Women with sagging breasts caused by aging, pregnancy or breastfeeding cannot resolve the issue with just breast augmentation. Breast lift surgery could be a solution. This procedure can be performed in combination with augmentation or as a standalone treatment. The popularity of the procedure is rising and the annual statistics report of American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) noted that more than 90,000 breast lift procedures were performed in 2013. A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the medical journal of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) revealed that women may find themselves wearing a smaller bra, say an average decrease of one bra cup size after mastopexy.
According to the study, the difference reflects the effects of the breast lift itself, rather than a true reduction in breast size. The researchers did a follow-up survey of 20 women who underwent breast lift surgery. Here are the main points pertaining to the study
- The average age of the women in the group was 47 years
- They underwent only breast lift surgery
- Bra cup size before and after the procedure was analyzed 5 years after the treatment
- The women were on average of low-normal body weight and wore at least a C cup size before surgery
- Factors including weight change which might affect bra fit were evaluated
- All women reported no change in bra manufacturer, a factor which might have affected sizing
- The subjects reported an average decrease of approximately one cup size
- Most said they were satisfied with the outcome of the breast lift procedure
As for the reason why cup size went down after the treatment, the researchers surmise that this could be because women with sagginess usually wear a larger cup size to be comfortable. After surgery, they may be more comfortable with the true or smaller cup size.
According to the researchers, these findings help set patient expectations. Women consider mastopexy to improve the shape of their breasts, without changing the size. At the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon can inform them that their true preoperative cup size is smaller than what they currently wear. This will help them have realistic expectations and avoids the potential for patient dissatisfaction.