If you’re thinking about undergoing a breast lift, you will need to find out if you are a suitable candidate before starting the process to undergo the procedure. The procedure process begins with a consultation, where you will discuss personal factors, such as past and current health conditions, with your surgeon. If you choose Dr Rastogi in Sydney or Double Bay, Dr Rastogi will help you determine if you are a suitable breast lift candidate during your consultation.
Before your consultation, it can help to understand the factors that make a breast lift candidate suitable for the procedure. In this blog, we’ll go over these factors so that you will know what to expect during your consultation.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift surgery is designed to address skin laxity on the breasts and the position of the breasts. Over time, the skin on the breasts can loosen and cause the breasts to sag due to the natural ageing process, and size fluctuations after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight changes. The procedure aims to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue, lifting the breasts to a position that suits the patient’s body shape.
The condition of the breasts
A suitable breast lift candidate will typically have moderately to significantly sagging breasts that can be addressed with surgery. A candidate can experience these changes due to fluctuations in breast size post-pregnancy or breastfeeding, significant weight loss or gain, and natural ageing effects such as loss of skin elasticity over time.
A breast lift candidate may also notice that the nipples have moved further towards the breast crease or appear to be pointing downwards. The surgery can address the position of the nipples and areolae, repositioning them to suit the repositioned breasts. Some candidates may also notice asymmetry in their breasts, which a breast lift may also address. The condition of the breasts will be assessed during a consultation to help determine if surgery is the right option for you.
General health factors
Health will play the most important part in determining if you are a suitable breast lift candidate. Dr Rastogi will need to ensure that the potential risks and complications of the procedure are minimised by assessing your general health and deciding if you are suitable for surgery. Depending on each condition, such as if you are a smoker, some preparation and recovery instructions may be put in place to minimise certain risks. For example, smokers may be able to quit for a set amount of time before and after surgery to be considered suitable for the procedure.
- Well-managed medical conditions: If a breast lift candidate has underlying health conditions, these need to be well-managed to be considered suitable for surgery. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or autoimmune disorders may pose increased risks during surgery and impede the healing process. A history of poor wound healing or complications from previous surgeries may be considered a contraindication for a breast lift. Details of chronic health conditions or other health factors that may impact the body’s healing process can be discussed during a consultation. Your individual health will need to be assessed by your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
- Stable weight: Weight fluctuations post-surgery can influence the results of the procedure, so it is important that candidates are at a stable and healthy weight before undergoing surgery, that can be maintained after the procedure. Significant weight changes can also impact the elasticity of the skin, which can affect the initial results of the procedure.
- Non-smokers (or willing to quit before and after surgery): Breast lift candidates should be non-smokers or able to quit before undergoing the procedure. Smoking has been linked to complications during surgical procedures, including causing reduced blood flow to the tissues, which can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications such as infections and poor wound healing. Candidates for a breast lift are often advised to quit smoking well in advance of the surgery. After surgery, a smoke-free lifestyle not only helps to minimise complications, but can support the longevity of the results.
- No planned pregnancy or breastfeeding: Ideally, candidates will have completed their family planning and have breasts that have experienced their last post-pregnancy changes. This is because future pregnancy or breastfeeding can significantly change the results of a breast lift, so candidates may not find the procedure beneficial until results can be sufficiently maintained.
Mental health factors
Candidates will benefit from being in a healthy condition mentally, as making the decision to undergo surgery is highly important. The process involves temporary lifestyle changes to accommodate preparation and recovery instructions, such as resting at home for a sufficient length of time and taking time away from work or usual daily activities. Suitable breast lift candidates will be able to follow instructions to prepare for surgery and support the body’s healing process after surgery.
Understanding of the procedure
A suitable breast lift candidate will understand what the procedure involves and be willing to follow the necessary preparation and recovery instructions. The steps of your procedure will be explained before undergoing your surgery so that you can know what to expect in terms of what to do on the day of your surgery and what will be involved during recovery. Having a good understanding of what your procedure involves, including where potential scarring will be located, will also help to manage expectations for results.
Expectations for results
Having unrealistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery can be a contraindication in itself. It is essential for candidates to understand the limitations of the procedure and have reasonable expectations regarding the results. You will discuss your procedure goals during a consultation to help determine if your expectations for the procedure are realistic.
Book your consultation with Dr Rastogi in Sydney or Double Bay
A thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential before deciding to undergo a breast lift. To ensure your suitability for the procedure and create a personalised plan, your surgeon will evaluate your health, lifestyle and expectations. A consultation is a collaborative approach to ensuring that the decision to undergo a breast lift is well-informed and aligned with the individual’s needs.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr Rastogi has the necessary skills and qualifications needed to perform effective procedures. To discuss your personal needs and find out if you are suitable for a breast lift, contact our team to book your consultation.
