Cosmetic surgery is an exciting journey. At the same time, there is no denying that undergoing plastic surgery means investing time and money you might utilize elsewhere. One of the questions we often get is how long the results of a particular procedure may last. Beneath that, what patients really want to know is whether their investment will be worth it. Here, we want to discuss how the results of breast lift surgery can be nurtured to be totally worth the effort years down the line.

Before offering a few supportive suggestions, we should talk a bit about why a breast lift may be needed in the first place. There is a common perception that breast sag occurs as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding. These are only a couple of contributing factors to be aware of. In many cases, breast sag is also exacerbated by a loss of collagen, loss of volume, and loss of muscle tone. This is where we want to focus.

The Collagen Factor

Collagen is a building block to firm, resilient tissue. In adulthood, the average person does not produce nearly as much collagen protein as they did during childhood. There are two ways to approach this issue. One is to preserve what collagen is available. The best way to do this is to apply sunscreen daily. Chest skin can degrade without sufficient collagen just like any other part of the body so needs to be treated well in order to stay firmer. Another way to manage collagen is to help the body produce it. According to studies, vitamin C is a collagen stimulating nutrient that works best when time-released. As little as 500mg a day can do a world of good for aging skin.

The Volume Factor

When we’re talking about the breasts, volume equals fat. Fat cells in the breasts expand just like they do in the stomach or elsewhere on the body. As they do, the breasts become heavier and more of a stressor on the skin. The best way to manage breast volume after breast lift surgery is to manage weight within about a 10-pound range. This level of maintenance reduces the pull of gravity on the breasts and can also prevent the issue of deflation if significant weight is lost.

The Muscle Factor

The pectoral muscles are not only an important aspect of physique for the male bodybuilder. We all need a sufficient amount of muscle tone in the chest to maintain shape. Muscle tone even has an effect on the breasts and where they sit on the chest wall. Can working out lift sagging breasts? Probably not very much. However, there is value in keeping the chest muscles toned as a way of supporting the breasts that have been lifted.

Is a breast lift the answer to your cosmetic concerns? Call our office near San Jose to find out.