If you're considering a mastopexy or breast lift, Ryan C. Frank, MD, a plastic surgeon in Calgary, offers a solution to help you restore a more youthful contour to your breasts.
Whether you're looking to address sagging due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, Dr. Frank's expertise can help you achieve a natural-looking result. With a meticulous approach and state-of-the-art techniques, Dr. Frank tailors each breast procedure to your individual needs.Â
Discover how a mastopexy can enhance your confidence and revitalize your appearance. Dial (403) 245-1228 today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Frank!
What is a Mastopexy?
Mastopexy is a surgical procedure performed to raise and reshape breasts that have sagged as a result of aging, pregnancy, weight loss, gravity, or other factors.Â
By trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissue, patients can achieve an uplifted, youthful breast contour. After surgery, the breasts are higher on the chest and firmer to the touch. The nipple and areola can also be repositioned or resized during this procedure to further enhance the appearance of the breast.
Since a breast lift in Calgary does not change the shape or fullness of the breasts, many patients choose to combine this procedure with a breast augmentation or reduction in order to achieve their desired results.
Candidates for a Breast Lift
A breast lift in Calgary, AB, is a safe and effective procedure for many women seeking to enhance the appearance of their drooping breasts. However, there are certain eligibility restrictions. The ideal candidates for a breast lift are women with:
- Sagging breasts
- Breasts that have lost shape or volume
- Breasts that are flat or elongated
- Nipples or areolas pointing downward
- One breast lower than the other
In addition to sagging breasts, it is also important for women considering this procedure to be in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for surgery. It is recommended that women still planning to have children postpone this procedure, as pregnancy and nursing can counteract the effects of mastopexy.
Can I Get A Breast Lift Without Surgery?
Contrary to what you may have heard or read, anything that lifts sagging, flattened breasts without surgery does so to a minimal degree, and even these changes are only temporary.Â
While you may have heard of things such as thread lifts, laser treatments, Vampire breast lifts (platelet-rich plasma), and even dermal fillers being used to lift the breasts, none of these treatments offer anywhere remotely near the results of a surgical breast lift with Dr. Frank.
The main problem with sagging, flattened breasts is excess skin. Removing this excess skin is the core of a breast lift procedure. Obviously, without surgery, these other supposed miracle treatments can't do a thing about that excess skin.
Types Of Breast Lift Methods
Dr. Frank uses three incision types for these surgeries based on the patient's unique sagging and other attributes. Dr. Frank treats every breast lift as a completely individual procedure, adapting techniques as needed.Â
Every woman has different patterns of sagging in her breasts. This may be the result of pregnancy or simply the gain and loss of a large amount of weight. The larger the degree of sagging, the wider the base of the breasts becomes, and the more flattened the upper breasts appear.Â
During your consultation, the two of you will discuss your situation, and Dr. Frank will detail the approach he feels best suits your needs. Dr. Frank uses any of these three incision placements for these procedures:
Areola Incision
Also called a small-incision mastopexy, a donut-shaped incision is made around the areola. This method creates minimal visible scarring but is only appropriate for women with minimal sagging who don't need much excess skin removed.
Lollipop Incision
This incision circles the areola and then drops straight down, ending at the breast crease. This method allows moderate removal of excess skin and fat.
Anchor Incision
This method circles the areola, drops down to the breast crease, and then extends outward in both directions, similar to the shape of an anchor. The anchor incision allows for the most skin removal and tissue adjustment, but it also creates the largest scar.
For each incision type, Dr Frank lifts and reshapes the breast tissue to compensate for sagging and stretching. The nipples and areolae are moved to a higher position to match the new profile of the breasts (not with the areola incision). The final step is to trim away excess sagging skin.
How Can You Prepare for Your Breast Lift Surgery?
You'll need to make the same preparation you would for any surgery: stopping any blood thinner medications, anti-inflammatory medications, various supplements, smoking, and the like.
Your main preparation should be to your recovery area. You'll want to lay low for a few days, so make your space comfortable and ready for you. Have a good book and the remote handy. Get someone to help you around the house for a week or so, as you'll have to limit the amount you lift for a few weeks.
The Breast Lift Procedure
The breast lift procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and usually takes one to three hours. Depending on the size and shape of the breasts, as well as the degree of sagging and amount of excess skin, your surgeon will determine an appropriate incision approach for the procedure, which may include:
- Two rings around the areola in a doughnut shape, which is ideal for women with small breasts and minimal scarring
- Around the areola and down to the breast crease in a lollipop shape
- A lollipop shape with an additional incision along the breast crease for an anchor shape, ideal for breasts with significant sagging
After the incisions are made, breast tissue is removed and reshaped to achieve the desired breast contour. The nipple and areola may be moved higher on the breast or resized as well. Finally, any excess skin is trimmed to create a tighter, more defined appearance. When the breast lift is complete, the incisions are closed with stitches and tend to heal well.
What is Recovery From Breast Lift Surgery Like?
After a breast lift in Calgary, patients will likely experience bruising, soreness, and swelling for a few days. The breasts will likely be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra for about a week, followed by a support bra worn continuously for a month. Any stitches will be removed after one or two weeks. Most patients can return to work within a week, although exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for about a month. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for your individual mastopexy recovery.
What People Say About Us!
"Dr. Frank and his staff were amazing from consultation to procedure. I had my procedure two days ago and zero discomfort, no pain and no bruising. I highly recommend him and his team!"
