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Breast Lift in The Woodlands, TX

Conveniently located to serve Houston and Montgomery County

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  1. What Can a Breast Lift Treat?
  2. Your Breast Lift Consultation with Dr. Rivela
  3. Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?
  4. Your Mastopexy/Breast Lift Procedure
  5. Your Breast Lift/Mastopexy Recovery Notes
  6. Breast Lift/Mastopexy FAQs
  7. Contact Our Office

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What Can a Breast Lift Treat?

Weight loss, aging, pregnancy, nursing, and genetics are causes that may influence your decision to undergo a mastopexy, or breast lift, in The Woodlands. The breast lift is a cosmetic surgery used to raise and reshape the breasts, creating a more youthful breast contour.

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A breast lift will give you firmer, more youthful-looking breasts for years to come by removing excess skin and tightening the tissue envelope, providing you don’t become pregnant and that you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.

Many patients choose to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation surgery. This procedure is called a breast augmentation with lift, or a breast lift with implants. While mastopexy raises the breasts, tightening the surrounding tissue, breast augmentation can restore lost or deflated volume.

Pairing a breast lift and augmentation offers a reduction in sagging and an enhancement in size. If all you need is a reduction in sag, a breast lift without implants is likely the ideal choice. Dr. Rivela and the caring staff at Rivela Plastic Surgery will help you make the right surgical decision during your consultation.

Your Breast Lift Consultation with Dr. Rivela

During your consultation, your medical history will be carefully reviewed with special attention to any risk factors. Detailed measurements of the size and shape of your breasts and chest will be obtained.

Nipple positioning and skin quality will be evaluated and information regarding the implant size and filler choice, incision location, and implant position, along with any possible need for ancillary procedures (breast lift, liposuction, etc.) will be discussed. Risks are carefully reviewed and Dr. Rivela welcomes questions regarding all aspects of your procedure.

Laboratory testing and medical clearance are mandatory at Rivela Plastic Surgery, along with information regarding smoking and the use of medication. Prescriptions are called to your pharmacy prior to your procedure for your convenience.

MEET DR. RIVELA

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With over 25 years of experience, Lucian J. Rivela M. D., F. A. C. S. is proud to offer some of the most innovative procedures available in cosmetic and plastic surgery, aesthetic treatments, and skincare. Dr. Rivela is board certified and is a member of both The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He and his staff are dedicated to helping you be your best confident, natural, and authentic self.

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Who is a Candidate for a Breast Lift?

The best candidates for breast lift surgery already maintain a healthy, stable weight, but have sagging breasts. Additionally, those whose breasts are misshapen (flatter, elongated, or visibly stretched) may want to consider a breast lift. If a pregnancy is in your future, you should postpone breast lift surgery until you are finished having children as pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts, which will offset the natural-looking results of the procedure.

Also, if you plan to lose weight, you should postpone breast lift surgery until you have lost the desired amount of weight and are able to maintain it. Make sure to discuss these issues with Dr. Rivela and his staff during your consultation.

To develop realistic expectations regarding the results of your mastopexy, look over breast lift before and after photos in our gallery.

Breast Lift Patient Results

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Your Mastopexy/Breast Lift Procedure

Mastopexy, or breast lifting, can be accomplished through several different techniques, each intended to lift the breast up, place the nipple in its original position and reshape the breast into a more beautiful appearance. The approach recommended will depend on the amount of sag in the breast. It is also important to decide whether augmentation or reduction should accompany the uplifting procedure for best results.

The Benelli Lift is a donut-shaped piece of tissue bordering the areola which is removed and the surrounding tissue is sutured to the areola. Sometimes slightly more tissue is removed above the areola to create a more pronounced lifting effect.breast lift procedure infographic

The Benelli-Lollipop is the same as the Benelli but with additional straight incisions from under the areolae to the creases below the breasts. This technique is effective for those who have medium sagging.

Full Mastopexy, the most common technique, involves an anchor-shaped incision that starts at the base of the areola and proceeds vertically to where the breast meets the rib cage. The incision then cuts out a crescent-shaped piece of skin right above where the breast meets the rib cage. The nipple must then be repositioned.

