The best results are usually achieved in woman with small breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts.

A breast lift will tighten and raise the position of the breasts which have sagged due to factors such as pregnancy, nursing, loss of skin elasticity and weight fluctuations. This procedure returns the breast to a more youthful shape and position. The nipple and areola are moved to a higher natural position and the sagging skin is tightened. It is also possible to reduce the size of an areola as well as fill the breast with the use of implants to enhance the upper part of the breast.

A breast reduction involves essentially similar incisions, but provides for the removal of excessive breast tissue and may relieve symptoms of neck and shoulder pain.

Operation	Breast lifts usually lasts between one to three hours and are performed in our surgical suite in Hinsdale. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia although in some patients, particularly with smaller incisions, local anesthesia combined with a sedative may be used. An incision around the areola and an anchor shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast is made. In some instances, the surgical incision will be limited around the nipple and going downward only.
Scarring	They will be red or pigmented for 1-2 months and gradually fade to pale by 4-6 months following surgery. Sometimes complete fading can take up to a year. Scars are rarely troublesome, although patients should be aware that all scars are permanent and height, width and final coloring are not predictable.
Recovery	Immediately following surgery, patients wear an elastic bandage over gauze dressing. Drains are sometimes needed for 1 or 2 days after surgery. Breasts will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a few days. Pain is usually not severe and will be relieved with pain medication. Within a few days, a supportive bra will replace the surgical bandage or bra. This bra will be worn for three to four weeks. External sutures, if used, will be removed after the 7 days. The first week may also accompany a temporary loss of feeling in the nipple or breast skin due to swelling. Swelling will continue to subside after the first week. You will be seen 1-3 days after surgery and then in one month, and finally 4 months after surgery.
Healing Time	Up and about in one to two days. Back to work in typically three to seven days. More vigorous sports will require four to six weeks of healing.
Time to return to public eye	Depending on the extent of surgery, typically within three to seven days.
Actual Results	Position of the breast will improve immediately although final reduction of swelling may not produce the final desired results for six months.
Risks	All attempt is made to reduce the size of scarring there may be rare cases where scarring is red or thick, infection, loss of sensation in nipples or breast and unevenly positioned nipples.

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