours in the recovery room as the anesthesia wears off and then you’ll prepare to go home. You might experience tightness or muscle aches in your chest area.

You’ll be able to talk to your surgeon immediately after your procedure, while you’re in the recovery room.

You will receive pain medication immediately after breast lift surgery.

You might receive a prescription for pain, muscle relaxers or both. You might also be instructed to use over-the-counter pain medication to minimize discomfort from the procedure.

Ask someone to spend a day or two after the surgery at home with you—especially if you live alone. Prepare to take it easy for at least a week—compile reading material or a list of movies or television shows you’d like to watch. You’ll be instructed to avoid straining, bending, or lifting.Prepare to be asked to wait for at least 36 hours to shower. Shop for groceries before your procedure and have lots of hydrating liquids and healthy foods, full of fiber and protein, on hand. Have dark towels and clothing available. They’ll absorb any leaking fluid.Prepare to wear a surgical support bra day and night for several days. Know you will probably have one or two small drains at your surgical site. We’ll tell you exactly how to care for them and how long they’ll be in. Expect your breasts to be swollen and bruised for about two weeks. Numbness in your nipples and areola might last for a few weeks.Prepare to sleep on your back or side.Avoid sexual activity for one to two weeks.

You can expect to have some scarring, which will fade over time, at your surgical sites. Drains and any stitches that won’t dissolve are usually removed in the first week after surgery.

Call your surgeon’s office, and, if you’re in need of immediate emergency services, go to the nearest emergency room.