All mastopexy procedures can be performed using local or general anesthesia, and usually take 1 1/2-4 hours to perform. Contact Rivela Plastic Surgery for more information on breast lifts and other possible cosmetic enhancements that can be combined with a breast lift. We are committed to moving you forward to your best look. Let us help you look and feel great.

About the Procedure

  • AnesthesiaGeneral
  • Location of operationHospital or surgery center
  • Length of surgery2-4 hours (3-4 hours if performed with augmentation)
  • Length of stayOutpatient (home same day)

Your Breast Lift/Mastopexy Recovery Notes

The sutures placed under the skin will dissolve over several months. A special bra must be worn continuously, 24 hours a day, for about 21 days.

Because there is generally very little pain after this procedure and only a moderate amount of swelling, the patient may usually return to work in seven days— unless the work involves heavy lifting. Walking may be resumed the day after surgery and is encouraged, but any strenuous activities, including exercise, should be avoided for at least 3-4 weeks.

Sometimes the swelling causes a loss of sensitivity in the nipple and breast skin, which is usually only temporary. Most sensation returns within 1-3 months but could take up to a year or longer. Unfortunately, in some instances, the loss of sensation is permanent.

For the most part, the suture lines will have faded within a year, with additional fading occurring in the second year. Sometimes scars are extensive and permanent, and the aesthetics of that should be weighed against the improved beauty due to the reshaping of the breast and repositioning of the nipple.

About the Recovery Process

  • DiscomfortMild to moderate
  • Swelling & Bruising 7-10 days
  • Bandages1-3 weeks
  • Stitches7 days
  • Work3-7 days
  • Driving2 weeks
  • Exercise4-6 weeks
  • Final Result6 months

Discomfort After: Mild to moderate. Anticipate 2-7 days of prescription pain medication.

Swelling and Bruising: Expect swelling and bruising for 7-10 days.

Bandages: Will come off the next day, some patients may need light dressings for 1-3 weeks. You will wear a sports bra or Ace wrap for 1-4 weeks. Avoid an underwire bra until your surgeon approves it.

Stitches: Most plastic surgeons use absorbable stitches that are buried under the skin and are clipped in seven days. Non-absorbable stitches will be visible outside the skin and will be removed in seven days.

Work: You may return to work in 3-7 days.

Driving: May be resumed in two weeks if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.

Exercise: May be resumed in 4-6 weeks.

Final Result: This will be seen after the scars have matured, which will be about six months.

Breast Lift/Mastopexy FAQs

Does a breast lift cost more than implants?

The cost of a breast lift compared to breast implants can vary based on several factors, including the specifics of the procedure. On average, breast lift surgery can be more expensive than breast implants due to the complexity and duration of the procedure. A breast lift often involves reshaping and repositioning the existing breast tissue to achieve a more youthful contour, which can be more labor-intensive than placing implants. Ultimately, the best way to determine the precise costs and options is to consult with Dr.Rivela, who can provide you with a detailed assessment based on personal goals.

Does insurance pay for breast lift?

Generally, insurance companies categorize breast lifts as cosmetic surgeries, which they typically do not cover. However, if the breast lift is deemed medically necessary, for example, if it is part of a breast reconstruction surgery post-mastectomy or to alleviate physical discomfort like back pain, there may be a possibility for coverage. It's crucial to thoroughly review your insurance.

How long does it take for breast lift scars to heal?

Breast lift scars can take varying lengths of time to heal, depending largely on individual factors such as skin type, age, and post-operative care. Typically, the initial phase of healing, which includes redness and sensitivity, may last for a few weeks. Over the course of several months, these scars generally begin to fade as long as they are properly cared for. In most cases, significant improvement and fading occur within 6 to 12 months post-surgery. It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully, including keeping the scars protected from sun exposure and using recommended topical treatments to aid in optimal healing.

How painful is a breast lift?

Generally, because we administer anesthesia before the procedure, you won't feel any pain or discomfort during surgery. Afterward, patients can expect some level of discomfort, soreness, and swelling. These symptoms are typically managed with prescribed pain relievers.

Will a breast lift reduce cup size?

