Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery, otherwise known as mastopexy surgery is a cosmetic procedure which is designed to reshape the patients breasts, restoring them to their original look.

Through the effects of time, and other factors such as pregnancy, breasts can slowly lose their shape. Breast lift surgery is designed to address these effects, by incorporating a procedure which does not only restore the shape of the breast, but can also restore some of the lost volume.  

Why Have Breast Lift Surgery?  

Breast lift surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures, and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 100,000 breast lift procedures were performed in the United States last year, an increase of over 12% on the previous year. 

The main reason patients choose to undertake breast lift surgery is to reverse the inevitable effects of time and gravity, as well as other factors such as pregnancy, on the patients breasts. Breast lift surgery has a rejuvenating effect on the breasts, by restoring them to closer to their original position and shape.   

Preparing For The Surgery, And The Procedure:  

Mastopexy surgery is normally performed under a general anesthetic, and the procedure is likely to take between one and a half, and three hours depending on the nature of the procedure. Prior to your surgery, your surgeons will meet with you to discuss the procedure and the possible results. They will also discuss with you the potential risks and complications involved with the procedure, as well as explaining how they would be address should any occur during your procedure.

Breast lift surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and under a general anesthetic. It is important to ensure that a friend or family member will be available to accompany you home following the surgery.

In the majority of cases, breast lift surgery involves an anchor shaped incision being made around the nipple areola, following down along the natural contour of the breast, and horizontally along the crease along the underside of the breast. In some instances, surgeons who are operating on woman with smaller breasts, may choose to perform a 'doughnut mastopexy' were the surgeon only creates an incision around the areola. 

Following the incisions being made into the breast, the excess skin is then removed, and the nipple and the areola are moved to the new higher position. The skin is then brought back down over the breast allowing the breast to adopt to its new shape. Stiches are then placed along the incisions in the breast.  

Breast Lift Recovery Period:

You will be required to wear either loose bandages or a surgical bra over gauze dressings for a number of days following your surgery. It is important that during this period the patient avoids any form of strenuous activity such as stretching or lifting. 

Prior to the surgery, your surgeon will advise you at length on the best ways to manage your recovery period. Strictly adhering to this advice will ensure that you are minimalising the risk of any potential complications following the surgery.

Following a breast lift surgery, the majority of patients are able to resume normal activities within a period of two to three weeks.   

The Risks Of Breast Lift Surgery:

Breast lift procedures are a form of surgery, and as such there is an element of risk involved. Complications specific to this type of procedure include post-operative bleeding or possible infection to the breast region, or a temporary loss of sensation around the nipple region. This loss of sensation has been known to become permanent in a small number of cases, although this is exceptionally rare.

Breast lift surgery does leave permanent scarring, however the vast majority of these are generally covered up by a bra or some other form of clothing.