Table of Contents
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can effectively treat sagging breasts. During the procedure, the surgeon lifts and reshapes the breast tissue to create a more youthful and attractive breast contour. Many women who undergo this procedure wonder how long the results will last. In this article, we will explore the factors that influence the longevity of a breast lift and what patients can do to help maintain their results.
RELATED: Breast Lift FAQs – Q&As about Mastopexy Surgery
Factors Affecting the Longevity of a Breast Lift
- Age: The age of the patient can affect how long the results of a breast lift last. As a person ages, their skin loses elasticity, and the breasts may begin to sag again.
- Genetics: Genetics plays a significant role in the way a person’s body ages, including their breasts. Women who have a genetic predisposition to sagging breasts may find that their results do not last as long.
- Weight fluctuations: Significant weight gain or loss after a breast lift can affect the longevity of the results. Women who maintain a stable weight after their surgery are more likely to enjoy long-lasting results.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to stretch and sag. Women who undergo a breast lift should consider waiting until they are finished having children before having the surgery to maximize the longevity of their results.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, sun damage, and poor nutrition can all affect the appearance of the breasts and how long the results of a breast lift last.
Expected Duration of Results
The duration of results can vary from patient to patient, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, in general, the results of a breast lift can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The exact duration of the results will depend on the individual patient’s anatomy, lifestyle factors, and the surgical techniques used during the procedure.
Maintaining Results
While a breast lift can provide long-lasting results, it is important to take steps to maintain the results for as long as possible. Here are some tips to help maintain the results of a breast lift:
- Wear a supportive bra: Wearing a supportive bra can help maintain the position of the breasts and prevent sagging.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help minimize weight fluctuations and reduce the impact of lifestyle factors on the breasts.
- Protect the skin: Protecting the skin from sun damage can help prevent premature ageing of the skin and maintain the appearance of the breasts.
- Follow the surgeon’s instructions: Following the surgeon’s instructions for postoperative care and follow-up appointments can help ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.
How does your skin health impact whether you need a breast lift?
The health of your skin can play a significant role in determining whether or not you will need a breast lift. Skin elasticity is an essential factor when it comes to breast lift surgery. If your skin lacks elasticity, it may not be able to maintain its shape and firmness, leading to sagging or drooping breasts. Skin elasticity is typically determined by age, genetics, and environmental factors.
Age: As you age, your skin loses elasticity, which makes it more prone to sagging. This is especially true for women who have been pregnant, breastfed, or experienced significant weight fluctuations.
Genetics: Genetics also play a crucial role in determining your skin’s elasticity. Some people are genetically predisposed to have tighter skin, while others have looser skin. If your mother, grandmother, or other close relatives have sagging breasts, there is a higher chance that you may experience the same condition.
Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and smoking, can also impact skin elasticity. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause premature ageing and damage to the skin, leading to sagging breasts. Smoking can also damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, which can cause sagging and wrinkles.
RELATED: Types of Breast Lift
Do I need to wear a bra after having a breast lift?
Yes, wearing a bra after having a breast lift is recommended by most plastic surgeons. Wearing a bra helps to support the breasts and keep them in the proper position during the healing process. It also helps to prevent excessive movement or bouncing of the breasts, which can lead to discomfort, swelling, or even complications.
Your surgeon will recommend the type of bra you should wear after your breast lift surgery. In general, a soft, comfortable, and supportive bra is recommended. You may also need to wear a compression bra or surgical bra for a few weeks after surgery to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
It is important to wear the bra consistently, as instructed by your plastic surgeon. If you don’t wear a bra as recommended, it can affect the final results of your breast lift and lead to complications. It is also important to avoid underwire bras for the first few weeks after surgery as they can irritate incisions and cause discomfort.
What factors can adversely affect breast lift results?
- Weight gain or loss: Weight fluctuations can cause the breasts to sag again after a breast lift. Therefore, maintaining a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise is essential to prolong the results of breast lift.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to enlarge and stretch the skin, which can lead to sagging. Therefore, it is recommended to postpone a breast lift until after you have finished having children.
- Age: Age is a factor that can impact the outcome of a breast lift. As you age, the skin loses its elasticity, which can cause the breasts to sag again.
- Smoking: Smoking can have a negative impact on the healing process after a breast lift. Nicotine and other harmful substances in cigarettes can restrict blood flow, which can cause complications and delay healing. Therefore, it is recommended to quit smoking before and after the procedure.
- Poor skin quality: Poor skin quality, such as stretch marks, thin skin, or poor elasticity, can affect the outcome of the breast lift. The surgeon will evaluate your skin quality during the consultation and recommend the most suitable procedure.
- Infection: Infection can occur after any surgery, and it can affect the outcome of the breast lift. It is essential to follow post-operative care instructions to minimize the risk of infection.
- Incorrect bra: Wearing an incorrect bra can put pressure on the breasts and cause them to sag. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a supportive bra that fits correctly to maintain the results of the breast lift.
How does skin health impact how long a breast lift will last?
The quality and health of your skin play a crucial role in determining how long the results of a breast lift will last. During a breast lift surgery, the surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the remaining skin to create a lifted and more youthful appearance. However, if your skin lacks elasticity, it may not be able to maintain its new position for an extended period, and the breasts may start to sag again.
Factors that can affect skin health include:
- Age: As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins that keep the skin firm and elastic. This can lead to sagging breasts, even after a breast lift surgery.
- Sun damage: Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can damage the skin and cause premature ageing. Over time, this can affect the skin’s ability to maintain its elasticity, which can reduce the longevity of a breast lift surgery.
- Weight fluctuations: Significant weight gain or loss can stretch or shrink the skin, causing it to lose elasticity. This can compromise the results of a breast lift surgery.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage the skin by reducing blood flow and collagen production. This can lead to premature ageing and poor skin health, which can adversely affect the results of breast lift surgery.
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to have poor skin elasticity, which can make it difficult to maintain the results of a breast lift surgery.
Book a Breast Lift consultation today
At Centre for Surgery, we understand that every patient is unique and therefore requires a tailored approach to breast lift surgery. Our expert plastic surgeons have years of experience in performing both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery in London and the UK, ensuring that you receive the best possible care and results.
During a consultation with one of our experienced breast surgeons, they will assess your individual needs and determine the type of breast lift that is best suited to your degree of breast sagging. Our team is dedicated to providing a personalised approach to your surgery and will ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable throughout the process.
If you are considering breast lift surgery in London, please do not hesitate to contact us at 020 7993 4849 to schedule a consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons. Our friendly patient coordinators will be happy to assist you and guide you towards the most suitable surgeon for your needs.
