Qualities to Look for in the Best Breast Lift Surgeon
Written by: Dr. Dahlia Rice. Posted in: Blog
Finding the best breast lift surgeon for you is a matter of research. Hint: It can’t be done by simply searching “best breast lift surgeon near me” and choosing the top hit. Instead, you need to reference a list of key attributes that every best breast lift surgeon in the USA possesses.
Table of Contents
ToggleBreast Lift Surgery Overview
Breast lift surgery aims to reduce redundant breast tissue and breast skin, while lifting the breasts, relocating the nipples and areolae, and creating a more youthful and perky appearance. Typically, breast lift patients are those who have undergone a recent weight loss, are struggling with sagging breasts due to aging, or have been through one or more pregnancies.
Who Is the Best Breast Lift Surgeon?
Naturally, not every individual is going to go to the same great breast lift surgeon when they have excess skin and sagging breasts they want to remedy. Most patients want to undergo surgery in their local area. Some patients want to have a breast augmentation (breast implants) along with their breast lift. There are many factors at play.
However, in general, you want to be looking for the following characteristics as you choose your breast lift surgeon.
Board Certification
You want a plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This type of certification is not actually required for all surgeons who perform plastic surgeries, but your surgeon should have it because the best surgeons are board certified.
Board certified plastic surgeons must go through extensive supplemental education and training. They also must pass two extremely challenging exams in order to be certified. The certification ensures that safety and positive outcomes are at the forefront of their skillset.
Extensive Experience
As you talk to various breast lift surgeons, you’ll find that not everyone actually specializes in breast surgery. Some patients specialize in this type of surgery, but other plastic surgeons may specialize in facial plastic surgery or body contouring procedures. Naturally, it’s most desirable to find a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast lift procedures.
Positive Patient Reviews
It’s advisable to check out patient reviews when researching different breast surgeons. Look for patients who are extremely happy with their more youthful breast contours after their surgery.
Great Before and After Photo Gallery
In addition to reviewing patient testimonials, it’s a good idea to review a plastic surgeon’s before and after gallery. Of course, you want to look for results that you’d be happy having yourself.
It’s also best if you have a lot of before and after photos to look at, and your surgeon should have a wide variety of patient types on display. In terms of outcomes, it’s best if you cannot see incision lines (scarring) very well in the “after “pictures.
Personalized Approach to Surgery
Don’t settle for a plastic surgeon who is looking to perform a one size fits all procedure. You want to know that your surgeon is considering your particular breast sagging issues and your unique anatomy as they outline a surgery that will optimize your natural curves and help you achieve a more youthful breast contour.
Hospital Privileges
Board certified plastic surgeons have hospital privileges at nearby hospitals. This allows them to perform surgery at these hospitals, but it also allows surgeons who have in-office operating rooms or those who are performing the occasional outpatient procedure to use nearby hospitals in the event of an emergency.
Commitment to Safety
It’s worth discussing safety with your plastic surgeon. Make sure that this is a priority for them and that they have parameters in place to ensure you are safe throughout the entire procedure. If your surgeon seems a little too eager to perform the surgery without regard to your medical history or other health considerations, this could be a red flag.
FAQ: Breast Lift Surgery
Is breast lift surgery painful?
Breast lift procedures are major surgeries, so incisions will need to be made, and during recovery, these incisions may cause some discomfort and pain. Most patients mention some level of pain, especially soreness in the nipples after breast lift surgery.
You may also experience changes in sensation, including tingling and numbness. These symptoms should go away with time.
During your actual breast surgery, you should not feel any pain because anesthesia will be utilized. If you still have significant pain several months out from breast lift surgery, contact your plastic surgeon.
What are the different types of breast lifts?
There are three main types of breast lifts. The periareolar lift (donut lift) involves a circular incision around the areola, suitable for mild sagging with minimal scarring.
The vertical lift (lollipop lift) uses two incisions — one around the areola and the other vertically to the breast crease — for moderate sagging with a vertical scar.
The anchor breast lift (inverted T lift) features three incisions — one around the areola, one vertically down, and one along the breast crease — ideal for significant sagging with more extensive scarring.
Request Your Consultation with Dr. Rice
One of the top plastic surgeons in the Chicago area, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice, has helped many patients get rid of sagging breasts and improve their breast shape with a breast lift procedure. Dr. Rice also performs other types of plastic surgery, including breast reduction surgery, breast augmentation, and other procedures.
To request your consultation appointment with Dr. Rice, please get in touch with us today.