Breast lift
Breast lift
Breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical aesthetic procedure designed to correct sagging breasts. This procedure is ideal for women who have noticed a loss of volume, loose skin, or changes in breast shape due to gravity, aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
Why undergo a breast lift?
When a woman feels that her breasts have sagged, has excess skin, or notices that her nipples point downward, it can affect her confidence and make her feel uncomfortable in her body. Surgery is the only way to effectively address these concerns.
Common causes include:
- Significant breast volume changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Ligaments stretch and can no longer support the breast tissue as they did before pregnancy.
- Major weight loss: Losing a large amount of fat tissue from the breasts can result in sagging.
- Gravity: Over time, gravity pulls the breasts downward, especially noticeable in postmenopausal women.
In addition to lifting the breasts, the surgery can reshape them, remove excess skin, achieve symmetry, and reposition the nipples to a higher position.
A breast lift will not increase the size of your breasts. If you desire larger breasts, you will need to undergo a breast augmentation procedure with silicone implants, which can be performed simultaneously with the lift.
If your breasts are sagging and overly large, a combined procedure involving breast reduction and lifting is recommended.
How to prepare for a breast lift surgery?
All preoperative preparations are conducted at our clinic and are included in the price. These preparations include laboratory tests such as a complete blood count, basic biochemistry, coagulation factors, blood group, and Rh factor.
It also includes:
- Internal medicine and cardiology evaluation with ECG.
- Chest X-ray with a radiologist’s report.
- Clinical evaluation by an anesthesiologist.
- Breast ultrasound or mammography.
- Consultation with an oncological surgeon, if necessary.
If you are a smoker, it is essential to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery, as smoking negatively affects circulation and the wound healing process, thereby prolonging recovery time. If you take aspirin, vitamin C, or other supplements, you should stop taking them seven days prior to the procedure.
It is important to refrain from consuming any food or drinks for at least 12 hours before the scheduled surgery. You will need to remove any nail polish or gel polish from your fingernails. Additionally, you must completely remove makeup, piercings, and jewelry. Avoid applying body lotion for 4–6 hours before the operation.
You should bring personal hygiene items, a photo ID (ID card or passport), your complete medical documentation, and any medications that are part of your chronic therapy.
Breast lift surgery procedure
A breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. There are multiple surgical approaches, and the choice of technique and incision placement is determined individually for each patient. During the preoperative consultation, the surgeon will present all available options specific to the patient’s case and, in agreement with her, decide on the appropriate surgical technique. The surgeon will also perform marking by drawing lines to guide the incisions. Photographs will be taken to compare the results after the procedure.
It is essential for the patient to wear a special elastic support bra immediately after the surgery and throughout the recovery period.
How long does breast lift surgery take?
The duration of a breast lift surgery ranges from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the chosen technique and the complexity of the procedure.
Recovery after breast lift surgery
The patient is discharged 24 hours after the surgery. The first dressing change and check-up take place on the third day after the procedure. Additional dressing changes are scheduled in consultation with the surgeon. Stitches are removed 14 days after the surgery.
Scars can be treated with creams to promote faster healing. During the 4–6 week recovery period, it is recommended to wear a special elastic support bra.
Patients can return to their daily activities after two weeks. However, physical exertion and sports activities should be avoided for 5–8 weeks following the surgery. When resuming sports activities, wearing a sports bra is essential.
What can you feel after a breast lift surgery?
Once the anesthesia wears off, you may start to feel pain, but this subsides quickly after taking pain relievers, which should not include aspirin or medications from the same group. In addition to pain, you may experience tightness and pressure in your breasts, along with some swelling for a period of time. Some patients may also experience numbness in the nipples. These symptoms usually resolve within 7 to 14 days.
Risks after breast lift surgery
As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Other potential complications include scarring, changes in skin or nipple sensitivity, insufficient blood supply to the breast tissue and/or nipple, and difficulty producing milk after childbirth.
Before and After
FAQ
How long does the surgery take?
The surgery takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
What is the recovery like?
Immediately after surgery, it is recommended to wear a special support bra and rest. Full recovery and a return to normal activities are typically expected within a few weeks.
Are the scars visible?
The scars are located beneath the breast, making them minimally visible.
Can a breast lift be combined with breast augmentation using silicone implants?
Yes, a breast lift is often combined with augmentation using silicone implants to achieve the desired volume and shape.
Does a breast lift remove excess skin?
Yes, the procedure includes the removal of excess skin to achieve a tighter and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Can a breast lift correct breast asymmetry?
Yes, a breast lift can help correct asymmetry, making the breasts more symmetrical and proportionate.
What are the most common causes of breast sagging that lead patients to choose this surgery?
The most common causes include pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, gravity, aging, and hormonal changes.
Are the results of a breast lift permanent?
The results are long-lasting; however, factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and weight changes can affect the appearance of the breasts over time.
Does a breast lift affect the ability to breastfeed?
A breast lift can impact the ability to breastfeed, especially if the procedure involves alterations to the tissue around the milk ducts.
Can scars after a breast lift be completely removed?
Scars cannot be completely removed, but they fade over time and become barely noticeable. Healing creams can further help reduce their appearance.
Can a breast lift improve the shape of the nipples and areolas?
Yes, during the procedure, the nipples and areolas can be adjusted and reshaped, making them more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing.
How long should a special support bra be worn after surgery?
A special elastic support bra should be worn continuously for 4–6 weeks after the surgery to aid recovery and achieve the desired breast shape.
Is a breast lift surgery painful?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Postoperative pain is effectively managed with pain relievers.
What techniques does the surgeon use for a breast lift?
The surgeon selects the technique based on the patient’s individual needs. Common techniques include the vertical incision, T-incision (keyhole), or periareolar incision.
How long should sun exposure or tanning be avoided after surgery?
Scars should not be exposed to sunlight or tanning beds for at least 6 months after the surgery to prevent darkening or hyperpigmentation.
How does a breast lift differ from breast reduction?
A breast lift focuses on removing excess skin and reshaping the breasts, while breast reduction also involves removing fatty and glandular tissue.
Do patients need to be at their ideal weight before surgery?
It is recommended that patients maintain a stable weight before surgery to achieve optimal results.
Is there a risk of reduced sensation in the breasts after surgery?
Temporary changes in breast or nipple sensation are possible, but sensitivity typically returns within a few months.
How soon after pregnancy or breastfeeding can a breast lift be scheduled?
The procedure is recommended at least 6 months after breastfeeding has ended to allow breast tissue to stabilize.
