Breast Lift in Plano & Dallas, TX

How Is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?

Dr. Friedman in Plano, Texas performs breast lift surgery under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure is performed in his AAAASF-accredited surgical facility, the West Plano Plastic Surgery Center, which is located on the campus of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. He strictly uses physicians—not nurses or technicians—to administer your anesthesia.

To perform breast lift (with or without implants), incisions are placed around the nipple-areola. In most patients, a vertical incision extends from the bottom of the areola to the fold beneath the breast. Unlike most surgeons who perform breast lifts, Dr. Friedman typically does not place an extended horizontal incision in the fold beneath the breast except in women with severe sagging. There are no incisions on the upper breast. All sutures are internal. The incisions are sealed with a tissue glue (Dermabond). There are no external stitches, staples, compression bandages, or ACE wraps. Although there are scars from surgery, they generally fade over time.

Pain is usually mild and well-controlled with prescription pain medication. Most patients return to light activities within 3 to 5 days. Heavy lifting and chest workouts should be avoided for 6 weeks.

When you visit our office in Plano, Texas, we will be happy to show you what to expect from breast lift surgery. We will also show you a variety of “before and after” photos of breast lift procedures performed by Dr. Friedman. If you wish to speak to other women who have undergone breast lift with or without implants, we will be happy to provide phone numbers.

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In most women, sagging is caused by a combination of pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight fluctuations, and/or genetics. Sagging occurs when there is too much breast skin, too little breast tissue, or both.

There are several options:

1. If sagging is mild, then breast augmentation alone may compensate for the loss of breast volume.
2. If sagging is moderate and an increased breast size is desired, then breast augmentation with lift is recommended. The implants will also increase the fullness of the upper, inner breasts.
3. If sagging is moderate to severe and breast volume is adequate, then breast lift (without implants) is recommended.
4. If sagging is moderate to severe and the breasts are too large, then breast reduction will reduce breast size while simultaneously lifting the breasts.

• Breast augmentation: over half of Dr. Friedman’s breast lift patients choose to undergo simultaneous breast augmentation to add upper breast fullness and cleavage.
• Breast reduction: some women would prefer a breast reduction in conjunction with lifting.
• Nipple procedures: inverted nipples, enlarged nipples, and sagging nipples may be addressed to improve the overall appearance of the breasts.
• Liposuction: many women choose liposuction of the abdomen, love handles, and/or “side boobs” to complement their perkier breasts.
• Tummy tuck: the same processes that cause the breasts to sag (pregnancy, weight changes, aging) can cause the abdomen to protrude and sag.  The breasts and abdomen are frequently addressed at the same time.
• Mommy makeover: this includes any combination of breast and body contouring surgery to counteract the effects of pregnancy.

One week before surgery

1. Do not take aspirin-containing products, as these may increase your risk of bleeding. Use extra-strength Tylenol for any headaches or other minor pains.
2. Please notify Dr. Friedman’s staff if you become sick with a fever, significant cough, etc. If necessary, your surgery can be rescheduled to a time when you are feeling better.
3. Do not smoke at all or use a nicotine patch for at least two weeks (and preferably 4 weeks) prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery. Smoking interferes with wound healing and increases your risk for anesthetic and surgical complications.
4. Arrange to have a relative or friend drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the evening. You cannot drive yourself home.

The evening before surgery

1. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time.
2. Make some jello and/or soup for after surgery. Have some juice in your refrigerator.
3. The anesthesiologist will contact you by phone to discuss your medical history and to answer any questions.

Day of surgery: before you leave home

1. Remember not to eat, drink, or smoke. This includes no chewing gum, mints, etc.
2. Make sure someone is available to drive you home. Put a pillow and blanket in the car.
3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy make-up, jewelry, or contact lenses.
4. Please do not use any lotion, baby oil, perfume or powder.
5. LEAVE ALL VALUABLES AT HOME!

Day of surgery: at the facility before surgery

1. Dr. Friedman will talk to you before surgery to answer any last-minute questions. He will place drawings on your chest to help him accurately plan your surgery.
2. You will meet the anesthesiologist and surgical nurses.

Day of surgery: at the facility after surgery

1. You will be taken to the recovery area to wake up after surgery. Dr. Friedman will go to the waiting room to speak to your family/friends.
2. Approximately 1 hour later, your family can visit you. Once you are feeling well enough, you may go home.

At home after surgery

1. Have someone stay with you for the first night. You may be weak and drowsy.
2. Take the antibiotics, pain medication (as needed), and anti-nausea medicine (if needed) that Dr. Friedman has prescribed for you.
3. Sleep with your head elevated. Sleep on your back (not your stomach or side).
4. Keep your dressings (gauze and tape) clean and dry. Do not remove the dressings. You may shower only from the waist down. You may wish to sponge bathe.
5. Take at least 10 deep breaths every hour. This will help keep your lungs expanded.
6. Do not be a couch potato. To reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs, get up and walk any time you eat or need the bathroom. While you are in bed, repeatedly flex your ankles (moving your toes up and then down) and/or have your family massage your calves.
7. If you experience a prolonged fever (oral temperature greater than 101), contact Dr. Friedman. Feel free to call our office or to page Dr. Friedman for any other problems or concerns.