A breast lift typically focuses on reshaping and lifting the breasts to address sagging, without significantly changing the breast size. Although some patients notice a slight reduction in size, it's usually because the breasts become firmer. Additionally, excess skin is removed during the procedure, which can contribute to a slight size change. Ultimately, while a breast lift primarily aims to enhance the position and shape of the breasts, any change in cup size is usually minimal unless.

Who are good candidates for a breast lift?

Women, who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, are ideal candidates for a breast lift. Women who expect to bear children should postpone the procedure until no additional pregnancies are planned.nnWomen may wish to undergo a breast lift for a number of reasons, including the effects of aging, pregnancy, breast-feeding and/or significant weight loss or gain that cause breast skin to lose elasticity and firmness, resulting in sagging.

How long does a breast lift take?

A breast lift typically takes between two to three hours to perform. However, the exact duration of the procedure can vary depending on the specific surgical techniques used, the extent of the lift required, and your anatomy. During the surgery, Dr. Rivela will remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to raise and firm the breasts.

How soon after breast lift can I exercise?

Generally, light activities such as walking can be resumed within a few days post-surgery to promote circulation. However, more strenuous exercises, particularly those involving the arms and chest, should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. During this period, the body needs time to recover, and engaging in rigorous exercise too soon can jeopardize healing and potentially affect the surgery outcome.

Do you lose sensation with breast lift?

One of the concerns that individuals may have about a breast lift is the potential for loss of sensation in the breasts or nipples. While changes in sensation can occur, they are often temporary. During a breast lift, the skin and breast tissue are repositioned, which may affect the nerves that provide sensation to the area. It's not uncommon for patients to experience a period of altered sensitivity, including numbness or tingling, in the weeks or months following the surgery. In many cases, normal sensation gradually returns as the nerves recover, typically within a few months.

How do you shower after a breast lift?

After undergoing a breast lift, it is crucial to follow specific steps to care for your incisions while taking a shower. Typically, Dr. Rivela recommends waiting at least 24 to 48 hours post-surgery before showering to allow for initial wound healing. When you do shower, you'll want to use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap when washing your body. Additionally, it is important to carefully pat the area dry with a clean, soft towel post-shower to avoid moisture retention that could lead to infection.

Will breast lift affect breastfeeding?

A breast lift can potentially affect breastfeeding, but many women are still able to breastfeed successfully after the procedure. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped, which can sometimes impact the milk ducts or nerves. However, Dr. Rivela will work to preserve those parts of the breast during surgery, if that is one of your concerns.

Are the results permanent?

Unfortunately, there are no permanent fixes for conditions caused by aging and gravity. While breast tissue will eventually sag again in about 95% of cases, there are steps a patient can take to slow the process. Wearing a bra will significantly slow the process and decrease the amount of sagging, as will refraining from smoking and healthy eating habits.

How much does a breast reduction cost?

The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees.

How long do breast lift results last?

How long the results of a breast lift last can vary significantly from person to person due to factors like age, skin elasticity, and lifestyle choices. Generally, the outcome of a breast lift can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural aging process can influence how long the lifted appearance is maintained. For optimal results, patients are encouraged to maintain a stable weight, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and follow post-operative care instructions.

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

Virtually all surgery includes some risks, including reactions to anesthesia, blood clots and infection. Additional possible complications from breast lifts include scars that do not heal as well as expected and the chance of permanent loss of sensitivity in the breasts.nnSmokers run additional risks, such as much slower healing, more severe scarring and even the possibility of tissue necrosis from loss of oxygen to the reattached tissue or skin.nnMost risks can be mitigated or avoided with strict adherence to your doctor's instructions, ceasing to smoke weeks prior to the surgery, and washing the areas with anti-bacterial soap for several days leading up to surgery.

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Contact Our Office

Dr. Lucian Rivela is your best choice for a breast lift in The Woodlands. To find out more about mastopexy, contact our office and set up a consultation.

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Unsure if a lift or Augumentation
is right for you?
Unsure if a lift or Augumentation
is right for you?

Dr. Rivela and his experienced staff can help make a treatment plan that is right for you. Some women may benefit from a breast lift, augmentation, or a lift with small implants, depending on the results they desire.

Schedule your consultation today!