Introduction to 4 Medical Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery
The breast lift is a cosmetic procedure that can do wonders for the appearance of your breasts. When your breasts have become saggy and flat due to age, genetics, childbirth, extreme weight loss, or a combination of factors, a breast lift can restore your breasts to a firmer, more youthful shape.
During a breast lift, the cosmetic surgeon can also resize your areolas and reposition your nipples to improve breast projection. The results leave your breasts perky with a rounded contour, whether you’re wearing a bra or not.
But boosting the look of your chest is not all this cosmetic surgery can do. Turns out, you can also gain a number of medical benefits from the breast lift, otherwise referred to as mastopexy. No wonder breast lift surgery has grown by 70% in the last ten years.
Four Medical Benefits from a Health Perspective
Reduced Discomfort
Saggy and flat breasts can weigh heavily inside your bra, which can pull on the straps around your shoulders and behind your back. Saggy breasts can also lead to skin rubbing against skin. Over time, all the friction can lead to chafing and, worse, wounds that can become infected.
Not only that, but saggy breasts can pull against the muscles that support the neck and back, which can lead to chronic pain.
The breast lift can alleviate this discomfort, easing your irritation, treating your pain, and leading to perkier breasts that stay up on their own, no heavy-duty bra support is required.
Better Posture
The heavy weight of your breasts can begin to round out your posture, which can lead to slouching. This can have repercussions on nearly every facet of your quality of life, believe it or not.
A breast lift can help you stand up a bit straighter. Studies show that having good posture can lead to fewer headaches, less tension in your shoulders and neck, and decreased joint wear. Improving your posture can also lead to greater energy levels, enhanced circulation, better digestion, and surging self-esteem.
Greater Mobility for Exercise
Flaccid breasts that sag can make certain activities unbearable, such as housecleaning, swimming, and working out. Getting the body – and heart – moving is a major aspect of staying healthy. If your breasts keep you from achieving a healthy and active lifestyle, a breast lift can help.
Many women report finding exercise enjoyable again following their breast lifts. With the breasts placed higher on the chest, and without so much weight and movement on the chest, you’re able to do all sorts of exercises you couldn’t do before, such as running long distances! Studies show that exercise is key to living a long and prosperous life. People who exercise regularly have lower risks of developing many chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Leading a more active lifestyle also puts you at a lowered risk for developing depression, stress, and Alzheimer’s disease.
More Confidence
Many women take personal pride in the shape and appearance of their breasts. When your breasts lose their youthful shape and suppleness, many women can become distressed and downright depressed.
A breast lift can relieve this tension, helping you feel more confident about your body. Experts agree that confidence is necessary for health and longevity. People who are more confident tend to be more optimistic, which helps to guard against stress, anxiety, and depression.
What Happens During a Breast Lift?
The steps involved in breast lift surgery differ depending on which type of surgery you have. There are four types of breast lifts called the crescent lift, donut lift, lollipop lift, and anchor lift.
Crescent Breast Lift
This variety of breast lift surgeries is reserved for breasts exhibiting minimal amounts of sag. Cosmetic surgeons typically only use this breast lift surgery when paired with breast augmentation. As the name implies, this breast lift removes a crescent of skin along with the areola. The areola is often repositioned to match the new breast shape and position.
Periareolar Breast Lift
This breast lift can also help when you have minimal sag to your breasts. The surgery involves a circular incision that runs around the edge of the areola. This surgery is often performed along with a breast augmentation, similar to the crescent lift. Surgeons will also employ this surgery when it’s necessary to reduce the size of the areola. The scar that results from this surgery typically runs along the outer edge of the areola, which can keep it somewhat hidden once healed.
Vertical Breast Lift
This breast lift is used to remove excess skin while simultaneously reshaping the entire breast. There are two incisions, which will heal as nearly hidden scars. The first scar is hidden around the edge of the areola, with the other running vertically from the top of the areola to the bottom fold, which resembles the shape of a lollipop.
Inverted T Breast Lift
For severe sagging and pendulous breasts, the inverted T or anchor lift can offer the most transformative results. There are three incisions involved with this cosmetic breast surgery. The first incision goes around the edge of the areola. The second runs vertically from the bottom of the areola to the crease of the breast. The third is placed along the breast fold, which helps to hide the scar within the breast crease.
The anchor lift is also commonly used when the breast lift is performed along with a breast reduction. The incisions used with this surgery will be visible after healing, but they can fade with proper care. The scars can also be easily hidden behind a bikini top.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
The breast lift costs around $4,693, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This is only the price of the procedure and does not take into account the fees related to the cosmetic surgical center, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and any medications used during the breast lift surgery. You can get a more accurate quote by scheduling a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon, such as Dr. Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts.
Will Insurance Pay for a Breast Lift?
While we have established here that there are several medical benefits to a breast lift, your insurance provider may have a different viewpoint. The breast lift is, first and foremost, a cosmetic procedure. It’s meant to give you firmer, younger-looking breasts. To get your insurance provider to cover the procedure, you would have to demonstrate that it is medically necessary to have the surgery.
If your primary doctor or cosmetic surgeon can demonstrate a medical need, such as alleviating chronic rashes and pain, then insurance may cover your breast lift procedure. Check with your health insurer and doctor for more specifics regarding your unique situation.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
Now that you know more about the breast lift and what it can do for you, you may be wondering if you’re a good fit for this popular cosmetic procedure.
You would be considered an excellent breast lift candidate if you are:
- Happy with the size of your breasts but unhappy with the position and shape
- Close to your ideal weight
- Physically healthy
Schedule a Consultation with a Breast Lift Surgeon in Los Angeles
Now that you know that a breast lift can alleviate pain, improve your posture, boost mobility, and give you more self-confidence, the next step is to get a professional diagnosis and cosmetic surgery recommendation. You are encouraged to schedule a consultation with esteemed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts.
During your consultation with Dr. Moein, you will be asked to discuss your surgical goals, health history, and family history of diseases, if applicable. Dr. Moein will perform a physical evaluation before discussing your options for the breast lift procedure. Dr. Moein wants to ensure you are in good health, that you have realistic expectations, and that you understand the risks versus rewards of breast lift surgery.
If Dr. Moein feels that a breast lift is right for you, you could be scheduled for surgery before you know it. Ready to get started? Take the first step by calling us in Los Angeles, Encino, or Glendale, California – (310)694-4486.