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How to Keep Your Breasts Perky after Your Breast Lift

by Dr. Nicholas Lahar

Women who are aging, losing weight, or having children may notice their breasts lose volume and sag. This is normal, but it can be frustrating, leading some to want a breast lift.

A breast lift removes excess skin and tissue from the breasts to raise them higher on the chest. The result is a more attractive body contour that can make you look years younger.

According to a prospective outcome study published in PubMed, mastopexy and related breast procedures achieve 94.3% patient satisfaction and improve self-esteem in 89.3% of patients. Most women who have a breast lift report more self-confidence and self-esteem.

After a breast lift or breast augmentation, your results should last for many years. However, the aging process and other factors continue to work, and there are things you can do to help keep your results longer.

In our practice, we always counsel patients that a breast lift addresses the structure. The lifestyle choices you make afterward play a real role in how long your results hold. The tips below are things we go over at every post-op appointment.
– Dr. Lahar

Contents

1 Massage the breasts
2 Sleep on your back
3 Protect the skin
4 Don’t wear a lifting bra
5 Don’t avoid bouncing
6 Try planks
7 Maintain your weight
8 Eat a healthy diet
9 Don’t have children
10 Hydrotherapy
11 Request a Breast Lift consultation
12 References

Massage the breasts

There is some evidence that daily breast massage can boost blood flow and increase collagen production. This may help tighten chest muscles and promote tissue strength and growth.

If you want to massage the breasts:

Cup your left hand on the top of the right breast.
Squeeze the breast gently by pumping your hand.
Next, move the hand down to the lower part of the breast.
Gently pump the lower parts and sides of the breast.

Sleep on your back

Did you know we spend about ⅓ of our lives sleeping? Many don’t realize it, but sleeping can lead to breast sagging. When sleeping on your stomach or sides, chest ligaments are stretched and can pull the breasts down.

The best way to support the breasts in bed is by sleeping on your back. However, if this isn’t comfortable, you can make it easier by putting pillows under both arms to keep the body adequately positioned.

Protect the skin

Sagging breasts happen from loose ligaments and muscles. But the condition of the skin is a factor, too.

Too much sun on the skin causes damage and loosening, so don’t tan or sunbathe too much. Also, wear excellent sunscreen and clothing to protect the skin.

Protecting your body from the sun will help keep you looking young.

Don’t wear a lifting bra

One might think wearing a lifting bra will perk up the breasts, but it’s the opposite. A too-supportive bra can make the muscles, ligaments, and tendons weaker. And that can make the breasts sag more.

Don’t avoid bouncing

Some believe women can avoid breast sagging by not running or engaging in other exercises that bounce the breasts.

There isn’t any evidence that bouncing movements affect the breasts. So exercise as you wish, but wear a sports bra to keep you comfortable.

Try planks

Planks are an excellent exercise because you don’t need to be in the gym or use equipment. You can do planks at home, the office, and just about anywhere.

Planks are mostly for toning the abs, but they also help the upper body and chest; you have to hold the body up to resist gravity.

As the plank firms the stomach, it also increases muscle mass in the chest, making the breasts perkier.

Remember that chest exercises generally don’t affect the soft tissues that lead to breast sagging. But working your chest muscles has other benefits, such as the back and shoulder muscles.

Working these muscles over time can improve your posture and help you walk more erect. In addition, doing so can make the breasts lift slightly.

Maintain your weight

One of the biggest reasons people who have had a breast lift have issues later is weight gain. Eating too much and not exercising makes you gain weight, which will lead to more mass in the breasts. Eventually, this can cause more sagging.

Further, a slimmer profile makes the breast look bigger and perkier because the proportion to your frame is increased.

Stay slim by exercising at least 30 minutes per day and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy protein.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) notes that factors, including weight fluctuations and the natural aging process, can continue to affect breast shape and position after surgery. A healthy lifestyle is a key part of maintaining results.

Eat a healthy diet

You might not think it would help, but a good diet maintains healthy breast tissue, which can make the breasts perkier.

Some foods to eat daily for good breast health are:

Fish, nuts, and pumpkin seeds can increase omega-3 fatty acids.
More eggs and avocados to increase monounsaturated fats to strengthen tissues
Broccoli, kale, cabbage, whole grains, and watermelon help grow and strengthen tissues.

Don’t have children

That isn’t to say you shouldn’t have kids! However, the pregnancy and breastfeeding processes do often lead to sagging breasts.

The good news is that the other options mentioned here can help to give the breasts a natural lift. The ASPS advises that new pregnancies and breastfeeding after a breast lift can accelerate breast ptosis. It is generally best to wait until you have finished building your family before undergoing the procedure.

However, if you decide to have a breast lift, it’s best to wait until you are finished building your family. Having more children will lead to more sagging, and you’ll need a repeat procedure.

Hydrotherapy

This is another way to increase circulation to the breasts. This method may boost blood flow to the breasts and stimulate the nerves, making the breasts firmer.

Once per day or more, shut off the water after a warm shower. Rinse the breast with more warm water for 60 seconds, then change to cold water and rinse it again for 30 seconds.

Having a breast lift is the only way to lift the breasts significantly. However, there are ways to maintain your results as long as possible. Try some of the methods mentioned above to keep your breasts perky for years in the future.

And if you are having a breast lift, consider other procedures, too! Popular options include liposuction and a tummy tuck.

Request a Breast Lift consultation

Thinking about a breast lift in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide plastic surgery procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will discuss your aesthetic goals during your consultation and help you decide if you are a good candidate for a breast lift.