What is a Breast Lift?
Also known as Mastopexy. There are several different techniques to lift and reshape the breasts creating a more youthful body contour.
The type of procedure recommended will depend on the amount of sag in the breast. You will also need to find out whether augmentation (implants) or reduction will be needed to achieve the best results.
Will I need Implants?
If you are satisfied with the size of your breasts when they are lifted, then a breast lift alone may be the right procedure for you. But if you want your breasts to be more full than they currently are you will probably need implants as well as a breast lift. More than 50% of patients who undergo breast lift surgery also benefit from implants to add volume and shape.
How will it be done?
The most common and popular is the Anchor technique. This involves an anchor-shaped incision that starts at the base of the areola and proceeds vertically finishing in the fold under the breasts. The breasts are remodeled and the nipple must then be re-positioned.
There are other techniques such as the Vertical Lift or Circumareola Lift. These techniques are effective for those who have minimal or medium sagging.
Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?
Yes – if you are healthy and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery and understand the risks.
Yes – if the effects of ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight loss or gain have caused breast skin to lose elasticity and firmness, resulting in sagging.
How long will I take to recover?
Sutures placed under the skin will gradually dissolve and those placed on the skin will dissolve in approximately one week. A good supporting bra or post-surgery bra without underwire must be worn continuously for several weeks.
There is usually not much pain but there will be swelling and maybe some bruising.
If you do not have a strenuous job you can usually return to work in about one week. Walking can be resumed the day after surgery but any strenuous activities including exercise should be avoided for at least three to four weeks.
There could be some loss of sensitivity in the nipple and breast skin but this is usually only temporary. Sensation should return within one to three months but can take longer.
Suture lines will fade within a year and will continue to fade with time. This varies with individuals and sometimes scars take longer to fade.
Are there risks with Breast Lift surgery?
If you plan to breastfeed in the future, you should consider that there is a small risk. In which your ability to breastfeed may be affected.
If you plan to become pregnant, your breast will increase in size. So, you may want to consider postponing your breast lift surgery until after you have given birth.
All surgery includes some risks including reactions to anaesthesia, blood clots and infection. Scars sometimes take a long time to fade. Rarely there can be a chance of some permanent loss of sensitivity in the breasts.
Smokers run higher risks such as slower healing. And also, more risk of scarring and the possibility of tissue necrosis from loss of oxygen to the tissue or skin.
Risks can be reduced or avoided by following your plastic surgeon’s instructions and ceasing to smoke several weeks before the date of your surgery.
How long will the results last?
Though the results are very long lasting, you will continue to age. So gravity may eventually cause some sagging. But wearing a good supporting bra and not smoking and eating a healthy diet will slow the process.
If you have a question we haven’t answered please email us at info@beautyyours.com.au.
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