Laser Bra

Laser Bra is a cosmetic surgery performed to lift the breast into a better position by using laser energy, instead of a surgical tool, and creating an internal brassiere that will support the breasts. A Laser Bra can improve the look of saggy breasts usually caused by aging, weight fluctuations or breastfeeding. A Laser Bra gives a patient two support structures instead of one. There is an internal support system using the patient’s own tissue and an external support system which is the skin. Some advantages of the Laser Bra include less bleeding, better skin contraction and a quicker recovery due to the laser technique. Furthermore, the patient gains better contour and longer lasting results.

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Bra?

A GOOD CANDIDATE for Laser Bra may include:

• Women with breast ptosis or sagging of the breasts
• Patients whose nipples are pointing downward instead of up or outward
• A female patient looking to have a breast lift or breast reduction surgery
• Any women concerned about nipple sensitivity or breastfeeding after breast surgery
• Women who are unhappy with their breast shape due to childbirth
• A woman who wants to have a breast lift combined with breast augmentation

The following patients are NOT GOOD CANDIDATES for Laser Bra:

• Women who are not done having children and those who are still trying to lose weight
• Patients who are unhappy with the size of the breasts since this procedure alone does not increase breast size
• Patients who have already had a breast lift or reduction surgery
• A woman who is getting the surgery to please someone else

How is Laser Bra Performed?

Laser Bra is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Rather than a surgical blade, the surgeon will use the energy from a laser light to remove stretched skin and excess tissue below the nipple. The CO2 laser is used to prepare a flap of skin, to create an internal bra, which is attached from the base of the breasts to the upper chest wall via sutures. The skin is re-draped over the breast tissue and sutured closed. Drainage tubes may be placed just under the skin to collect and expel excess fluids. A surgical bandage will cover the wound.

Combined with a Breast Lift

A traditional breast lift involves using a surgical knife to remove extra skin and tissue. The nipple is often removed and repositioned without moving the breast higher on the chest wall. Removing or altering the nipple can result in desensitization of the nipple and breast.

Laser Bra and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding issues are a possibility with this type of procedure. However, Laser Bra does not remove the nipple. Instead, it allows the entire breast to be moved into a better position.

What is the Cost of Laser Bra?

Laser Bra breast surgery costs between $8000 to $12,000 depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s skills and the geographic location of the procedure. The cost can be significantly increased if other procedures are performed at the same time.

Recovery and Downtime

Due to the laser technique used during this type of breast lift, RECOVERY after Laser Bra is minimal at 5 to 7 days. Patients can expect some discomfort, bruising and swelling but pain medications and a compression garment will lessen these symptoms. The compression garment will support the breasts, minimize swelling and help the skin contract to its new contours. Therefore, it is important to wear this garment for the first 24-48 hours. A sports bra will be worn for a certain amount of time after the compression garment is removed. Drainage tubes will need to be emptied, and cleaned, several times a day. The drainage tubes will be removed approximately 3-5 days after surgery.

Patients are advised to enjoy some DOWNTIME during the first few days. They should walk around the house several times a day to promote faster healing and adequate blood circulation. Patients should avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds for the first few weeks but they can return to light duty work after one week. Swelling can continue for several weeks to months after surgery. Normal activities and moderate exercise can resume in about 3 weeks. Heavy physical activities, which impact the chest wall, should be postponed for 6 weeks.

Results

The results after Laser Bra breast lift are immediate. Patients can see perkier, better shaped breasts which will continue to improve as the swelling and bruising subsides. The final results can take up to a year since it can take several months for the breasts to settle into their new shape and position. Furthermore, it can take up to a full year for the incision line to fade to a lighter color. The results of Laser Bra are permanent since the process uses the patient’s own tissue, which cannot be rejected by the body, and the effects will be long lasting. The internal brassiere cannot be felt and it provides a natural looking lift. Over time, the shape and volume of the breasts can be altered due to gravity and volume loss with aging. The results can also be voided by childbirth or breastfeeding. Patients should wait to have this procedure until after they are no longer considering a pregnancy.

Limitations of Laser Bra

The limitations of Laser Bra include:

• Trading a drooping breast for an unpredictable breast augmentation scar
• The surgery may not restore shape to the upper half of the breast
• It does not add size or volume to the breasts when performed by itself
• Larger breasts may have limited to no lasting results

Risks of Laser Bra

The risks associated with Laser Bra include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Hematoma
• Asymmetry
• Skin necrosis
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring
• Widening of the scar

Choosing Laser Bra over Other Techniques

Laser Bra can improve the look of sagging breasts by using the patient’s own tissue to create an internal bra to lift the breast into a better position. Laser Bra is a step above a traditional breast lift since the energy from the laser can constrict skin and blood flow which creates fewer traumas, bleeding and bruising. This helps the body to heal faster and the patient to have a quicker recovery time. Furthermore, the traditional breast lift technique removes and discards excess tissue while using sutures to hold the tissue into a lifted position. Laser Bra uses the excess tissue to create a sling that supports the breast tissue while providing longer lasting, natural feeling results.

Written by Cosmetic Town Editorial Team – MA

Based on an exclusive interview with Dr. Robert Heck in Arlington, OH