Breast Lift Surgery / Mastopexy

If you ever wished that your breasts were firmer, higher and more youthful-looking, breast lift surgery/ Breast mastopexy surgery may be a good option for you. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by restoring the lift and shape that is often lost due to gravity and post-pregnancy. If you have lost breast volume over the years and you want to add more fullness, implants may be inserted to increase breast size at the same time. You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery or mastopexy if you have:

• Pendulous breasts
• Breasts that lack substance or firmness
• Nipples and areola pointing downwards

The results are more long-lasting for women whose breasts are smaller and lighter.

Before

After

How is breast lift surgery performed?

The procedure is performed in an operation theatre under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon or the breast lift doctor will mark the areas and plan the surgery for you pre-operatively in the upright position.

Depending on the extent of breast sagging and skin quality the incisions are planned –

• Donut mastopexy – donut shaped area of skin around the areola is removed. This method is adequate when there is minimal breast and skin laxity.
• Short vertical scar mastopexy (Key-hole or lolli-pop or racquet mastopexy) – The incision is around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the infra-mammary crease.
• Anchor mastopexy – this method is rarely performed by cosmetic surgeons today as it adds a horizontal scar under the breast and often leads to un-natural results.

Short vertical scar mastopexy is the most commonly performed breast mastopexy surgery. It involves the following steps:

• The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness.
• The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height.
• If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
• Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

The incisions are closed using self-dissolving sutures and supportive dressing is applied.

Recovery

You are likely to feel sore for a day or two but you can be up and about after 24 hours. The discomfort is controlled by oral medications. You will be advised by your breast lift doctor to use a sports bra regularly for at least 4 weeks. You must avoid sudden excessive movements at your shoulder. Stitches and all dressings will be removed by 10th day. The scars will be firm and pink for at least 6 weeks after which they generally begin to soften and settle down.

Possible Risks

Breast lift is a surgical procedure and has some potential problems associated with it. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Possible risks include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Breast asymmetry
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Fluid accumulation
• Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revision surgery

Breast reduction surgery may interfere with future breast imaging.

Consultation

During consultation be prepared to discuss:

• Your surgical goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Your breast lift doctor will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Examine and measure your breasts, including detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, and placement of your nipples and areolas.
• Take clinical photographs
• Discuss your surgery options – only breast lift or breast lift and augmentation.
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of and any risks or potential complications

It’s very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your cosmetic surgeon.

Preparing for Breast lift surgery

In preparing for surgery, you may be instructed as follows:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation. You will be asked to get a mammogram done to rule out any pathological lesion.
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Be sure to arrange for someone to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

AUGPEXY

Some patients want an increase in breast volume along with breast lift – simultaneous insertion of silicone breast implant along with breast mastopexy surgery can be performed. This is called Augpexy procedure.

Since there are conflicting forces at play i.e. breast lift surgery trying to make the breast more compact & firm and augmentation trying to expand & increase breast volume; this surgery should be performed by experienced breast cosmetic surgeons only. Due to the conflicting nature of surgery, the chances for complications are greater with augpexy surgery. Adhering to certain basic principles has enabled us to give excellent results consistently over the last several years. Please feel free to discuss this exciting option with your doctor.