Breast Lift in St. Louis, MO

 This procedure is designed to raise the breasts to a higher position and restore a more youthful appearance. Removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding breast tissue and skin allows for the reshaping and recontouring of the breasts and areolas. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the nipple-areolar complex that has become enlarged or stretched out.

The most common reasons patients pursue this procedure are changes in their breasts due to:

• Pregnancy
• Weight fluctuations
• Breastfeeding
• Aging
• Heredity
• Gravity

Before considering this surgery, it’s important to know that it won’t significantly change the size of your breasts, completely round out the top part of your breasts, or give you upper pole fullness. Also, a breast lift without implants cannot increase size

 Breast lift surgery is highly individualized, so Dr. Hulsey is best suited to evaluate your candidacy. However, as a rule of thumb, you may be a good candidate if:

• You feel that your breasts sag and have lost volume and shape.
• You want results that look natural rather than overworked.
• Your breasts have an elongated shape, or are flat and pendulous.
• Your nipples fall below the breast crease when unsupported.
• Your nipples and areolas point downward.
• Your areolas have become enlarged or stretched out of proportion.
• One breast falls lower than the other.
• You don’t smoke, are in good overall health, and can maintain a healthy body weight.
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There are also several factors to consider before committing to this procedure. If you are still planning on having more children, you may want to delay mastopexy. Pregnancy could re-stretch your breasts and offset surgical results. Although nursing is possible after most breast lifts, some women may have trouble producing milk. Waiting may be your best option in this case.

Breast size can also affect the success of a lift. Women with smaller breasts will likely have longer-lasting results. Since larger breasts are heavier, they’re more likely to naturally sag again over time.

When meeting with Dr. Hulsey in St. Louis, come prepared with questions and be ready to discuss your goals, medical history, current medications, lifestyle habits, and any previous procedures. Dr. Hulsey will assess your overall health and breast anatomy, including taking measurements and photos, to evaluate potential risks and determine the best treatment plan. She will explain the surgery, anesthesia options, expected outcomes, and risks, while addressing your concerns to help you feel informed and comfortable. 

Although the preparation for any cosmetic procedure is different from patient to patient, there are a few things that you may be asked to do before surgery, such as:

• Get a medical evaluation, blood work, or lab testing.
• Take certain medications or adjust the dosages of current medications.
• Get a mammogram before and after surgery to detect changes in your breast tissue.
• Quit smoking.
• Stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements that could increase bleeding.
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You’ll also want to arrange for help during your recovery, including a ride to and from the Seven Oaks Surgery Center, LLC, where you’ll be undergoing the procedure. You will probably also want someone to stay with you for at least the first night post-op.

 Your procedure will begin with the administration of either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist, who will be taking care of you during your surgery, will contact you the night before. They will instruct you when to eat or drink before your surgery and ask you questions about your medical history.

Once anesthesia has been administered, the actual procedure will begin. There are three common incision types for breast lifts:

• Around the areola
• Around the areola and down to the breast crease
• Around the areola, vertically down to the crease, and then horizontally across the crease

Dr. Hulsey will discuss these different types of lifts during your mastopexy consultation and decide on the best choice depending on your goals and anatomy.

After the incision(s), she will lift the underlying breast tissue and reshape it to improve your breasts’ contour and chest wall position. This also involves  repositioning your nipples and areolas to a natural height, reducing enlarged areolas if necessary by excising skin from the perimeter. Excess breast skin will be removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity. If asymmetry is present, this will also be corrected. The remaining skin will then be tightened as the incisions are closed. 

Immediately following your surgery, you will be taken into a recovery room to be closely monitored. Your breast incisions will be dressed in surgical gauze and you will be placed in a bra that will support the breasts as they heal, as well as minimize swelling. You may have to wear this bra for the first month following surgery.

Most of your discomfort or pain will be experienced during the first 48 hours immediately after surgery. Your breasts may feel sensitive or tight and there will be some swelling and discoloration or bruising, but it will disappear quickly within the first couple of weeks. 

Female plastic surgeon, Dr. Hulsey, will give you directions regarding aftercare, including how to care for your breasts after surgery and what medications to take to aid healing and prevent infection. You will also be given written instructions on medication usage, local wound care, and specific warning signs you should keep an eye out for.

Your first post-op visit is usually the next morning unless otherwise specified. You may shower after your office visit. Exercise can begin in 3-4 weeks in most circumstances.

• Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts
• Improves breast symmetry
• Enhances overall breast appearance
• Repositions nipples to a more natural height
• Boosts self-confidence and body image

The price of your breast lift in St. Louis generally depends on the type of anesthesia used, the exact surgical techniques necessary, and other patient-specific details. We also offer financing to help patients manage the cost of care.