Breast Implants Pittsburgh

Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is a procedure that can serve as a complement to breast augmentation; or, as some women prefer, stand on its own as a means of subtle breast enhancement. Designed to eliminate breast sagging (ptosis) and restore the breasts to a more youthful height, breast lift surgery can be an ideal enhancement for women whose breasts have:

Assumed a sagging position following pregnancy
Lost their youthful height due to the aging process
Started to droop following significant weight loss

If you are considering becoming a Pittsburgh breast lift patient at Premier Plastic Surgery, please read on for additional, important details regarding the procedure.

Breast Lift in Pittsburgh: Patient Considerations

Achieving desired results - the coveted "perky" breast appearance - requires a great deal of skill and expertise on the part of the surgeon. In this case, Pittsburgh breast lift surgeon Dr. Heil will determine how high he can lift the breasts, depending on their initial:

Breast size
Degree of ptosis
Skin elasticity

No matter what his exam reveals, he will communicate his honest projection of your potential results during your initial consultation. Whether you need a breast lift on its own or simply want to enhance the results of your breast implants, Pittsburgh-based surgeon Dr. Heil can help you.

Breast Lift in Pittsburgh: The Initial Consultation

In order to determine the best way to go about creating a patient's optimal results, Dr. Heil asks that patients set aside one hour to discuss their medical history and goals during the consultation appointment. After learning these important details, he will conduct an exam to assess her current breast size, shape, skin tone and degree of ptosis. Because breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation, this option will be addressed; if a patient opts to combine the procedures, the consultation will be slightly more complex. Whether or not implants are involved, incision options will be a topic of discussion; patients are encouraged to give their input over their preferred location for the small scar on each breast.

Breast Lift in Pittsburgh: The Surgical Procedure

As stated, breast lift surgery can help patients attain appealing results with or without using implants. When patients opt not to receive implants, Dr. Heil will simply:

Remove excess, sagging breast skin
Reposition the nipples to the new height
Raise the bustline to its new, more attractive position

Normally, the skin texture will also feel tighter and the breasts themselves firmer. The culmination of these characteristics is a more sensuous, youthful figure.

When implants are used, the same procedure takes place, with the addition of the breast augmentation procedure above. If you elect to undergo breast augmentation/lift, please refer to the section above on breast augmentation for more information.

Following the procedure, some swelling, bruising, and discomfort is to be expected. As with all cosmetic procedures, patients should adhere to the stringent pre and post-operative guidelines as outlined by Dr. Heil. This will ensure the most pleasant recovery and pleasing results. if you are considering breast implants or any other sort of breast procedure, Dr. Heil is here to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are so many things you need to consider when thinking about breast implants, Pittsburgh residents. To help you learn as much as possible before you come for a consultation with our board certified plastic surgeons, here is a list of common questions asked by women considering surgical breast procedures in the Pittsburgh area.

If you have a question that's has not been answered here, please contact us online or call us at 724.776.2111 and we will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Do I need a breast enlargement or a breast lift?

If you are unhappy with your breast size, a breast augmentation is your best bet. If you are self-conscious about sagging breasts, or breasts that have lost their youthful, round contours, a breast lift may be a better choice. Some patients choose to have both procedures for a beautiful breast makeover. Most patients who choose a breast lift do not plan on having children or breastfeeding in the future, as pregnancy and breastfeeding may encourage sagging. Breast augmentation may be performed at any time.

What is recovery like following breast lift surgery?

Following breast lift surgery, you will experience mild to moderate discomfort, controllable with pain medication, a support garment, and ice packs. Sutures will be removed at the week mark, and you can expect some bruising and swelling for up to 3 weeks following breast lift surgery. You may experience numbness in the treatment areas, which should subside in a few weeks. Most patients can return to non-strenuous work activity in about a week, although those with physically demanding jobs may need to wait longer. The final result will be noticeable in about 6 months.

Will the surgical scars be noticeable?

The incisions for breast lift will most likely be placed around the areolas, and possibly a vertical line extending downward from the areolas to the underside of the breast. Your incision areas will be red, tender and swollen for a short time. As they begin to heal, the scars will change in color and eventually fade. Each patient will heal differently, and there are some topical creams you can use to encourage normal healing. To get an idea of the degree of scarring after breast lift surgery, please review our breast lift before and after photos.

What is the recovery period?

Each patient's recovery will be unique, but we have found that most women return to work in approximately one week. When larger breast reductions are performed along with the breast lift, some women may take up to one and one half weeks or even two weeks off from work. Even though a woman has returned to work, she has not completely healed. Most women resume their normal activities by three weeks.Heavy physical exercise involving impact or chest wall trauma is usually postponed for six weeks.

Does the nipple get removed and replaced during a breast lift?

No, the nipple is not removed. The nipple stays attached to the breast during both breast lift and breast reduction surgery. We avoid a free nipple graft because the nipple can lose sensation and the woman loses the ability to breast feed.

Will the surgical scars be noticeable?

Will I need to repeat breast lift surgery in time?

Most people have a breast lift surgery only once. If you gain or lose excessive amounts of weight, it is possible that you would wish to have an additional breast lift surgery.

Where is the surgery performed?

Breast surgery procedures are performed in the Premier Plastic Surgery's AAASF Surgical Suite located in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

Is breast reduction paid for by insurance?

Yes, most insurance companies will pay for breast reduction surgery. Insurance companies generally do not cover the cost for breast lift surgery without reduction.