The reasons a woman may seek out breast lift surgery may vary, but the ultimate goal is almost always firmer, perkier, younger looking breasts.

What is Breast Lift Surgery?

As you age or experience changes in your breasts due to pregnancy or weight loss, the support structures of the breast stretch and weaken. When these ligaments lose the ability to support the weight of the breast, the breast starts to sink downward. Breast lifts can't reliably repair the support structure, but they can restore the former appearance.

During breast lift surgery, the surgeon will remove a portion of breast tissue using one of three methods, depending on the amount of drooping. Once this tissue is removed, the areola and surrounding tissue are raised and the skin is sutured back together. The result is a higher breast that appears more youthful. Since tissue is removed during the procedure, some volume is lost. For this reason, many women choose to have a breast lift with implants to restore size and fullness.

Breast Lift Surgery After Childbirth

One of the most common reason women seek breast lifts is as a part of a mommy makeover. These are cosmetic procedures that are performed to minimize the damage done to the body by pregnancy. Pregnancy causes changes in the breast, as with the rest of the body, and several pregnancies can cause severe drooping even if the woman is still relatively young.

During pregnancy, the breast increases in size in preparation for lactation. This sudden increase puts a strain on the support structure of the breast. While many women enjoy their new cup size or two, the droopy look is not favored. A breast lift with implants can maintain or even increase the new breast size while also raising the breast on the chest.

It is important that you have completed your family prior to breast lift surgery. Another pregnancy after the procedure could undo the results. Breast lifts may also make it difficult or impossible to breastfeed, particularly if you opt for the breast lift with implants. If you plan on having another baby, it is probably best to wait until after his or her birth to get the procedure.

Breast Lift Surgery After Weight Loss

Breasts are primarily comprised of fat and so any substantial weight gain increases the size of the breast. If this weight gain is rapid, the effects on the breasts are very similar to those mentioned with pregnancy. When a women decides to lose a large amount of weight, fat from the breast are lost as well. This results in a deflated look with a good bit of drooping.

If you have recently undergone a significant weight loss, you may want a breast lift as a part of your final weight loss transformation. It is important that you have obtained your final weight loss goal, however, because continued weight loss may dampen the results of your breast lift surgery. As with post-pregnancy operations, you may wish to question your surgeon about a breast lift with implants to retain volume and fullness.

Breast Lifts to Combat Aging

Sometimes there is no good reason for breast sagging other than age. If you find that your breasts have succumbed to the effects of time, you may be a prime candidate for breast lift surgery. Breast lifts may be performed as a part of a total anti-aging campaign or alone as a simple way to restore your youthful appearance. If you would like to have a breast lift with implants, that is an option as well.

The reasons that women get breast lifts may vary, but the underlying cause for the need is virtually the same: decreased support ability in the breast structure. Breast lift surgery has helped hundreds of thousands of women regain their appearance and feel better about their image. If you are interested in breast lift surgery, speaking with a skilled plastic surgeon is the best place to start.