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Results of a Breast Lift
The results of a breast lift are visible immediately after surgery and will continue to improve as swelling subsides and scars fade. Most patients who maintain realistic expectations and thoroughly discuss their goals before surgery are satisfied with the look of their lifted breasts. While results are not permanent, they will allow patients to enjoy a younger-looking appearance for many years to come.
Will Breast Lift Surgery Increase the Size of My Breasts?
No. Breast lifts do not increase breast size; breast lifts simply bring the breasts back to a higher position on the chest, hence the "lift" moniker. Breast lifts bring more of the breast mass back to a higher position on the chest, more akin to where it was before sagging and flattening occurred. Breast lifts can actually make you decrease your bra size by one cup. This isn't because the breasts are smaller; it's because the breast mass isn't accumulating at the bottom of the cup.
If you want to increase the size of your breasts, in addition to elevating them, the best plan is usually to do the implant first, let that settle for at least six months, and then assess for the lift. Doing implants and a lift at the same time is risky. It's something we don't do here. It can often result in over-correction. This adds volume, especially in the upper breasts.
How Soon After Breast Lift Surgery Can You Resume Your Exercise Routine?
The key to recovery after a breast lift is to keep any pressure off of your incisions and to minimize any movement of the breasts. This allows your incisions to heal the most cleanly, rapidly decreasing the visibility of your scars moving forward.
While you will be able to return to low or no-impact activity, such as riding a stationary bike, in just a couple of weeks, any strenuous exercise or any heavy lifting will need to wait for at least six weeks following your surgery. You don't want to stress your incisions because this allows your scar tissue to reach its maximum strength.
How Long Will the Results of My Breast Lift Last?
These are permanent changes made by Dr. Frank. The excess skin he has removed is gone for good, and your breasts will never sag to the same degree again. Any fat he has removed is gone for good. The tissue he has repositioned will stay there. Sure, you will have some additional slackening of your chest skin and support tissues moving forward, but your lifted breasts will remain that way for the rest of your life. This isn't a procedure such as a facelift that would merit a follow-up procedure a few years later.
Risks of Breast Lift Surgery
Although a breast lift is considered a safe procedure for ideal candidates, there are certain risks associated with any type of surgical procedure, which may include bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthesia, or permanent scarring. These risks can be reduced by choosing an experienced surgeon to perform your procedure and by following the surgeon's instructions before and after treatment.
What Can I Expect From My Breast Lift Consultation?
Dr. Frank views every consultation as a complete back-and-forth exchange of information between the two of you.Â
First, he wants you to describe the issues you have with your breasts, what you'd like to change, and the results you hope to see in the end. Then, he'll examine your breasts to get an idea of the degree of sagging, where areas of fatty tissue are accumulating, and how much loose skin needs to be removed.
At that point, he'll discuss what he thinks would be the right incision option for your unique situation (areolar, lollipop, or anchor — see above). He'll show you how these can change the position of your breasts.
Next, he'll discuss the procedure in detail, along with the possible risks involved. Throughout the process, you are encouraged to ask any questions you have.
At the end of your consultation, the goal is for you to thoroughly understand the procedure, regardless of whether you go ahead with the surgery or not.
How Long Does a Breast Lift Procedure Take?
A breast lift procedure generally takes about two to three hours. The exact length depends on the complexity and whether additional procedures, such as augmentation, are performed.
The surgery is conducted under general anesthesia, and patients can usually return home the same day. Dr. Frank will provide a more specific timeline during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.
Will a Breast Lift Affect My Ability To Breastfeed?
In most cases, a breast lift does not affect your breastfeeding ability. This is because the procedure typically preserves the milk ducts and nipples. However, factors such as the surgical technique and individual anatomy can influence this.Â
It's important to discuss your desire to breastfeed with Dr. Frank during the consultation so they can customize the procedure to your needs and goals. This conversation is especially crucial for women planning future pregnancies.
How Can I Minimize Scarring After a Breast Lift?
To minimize scarring after a breast lift, follow Dr. Frank's post-operative care instructions carefully. These typically include:
- Keeping the incisions clean
- Avoiding sun exposure
- Applying scar treatments such as silicone sheets or gels
- Staying hydrated
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Avoiding smoking (it impairs skin recovery)
- Wearing a support bra to minimize tension on the scars
Can a Breast Lift Correct Asymmetry Between My Breasts?
A breast lift can correct asymmetry between your breasts to a certain degree.
During the procedure, Dr. Frank can adjust each breast's size, shape, or positioning to create a more balanced appearance. However, achieving perfect symmetry is rare due to natural variations in breast tissue.
It's important to discuss your goals with Dr. Frank during the consultation to set realistic expectations based on your anatomy.
How Does Weight Gain or Loss After Surgery Affect My Results?
Weight gain or loss after a breast lift can significantly affect your results.
Gaining weight may cause your breasts to enlarge, stretching the skin and potentially leading to sagging again. On the other hand, weight loss can result in a reduction in breast volume. This may impact the shape and firmness of your breasts, potentially reversing the effects of the surgery.
Why Choose Ryan C. Frank, MD?
Patients seeking a breast lift can trust Dr. Ryan C. Frank for exceptional care. A skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Frank completed his medical school and plastic surgery residency at the prestigious University of Calgary.
With a wealth of experience and dozens of five-star reviews from happy patients, Dr. Frank has built a reputation for delivering superior results. His meticulous approach and commitment to patient satisfaction make him a leading choice for breast lift surgery in Calgary.
Schedule A Consultation For An Expert Breast Lift In Calgary, CA
To learn more about mastopexy surgery or to schedule a breast lift consultation in Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere, and Okotoks, AB, CA, call our office at (403) 245-1228. You can also submit an email contact form. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
