As we get older, we see many changes in our bodies.
Women may notice that their breasts start to drop or sag.
Some women opt to have a type of cosmetic surgery called a breast lift.
Other opt to increase the size of their breasts with implants.
Either procedure is major surgery.
But if someone has already made up their mind to get this procedure, they should learn the facts first.
A breast lift (which is technically called mastopexy) is surgery designed to lift breast tissue and make the breasts higher and firmer.
Women may consider this if they feel their breasts have fallen or hang, or if they hang unevenly.
Candidates for a breast lift are women who are healthy and of normal weight.
It's also important that you not be a smoker.
A breast lift does not make the size of the breasts larger.
There is another type of plastic surgery called breast augmentation that does that.
During a lift, tissue is removed or reshaped, and the areolas may be repositioned.
A lift can be done alone or in combination with augmentation.
Augmentation involves the use of implants, which can be made of silicon or saline material.
Both breast lift surgery and augmentation surgery will result in pain, swelling and bruising which can last for at least several weeks.
A woman considering this should not do it for anyone else, and should consider if this is really the right thing to do.
There can be many complications, including infection, scarring, blood clots, bleeding, and bad reaction to anesthesia.
There can also be numbness or loss of sensation.
In addition, there is a chance that implants can leak or interfere with mammogram results.
You should discuss all possible risks with your surgeon.
It is also important that someone considering this choose a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon.