A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the breasts by lifting and reshaping them. This surgery is often sought after by women who experience sagging or loss of breast firmness due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or aging. However, despite its popularity, there are many myths surrounding the procedure that can cause confusion or hesitation. In this blog from Prive Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about breast lifts, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Myth: Breast Lifts Are Only for Older Women
Some people believe that breast lifts are only for older women. This misconception probably comes from how we associate the natural aging process with a change in breast appearance. While it’s true that the effects of aging, such as skin laxity and decreased elasticity, can contribute to breast sagging, age is not the sole factor that can affect breast appearance.
The truth is, women of all ages can get a breast lift if they want one. Genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fluctuations in weight can all lead to changes in the size, shape, and position of the breasts, regardless of age. Some women in their 20s or 30s may seek a breast lift after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Conversely, many women in their 40s and beyond also opt for this procedure as part of their desire to restore their youthful appearance.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, don’t assume that a breast lift is reserved only for older women—consulting with a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Wu can help you determine if it’s the right choice for you at any age.
Myth: Breast Lift Scars Are Highly Noticeable
Another common myth is that breast lift surgery results in highly visible, permanent scars. While scarring is an inevitable part of any surgery, including a breast lift, modern techniques have significantly improved the appearance of scars and minimized their visibility.
The key to minimizing scarring is both the surgical technique used and how well the patient cares for their incisions post-surgery. Advanced surgical methods allow for incisions to be made along the natural contours of the breast, such as around the areola or in the breast fold, helping to camouflage the scars and make them less noticeable over time. Additionally, the size and placement of the incision will depend on the extent of the lift needed, as well as your personal anatomy.
Proper post-operative care is crucial in reducing the visibility of scars. Following Dr. Wu’s aftercare instructions—including keeping the area clean, moisturizing the skin, and avoiding sun exposure—can significantly improve the healing process and help the scars fade more quickly. In many cases, scars from a breast lift become barely noticeable after they have fully healed, and they typically fade over time.
Myth: Breast Lifts Significantly Change Breast Size
A common misconception about breast lifts is that they will dramatically change the size of your breasts, either increasing or decreasing their volume. The reality: a breast lift is focused primarily on repositioning and reshaping the breast tissue, not altering the size.
A breast lift improves the position and contour of the breasts, helping to restore a more youthful, lifted appearance. It addresses sagging by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue, resulting in firmer, more perky breasts. However, the size of your breasts generally stays the same after a lift.
If you desire a change in size—whether increasing volume or reducing it—Dr. Wu can combine the breast lift with breast augmentation or breast reduction. Breast augmentation uses implants to increase size, while breast reduction removes excess tissue to reduce the size of the breasts. In some cases, a combination of these procedures may be recommended to achieve the desired look.
Myth: Breastfeeding Is Impossible After a Breast Lift
One common myth surrounding breast lifts is that they will make breastfeeding impossible. Since the procedure involves repositioning the nipple and areola, many people believe that it will interfere with the milk ducts. While it is true that the surgery may affect the milk ducts in some cases, it’s not true for all cases that breastfeeding will be impossible.
The ability to breastfeed after a breast lift can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and how much tissue is affected during the procedure. Many women are able to breastfeed successfully after a breast lift, especially if their surgeon takes extra care to preserve the milk ducts and nerves during the surgery. If breastfeeding is a concern, it’s important to discuss this with Dr. Wu before the procedure. She can tailor the surgery to minimize disruption to the milk-producing tissues and help preserve your ability to breastfeed in the future.
Myth: A Breast Lift Is the Same as Breast Augmentation
Many people mistakenly believe this, but a breast lift and breast augmentation are actually two distinct procedures. While both can improve the appearance of the breasts, they address different concerns.
A breast lift focuses on repositioning sagging tissue, tightening the skin, and restoring a more youthful shape to the breasts. It does not significantly alter the volume or size of the breasts. On the other hand, breast augmentation, typically performed with implants, is designed to increase breast size and fullness. While both procedures can be performed together, they achieve different aesthetic goals. For a better understanding of which procedure would help you achieve your aesthetic goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu.
Don’t Let Myths Hold You Back
There are many misconceptions surrounding breast lifts, and these myths can often prevent women from seeking the procedure that could make them feel more confident and rejuvenated. By debunking these myths, we hope to provide you with a clearer understanding of what a breast lift can do and how it can benefit you.
Dr. Liza Wu Is Your Board-Certified Plastic And Reconstructive Surgeon
At Prive Plastics, we understand that choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a significant decision, and we want you to feel confident and reassured every step of the way. With Dr. Liza Wu and the Prive Plastics Team, you can trust that you’re in the hands of a skilled surgeon who is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with safety, precision, and care.
If you wonder if you are a good candidate for any of our surgical services, start with a TeleHealth consultation. After your personalized consultation for surgical services, you can look forward to treatment in a state-of-the-art office in Boca Raton. For customized treatment plans for your face and body, call Prive Plastic Surgery today at 561-717-3181.
