Breast Reconstruction Surgery

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts, giving them a more youthful and uplifted appearance. Let’s explore what breast lift surgery entails and the various types available.
Breast lift surgery is performed to address ptosis, which is the medical term for sagging or drooping breasts. Ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and genetics can contribute to losing breast firmness and shape over time. Breast lift surgery aims to correct this by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipples and areolas to a more youthful chest position.

What Are The Different Types Of Breast Lift Surgery?

There are several techniques used in breast lift surgery, each tailored to address specific degrees of ptosis and achieve desired outcomes:

Crescent Lift – This is the least invasive type of breast lift and is suitable for patients with mild ptosis. It involves making a small crescent-shaped incision around the upper half of the areola to lift the breasts slightly.

Peri-Areolar or Donut Lift – Also known as a circumareolar lift, this technique involves making a circular incision around the outer edge of the areola. It is suitable for patients with mild to moderate ptosis and allows minimal scarring.

Vertical or Lollipop Lift – This technique involves making a keyhole-shaped incision around the areola and extending vertically down to the breast crease. It is suitable for patients with moderate ptosis and provides more significant lifting and reshaping of the breasts.

Anchor or Inverted T Lift – This is the most extensive type of breast lift, involving incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease. It is suitable for patients with severe ptosis or those requiring a significant lift and reshaping of the breasts.

The choice of technique depends on factors such as the degree of ptosis, breast size and shape, skin elasticity, and the patient’s aesthetic goals.

Why You Should Get A Breast Lift Surgery Procedure?

Considering a breast lift surgery? Here’s why it might be the right choice for you:

  • Lifts sagging breasts for a younger look.
  • Reshapes breasts for a perkier contour.
  • Enhances self-esteem with a firmer bustline.
  • Repositions nipples for a natural appearance.
  • Improves wardrobe options with lifted breasts.
  • Reduces discomfort and pain associated with sagging.
  • Enhances body symmetry and balance.

Before opting for a breast lift, consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and potential risks.

What Occurs During A Breast Lift Surgery Consultation?

During a breast lift surgery consultation, you’ll meet with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals regarding the appearance of your breasts. The surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your breasts, assessing factors such as size, shape, nipple position, and skin elasticity.

They’ll listen to your desired outcomes and explain the different breast lift techniques, such as the anchor, lollipop, or crescent lift, and recommend the most suitable approach. Additionally, the consultation will cover potential risks, benefits, expected outcomes, and postoperative recovery, allowing you to make an informed decision about proceeding with the surgery.

How Should I Get Ready For Breast Lift Surgery?

To prepare for breast lift surgery, carefully follow any preoperative instructions provided by your surgeon. These may include undergoing preoperative medical evaluations, discontinuing certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding risk, and arranging transportation to and from the surgical facility.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle leading up to the surgery is essential, including proper nutrition, hydration, and avoiding smoking, as these factors can impact healing and recovery. They’ll listen to your desired outcomes and explain the different breast lift techniques, such as the anchor, lollipop, or crescent lift, and recommend the most suitable approach.

Additionally, the consultation will cover potential risks, benefits, expected outcomes, and postoperative recovery, allowing you to make an informed decision about proceeding with the surgery.

What Happens During Breast Lift Surgery?

During a breast lift procedure, the surgeon will make incisions around the areola, extending downward towards the crease and possibly horizontally along the crease.

Excess skin is removed through these incisions, and the underlying breast tissue is reshaped and lifted. If necessary, the size and shape of the areola may also be adjusted to achieve a more proportionate appearance.

Breast lift surgery can be performed alone or in combination with breast augmentation or reduction procedures, depending on the patient’s individual goals and anatomy.

What Is The Recovery Process Like After Breast Lift Surgery?

The recovery process after breast lift surgery involves several stages. Initially, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the breast area, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications and cold compresses. Resting and avoiding strenuous activities during the first week is important to allow for proper healing.

Over the following weeks, swelling gradually subsides, and you’ll begin to see the initial results of the breast lift. Attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure that your breasts are healing as expected. Most individuals can resume normal activities within a few weeks, with full healing and optimal results achieved over several months.

What Are The Risks And Potential Complications Associated With Breast Lift Surgery?

While generally safe, like any surgery, Breast Lift Surgery has potential risks and complications you should be aware of.
  • All surgeries leave scars, and breast lift surgery is no exception. The extent of scarring varies depending on factors like incision type and individual healing.
  • Some women may experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after surgery. This can include increased or decreased sensitivity.
  • There’s a risk of infection at the incision sites. This can usually be treated with antibiotics, but severe infections may require additional procedures.
    Some individuals may experience delayed wound healing, leading to complications such as wound breakdown or infection.
  • Achieving perfect symmetry is challenging; some breast asymmetry may persist after surgery.
  • While breastlift surgery typically preserves the ability to breastfeed, there’s a slight risk of interference with milk ducts, leading to difficulties with breastfeeding.
  • Despite careful planning and communication with your surgeon, there’s a possibility you may not be satisfied with the aesthetic outcome of your breast lift.
  • Like with any surgery, anaesthesia has risks, such as allergic reactions or adverse effects on breathing and heart rate.
  • While breast lift surgery provides long-lasting results, factors such as ageing, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect the shape and appearance of the breasts in the future.
It’s crucial to discuss these risks and potential complications with your plastic surgeon before deciding to undergo breast lift surgery. They can provide personalised information based on your medical history, anatomy, and desired outcome. Remember, while complications can occur, many women are satisfied with the results of their breast lift surgery.
DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.