Women have breast lift surgery to resolve sagging caused by aging, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and restore a more youthful breast contour. A study published in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), reported that surgery to lift and reposition tends to result in a decrease in bra size. This does not indicate a reduction in breast size – it simply indicates an average one-cup size decrease that reflects women’s true cup size, say the authors. The highlights of the study are as follows:
- The researchers performed a follow-up survey of 20 women who underwent mastopexy
- The average age of the participants was 47 years
- All of these women had breast lift only and no other enhancement
- Bra cup size before versus after breast lift surgery was evaluated five years after they had the surgery
- Weight change and other factors that might affect bra fit were also studied
- The women noted an average decrease of approximately one cup size over the period
- No change in the bra manufacturer was reported
- All of the participants said they were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure
The results were linked with correct bra fit and patient comfort. The researchers noted that most women do not wear the correct bra size. The excess skin and soft tissue of the women who have breast ptosis made them more comfortable with a looser-fitting bra. So they mistook a larger brassiere cup size as their true size. However, after the lifting procedure, they were comfortable in a smaller cup size which was their true cup size. As the women studied were of low-normal body weight and wore at least a C cup size before the procedure, the researchers pointed out that their findings may not apply to heavier women or those with smaller breasts.
These results have important implications for the preoperative consultation when the plastic surgeon discusses the results that the patient can expect.