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Breast Lift
By Dr. Douglas Grace B.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.S.C.
Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding ultimately affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift to raise and firm them. Resulting in a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost a significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a Breast Lift can increase breast size at the same time as the shape and position of the breasts are enhanced.
The goal of Dr. Douglas Grace and the entire staff at The Grace Clinic is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
 How should I prepare for surgery?
Depending on your age, or if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, Dr. Grace may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following a Breast Lift, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination. Breast Lift surgery will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of your surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of two weeks before surgery. The Grace Clinic will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
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Incisions following the breast's natural contour define the area of excision and the new location for the nipple and areola. Skin in the shaded area is removed, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. |
What will the day of surgery be like?
Medications will be administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Often, a general anesthetic is administered, so that you will be asleep throughout.
When surgery is completed, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Sometimes, small drain tubes will have been placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids. Gauze or other dressings may be placed on your breasts and covered with bandage or surgical bra.
You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you and Dr. Grace have determined that you will have an overnight stay.
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How will I look and feel initially?
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. After several days, you should be able to move about more comfortably. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, however, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.
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Skin formerly located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. |
Any surgical drains will be removed within a few days of surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed. You may be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminish. Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period of approximately three weeks, beginning about one week after surgery.
You may notice that you feel less sensation in the nipple and areola areas. This is usually temporary. It may, however, take weeks, months or even more than a year before sensation returns to normal. Your breasts may also require some time to assume a more natural shape. Incisions will initially be red or pink in colour. They will remain this way for many months following surgery.
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When can I resume my normal activities?
After Breast Lift surgery, it is often possible to return to work within a week or so, depending on your job. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported to The Grace Clinic.
Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of one or two weeks, and Dr. Grace may advise you to wait longer. After that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next several weeks.
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 Results of a Breast Lift
Breast Lift surgery will make your breasts firmer and more uplifted. The position of your areolas and nipples will be enhanced, and the size of your areolas will be aesthetically pleasing.
The incisions from your Breast Lift surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately the incisions for your Breast Lift are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.
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How long will the results last?
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your new breast shape should remain fairly constant. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman’s breasts. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a second Breast Lift procedure to restore their more youthful contour and appearance.
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After Care
You will return to The Grace Clinic at prescribed intervals, for follow up with the Nurse, at which time your progress will be evaluated.
Please remember that the relationship with Dr. Grace and The Grace Clinic does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recover, or need additional information at a later time, feel free to contact The Grace Clinic.
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