Breast Lift

While a breast lift primarily focuses on lifting and reshaping the breasts, it doesn’t directly alter their size. However, by removing excess skin, the procedure can make your breasts appear slightly smaller. Many patients opting for breast reduction also choose a breast lift to achieve a more youthful, natural chest contour. If you’re looking to increase both the size and projection of your breasts, combining a breast lift with breast augmentation can help you achieve your desired results.

A breast lift isn’t usually described as “painful,” but like any surgery, it involves some discomfort. Most patients experience soreness and swelling in the days following the procedure, but this is manageable with prescribed pain medications. Many also report feeling tightness or sensitivity around the breast area, especially as the skin adjusts to its new shape.

Dr. Buck at Dunedin Plastic Surgery prioritizes your comfort throughout the process. The recovery plan includes guidance on managing any discomfort, and the results are often well worth the temporary soreness. With proper care, any discomfort will decrease quickly, and you’ll start to see your refreshed, youthful breast shape emerge.

After your consultation and surgery, Dr. Buck will schedule a follow-up appointment a day or two after your procedure to monitor your initial healing progress and help manage discomfort. You can expect to return a few more times over the next year so that our team can ensure your results are developing as expected.

These follow-ups are essential for addressing any concerns and helping you achieve the best possible outcome as you recover. Dr. Buck’s attentive care extends throughout your entire journey, from consultation to post-surgical recovery.

You’ll notice a difference in the shape of your breasts pretty soon after your breast lift, but the final results take a few months to really settle in. Right after surgery, you’ll see the lift, but the swelling will go down gradually over the next few weeks.

Dr. Buck will guide you through your recovery and help you track your progress so you know exactly when to expect the results you’ve been looking forward to.

Scarring is a natural part of the process, but Dr. Buck takes extra care to keep it minimal. After a breast lift, you’ll typically have scars around the areola and, depending on the technique, a small vertical scar and/or one along the breast fold. While they’ll be noticeable at first, they’ll start to fade over time.

With proper care, your breast lift scars will continue to lighten and blend into your skin, becoming less noticeable as they heal. Dr. Buck will guide you through everything you need to do to ensure a smooth healing and the best possible results so the focus stays on your lifted, youthful appearance!

Many women are able to breastfeed after a breast lift, but the ability to do so depends on several factors, including the surgical technique used and whether the milk ducts or nerves that control lactation are affected during the procedure.

In general, if the surgery involves repositioning the nipple and areola or removing excess tissue, it may impact the milk ducts, which could affect breastfeeding. However, if the procedure is performed using techniques that preserve the milk ducts and nerve function, most women can breastfeed successfully after recovery.

Discussing your breastfeeding plans with Dr. Buck before the surgery is crucial. This will allow her to customize the procedure to minimize any potential impact on your ability to nurse in the future. By clearly stating your goals and concerns, Dr. Buck can ensure the best possible outcome while preserving your breastfeeding options.

After breast lift surgery, temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in nipple sensation may occur due to the delicate nerves in the breast area, which can be affected by the repositioning of the nipple or other aspects of the procedure. However, it’s important to note that most patients experience a return to normal or near-normal sensation as they heal, though the recovery period can vary from person to person. In some cases, it may take several months for full sensation to return.

Dr. Buck will use the exact breast lift technique to minimize any risks to the nerves during your procedure, carefully preserving nerve function and sensitivity. Before surgery, she will discuss the potential for changes in sensation, ensuring you fully understand the risks and what to expect during recovery. While the chance of permanent loss of sensation is rare, maintaining open communication with Dr. Buck and taking proactive steps can help reduce the likelihood of complications.

After your breast lift, you’ll need to take it easy for a bit to let your body heal. Dr. Buck will give you the best advice for your recovery, but generally, you’ll want to avoid heavy exercise, lifting, or anything that puts stress on your chest for about 4 to 6 weeks.

After a couple of weeks, light activities like walking are usually fine, but you should hold off on anything intense—no HIIT or weightlifting just yet! As you heal, Dr. Buck will help guide you back into your regular routine so you can get back to working out and feeling great.

You can totally combine a breast lift with other procedures to get even more amazing results! Many people go for a breast lift along with another breast surgery, such as breast implants or breast reduction, or other body contouring procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck to enhance their overall look.  Dr. Buck will let you know if you are a candidate for this.

It’s a great way to save time and only go through one recovery period. Just make sure to chat with Dr. Buck about your goals—she’ll help you figure out the best plan that fits your needs and makes you feel confident every step of the way.

Like any surgery, a Dunedin and Tampa Bay breast lift comes with a few risks, but Dr. Buck takes every step to minimize them. Some things to be aware of include:

• Scarring: You’ll have some scars, but Dr. Buck will place them in spots that make them less noticeable. They’ll fade over time.
• Infection: There’s a small chance of infection, but it can be treated easily with antibiotics.
• Sensitivity changes: Some people experience changes in nipple sensation, but this is rare and usually temporary.
• Asymmetry: Your breasts might not be perfect even after surgery, though Dr. Buck’s expertise works to keep this risk low.

Dr. Buck in the Tampa Bay area will discuss everything with you and ensure that you understand any potential risks before proceeding.

Finding the right breast lift surgeon in the Tampa Bay area starts with doing your research and choosing someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident. It is important to ensure that they are board-certified plastic surgeons, as this guarantees they have the necessary training and qualifications. Review patient feedback and before-and-after photos to gauge their work and see if their style aligns with your expectations.

It’s also important to schedule consultations with a few surgeons to assess who you connect with the most—this gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their approach. Lastly, choose a surgeon with extensive experience, particularly in performing breast lifts, to ensure you’re capable of handling this specialized procedure.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Buck at Dunedin Plastic Surgery is known for her experience and personalized care. She can help guide you through the process to ensure you get the results you’re looking for!

In most cases, health insurance does not cover breast lift surgery, as it is typically considered a cosmetic procedure. However, if your breast lift is part of a reconstructive procedure or medically necessary—for example, if it’s required to correct significant breast sagging that causes physical discomfort, such as back pain, skin irritation, or difficulty with daily activities—your insurance may provide coverage.

To determine if your specific situation qualifies, it’s important to consult with your insurance provider and your surgeon. Dr. Buck’s office can also help you navigate the insurance process and provide any necessary documentation to support your claim.

Keep in mind that if the breast lift is combined with other procedures, such as breast reduction, which has medical indications, your insurance coverage may be more likely to apply.