Breast Lift in St. Petersburg, FL

A surgical breast lift is a body contouring procedure that reshapes the breasts by reducing loose skin and pulling tight the leftover tissue to produce a more youthful and healthier look. This body contouring surgery is offered for women who have lost breast fullness and shape and who are experiencing breast sagging due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Medical breakthroughs in mastopexy techniques have made this treatment so effective that new statistics released by the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) reveal around a 70% increase in demand since 2000. Plastic surgeon Dr. John J. O'Brien Jr. performs this cosmetic breast surgery at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg, FL. By implementing the most advanced methods, Dr. O'Brien can choose the proper technique depending on the degree of sag present in addition to the desired aesthetic goal.

GalaFLEX Scaffold is a type of mesh material that offers lift, support, and strength to sagging or thin tissues. It aids in promoting soft tissue regeneration and helps rebuild collagen and elastin. It was specially designed to achieve more enduring plastic surgery results and Dr. O'Brien is pleased to include such modern cosmetic materials to his breast lift patients.

You may come to our plastic surgery center hoping to get breast augmentation using implants, but after a private assessment, you may discover that breast lift surgery is what you need. This is because of the severity of breast sagging that is shown. Breasts and nipples that point downward often need a breast lift to reduce skin looseness and raise the breasts higher up on the chest wall. If you have nipples that droop downward and your breasts look elongated, a lift surgery can dramatically help their appearance. If you are contemplating a breast lift, you need to be in good health and at a stable weight.

A breast lift takes about two hours or more and is performed using general anesthesia. The duration of this surgery is dependent on the severity of breast sag. The surgical technique used for mastopexy surgery typically falls within two categories — the technique is defined by the nature of the incision. The inverted-T (known as an anchor) and the straight line vertical incisions are the preferred methods. Once the incision is made, any loose and excess skin is carefully trimmed away along with fat and tissue that is not desired. The skin left behind is then tightened and the breasts are brought up and lifted so they appear younger and healthy. In most situations, the size of the areola is reduced to be symmetric with the new shape of the breast. It is during this time an implant can be placed inside the breast if this was discussed with Dr. O'Brien before surgery. If the lift is the only technique being performed and if breast fullness and shape are a worry, breast implants can be implemented at a different date.

The overall recovery period for a mastopexy is more extensive than breast augmentation surgery. After the procedure, you will wear a medical compression bra to reduce swelling. A tiny tube is also inserted near the surgical area to help with excess drainage that can often occur after a surgical procedure. After surgery, the swelling will decrease within the first week. Dr. O'Brien or a member of his team will provide specific, home treatment care instructions to assist your healing process. Aesthetic results after a breast lift treatment become evident after a few weeks as the breasts take their higher placement on your chest. Your breasts will appear natural, and you will feel younger and more healthy.

How much does a breast lift cost?
During your initial appointment, Dr. O'Brien will pay attention to your wants and goals before creating your personal treatment plan. Following that, he can estimate your price. When done well, a breast lift will significantly enhance your body, so it is important to concentrate on having a skilled surgeon with years of training, like Dr. O'Brien, rather than prices. To help make surgery affordable, we will help you find low-interest financing.

Do I need a breast lift or breast implants?
Whether you should have a breast lift, implants, or both depends on your special concerns. Oftentimes, a breast lift will enhance the form and fullness of your breasts with no need for implants. Dr. O'Brien will evaluate your physical condition and also listen to your goals at your consultation, then make a decision whether you would benefit from implants, a lift, or an augmentation plus a lift.

Will my nipples be moved?
Typically, the nipple-areola complex will be moved up in the breast lift surgery. If your areolas are excessively large or stretched, then Dr. O'Brien can incorporate an areola reduction in your surgery. This may be discussed during your appointment so he can choose the ideal incision pattern to use in your breast lift.

How long will my results last?
With good care following surgery, your results can last for several years. Your breasts will still age normally, which means you might start to see loose and sagging skin in time. Factors such as significant weight loss or gain can change your results, therefore it is best to stay at a steady weight following your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding following a breast lift may also alter your results, which is why Dr. O'Brien suggests patients wait until they are done having kids to get a breast lift.

Can a breast lift fix asymmetry?
A lift may improve asymmetry in your breasts if they're different in size, firmness, or level of sagging. Dr. O'Brien will evaluate the appearance and physical condition of your breasts in your consultation and talk about how a lift will be able to help. In your lift, he will adjust the tissue so your breasts are equal in position and size for symmetry.

Breast lift surgery has altered the lives of thousands of St. Petersburg, FL women. If you experience drooping breasts that interfere with your daily activities or prevent you from wearing the clothes you want, a mastopexy at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery may be the answer to your problems. When you have your initial consult, a thorough physical exam will be performed by Dr. O'Brien and your goals for surgery will be discussed. We will customize a tailored surgical plan to assist in transforming your breasts. We invite you to contact our practice and speak to a patient coordinator to schedule your first visit.