How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

Posted December 30, 2021 in Breast Lift

A breast lift can dramatically improve a woman’s figure by restoring a more youthful, elevated bust line and contour. If you are wondering how long you can expect your results to last, there is no straightforward answer. Breast lift surgery is designed to produce long-lasting results, and the results can last for many years. However, various factors can affect the longevity of your breast lift results.

Factors that Affect the Longevity of Breast Lift Results

Each of the following factors can cause changes to your breast tissue that could impact the results of your breast lift.

Age

Younger patients can expect longer lasting breast lift results than older patients. This is because skin quality deteriorates with age, making it more difficult to maintain the results of surgery. That said, with a good surgeon on your side, many older patients can still enjoy their breast lift results for years.

Weight Fluctuations

Weight loss and weight gain, especially in quick succession, cause the skin to stretch and loosen. This can reverse the effects of your breast lift and lead to once-again sagging breasts. To ensure that your surgical results last as long as possible, it is best to go into surgery already at or near your goal weight, and to maintain a stable body weight after your surgery.

Smoking

Many people do not realize that smoking can have an effect on plastic surgery results. This is because smoking interferes with circulation, which over time can affect skin quality and may significantly age the appearance. Non-smokers will usually have longer-lasting breast lift results than smokers.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can be important and wonderful life experiences for women. If you desire these experiences in your life, now or at any point in the future, you should strongly consider putting off your breast lift until afterward. Because pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause breast tissue to stretch, swell, and sag, they can significantly affect the quality of breast lift surgery results. Therefore, it is recommended that you wait until you are done having children before getting a breast lift.

Bra Support

Wearing a good bra after your surgery can help extend the life of your breast lift results. Ill-fitted bras, poor quality bras, and not wearing a bra (especially during physical activity) can all cause the breasts to sag prematurely. Invest in several good quality bras that have been fitted specifically for you, and be sure to alternate bras every day to ensure the best elastic tissue support. This will help you preserve your results after breast lift surgery.

Surgeon and Surgical Techniques

The surgeon you choose and the techniques used for your procedure will influence your results and their longevity. It is important that you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss your aesthetic goals with your surgeon, so that your surgeon can choose the best techniques to help you achieve those goals.

Consider the following: a woman with severe breast sagging due to having oversized breasts requests a breast lift. An experienced surgeon may recommend that the patient consider combining her breast lift with a breast reduction. This is because her heavy breasts will likely cause future breast sagging even after the procedure, and the excess weight could shorten the lifespan of her breast lift results.

In another example, a woman with sagging breasts wants a breast lift to give herself a fuller, more youthful look. Because a significant amount of skin is removed and tightened during a breast lift, the procedure will improve her breast elevation and shape but may make her breasts look a little smaller than they were. Her surgeon may suggest that she consider a breast lift with augmentation to ensure that her results meet her desires for youthful perkiness AND fullness.

Ultimately, the answer to “how long do breast lift results last?” is unique to each patient. If you carefully consider the above when planning and preparing for your own breast lift procedure, you can preserve your results as long as possible and enjoy your improved breast shape and position for years.

To learn more about breast lift surgery and what it could do for you, schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andres Taleisnik. Call (657) 294-8375 or fill out our online contact form today.