December 9, 2023

Breast Lift Results After 40

Written by Dr. Smita Ramanadham. Posted in Blog.

Between pregnancy, childbirth, and aging, the breasts eventually lose their shape and beautiful breast contour.

Women in their 30s and 40s may notice their breasts look deflated and sag, which often happens after bearing children and breastfeeding. When the breasts fall lower on the chest, it can make you look older and lose self-confidence.

A breast lift – also called mastopexy – is a plastic surgery procedure that enhances the shape and appearance of the breasts. For example, the surgeon removes excess skin and breast tissue and may move the nipple higher to give the breasts a perkier appearance.

A breast lift surgery doesn’t change the size, but it can be paired with breast augmentation with implants or breast fat transfer to make them larger. A tummy tuck also can trim the belly and accentuate the appearance of the chest.

If you are thinking about a breast lift surgery, learn more below, including how effective breast lifts are after 40.

Why Have A Breast Lift?

The breasts change as the years pass and life happens. However, the most common reasons for breast sagging are:

Pregnancy: When you are pregnant, hormone changes increase the size of the breasts to feed the baby. The skin and ligament usually stretch. These changes can lead to sagging breasts after the baby is born.
Breastfeeding: The breasts may increase two or more sizes during pregnancy, and breastfeeding can lead to the breasts deflating and sagging. Your excess breast skin may not be elastic enough to bounce back after breastfeeding is over.
Weight changes: Significant weight loss can make the breasts lose volume and sag.
Gravity: Over many years, the breasts may sag as excess skin and ligaments feel the effects of gravity.

Some of the signs you could need a breast lift procedure include:

Breasts sag or are longer and flatter
Nipples are below the breast crease
Nipples and areolae point ‘south’
Areolae are large and stretched
One breast is lower than the other

A breast lift surgery can make a dramatic difference, but it’s not for everyone. If you plan to get pregnant, it’s best to wait until several months after your last pregnancy.

Breast Lift Procedure

There are several ways the surgeon can raise the breasts and improve the breast shape by removing excess skin and breast tissue and reshaping what is left. Some of the most common procedures are:

An incision around the areolae
An incision from the areolae to breast crease
An incision perpendicular to breast creases

The surgeon may place sutures deep in the breast tissue to hold the breasts in place and reduce the size of the nipples and areolae. The surgical procedure takes roughly two hours, and most patients can return home the same day.

If you have a breast augmentation, too, the surgeon usually places implants through an incision in the breast crease.

Breast Lifts After 40

Many patients wait to have a breast lift until after their last pregnancy, and this could be in the 30s or 40s. However, patients who have a breast lift in their 40s can enjoy excellent results.

However, there is a generally higher risk of complications with any surgery in older people. Therefore, it’s essential to be in good health, close to your goal weight, and be a non-smoker to minimize the chances of complications from a breast lift.

Breast lifts usually last many years, as long as you don’t get pregnant or have major weight fluctuations.

Some of the things you can do to make your breast lift after 40 last as long as possible are:

Care for the skin: Skin elasticity is primarily determined by genes. However, you can enhance skin elasticity by avoiding the sun as much as possible. Sun damage is one of the most significant factors in sagging and wrinkled breast skin.
Keep a steady weight: Fast weight gain and loss will affect the breast lift’s results. Eat a healthy diet and exercise to keep your weight the same after the procedure.
Take it easy after the procedure: It’s important to rest after the breast lift to let the body heal. Don’t engage in vigorous activities for at least a month, but it’s fine to go for a short walk daily to enhance blood circulation.
Don’t get pregnant: While you can get pregnant after a breast lift, it’s best to complete building your family before the procedure. Pregnancy and breastfeeding undo the breast lift results, and a follow-up procedure will be required.
Wear a good bra: Spend time and money to find a good bra to support your uplifted breasts. This is even more critical if you have breast augmentation.

Your plastic surgeon will offer detailed instructions to maintain your results after 40, 50, and beyond. Make sure you pay attention to their instructions to maximize your results.

Breast Lift Recovery

During breast lift recovery, the breasts will be covered with bandages for a few days. They will be bruised and swollen for about 14 days, and three will be swelling and pain where the incisions are. Your doctor will provide prescription pain medication to manage the worst of the discomfort.

Don’t bend or lift for a few weeks, and sleep on your back. Most patients see almost immediate results, but it will take a few months for all the swelling to go down. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions and wear a surgical bra as directed after your breast lift surgery.

A breast lift will give the breasts a perkier and lifted appearance that can make you look years younger. A lift is not concerned with breast size as much as placement. A breast augmentation focuses on breast size. A lift is most concerned with trying to improve breast contour and placement, While you’ll probably have some minor breast lift scarring, they will fade after one year. Find out more about breast lifts after 40 by talking to your plastic surgeon.

Questions and Answers

How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?

Breast lift outcomes typically last 10 to 15 years for the average woman. Yet, the duration varies due to diverse factors, leading to significant individual result variations.

Is a breast lift associated with cancer?

No, undergoing a breast lift will not lead to cancer. Breast cancer originates from abnormalities in breast tissue, and the development of cancer can be detected through features such as microcalcifications on a mammogram as it progresses.

How long will it take after a lift to know my breast size?

The timeframe for determining your ultimate breast size following a breast lift or breast reduction surgery generally spans from three to six months, with the definitive outcome settling about one year post-surgery. As the healing process advances, there is a noticeable enhancement in breast shape, size, and overall appearance, ultimately leading to the achievement of the patient’s desired results.

How long does it take for breasts to look normal after a lift?

How much time is needed for a breast lift to appear natural? Swelling and fluid retention may temporarily alter the appearance of your breasts after surgery. Nonetheless, anticipate the final, natural breast shape to manifest within 6 to 12 weeks.

Are there any risks associated with a breast lift?

Similar to any significant surgical procedure, a breast lift carries the potential risks of bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, there is a possibility of experiencing an allergic reaction to surgical tape or other materials utilized during or after the surgery.

How effective is breast lift surgery?

The process can enhance the firmness and contour of sagging breasts. However, it’s important to note that breast lifts do not alter the size of the breasts. Individuals seeking changes in volume or size may want to explore augmentation or reduction procedures in combination with a breast lift.

Can I have a breast lift after breast feeding?

The outcome will be influenced by the amount of excess skin and the position of your nipple after experiencing changes due to pregnancy. It is advisable to wait for a period of 3-6 months post-pregnancy or, if breastfeeding, 3-6 months after concluding breastfeeding before considering the procedure.

Can I have a breast lift after 50?

Breast lift surgery is suitable for adult women across various age groups, including those over 50. As long as individuals are in good health, non-smokers, maintain a stable weight, and have no underlying medical conditions, they may consider breast lift surgery. This procedure can provide women over 50 with firmer and more youthful-looking breasts.

How much does a breast lift cost?

To determine the cost of a breast lift, you will need to set up a personal consultation. All patients have a slightly different want and need. Discussing this with your surgeon is the only way to get to the bottom line.

Request A Breast Lift Consultation

Considering a breast lift in New Jersey? Dr. Smita. R. Ramanadham can help you obtain the results you want. Dr. Ramanadham of SR Plastic Surgery Montclair and East Brunswick will go over your options and goals to determine if a breast lift will meet your aesthetic goals.