Breast Lift
(Mastopexy)
Breast Lift Surgery in Sydney
Breast lift, or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight change, aging and gravity produce changes in the appearance of a woman’s breast. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and begin to sag.
Breast lift, or mastopexy surgery performed by our specialist plastic surgeons to raise and reshape sagging breasts. This operation can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin around the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both firmness and size.
The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who have realistic expectations about this type of surgery can accomplish. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in women with heavy, large breasts. Mastopexy does leave permanent, noticeable scars on the breasts. There is a variety of different surgical techniques used for the reshaping and lifting of the female breast.
As we age, our breasts can also lose their lift and shape.
Restoring Your Breasts
As with all cosmetic surgery, realistic expectations and emotional stability are important. Though breasts of any size can be lifted, women with smaller breasts enjoy longer lasting results.
You may benefit from a breast lift if:
- Your breasts are pendulous (hanging), but of satisfactory size
- Breasts lack firmness or substance
- Nipples point downward and are positioned below the underwire crease
Depending on the degree of sagginess of your breasts, this breast lift procedure may be combined with breast augmentation surgery. This combination may appeal to women who have lost breast volume or have always wanted larger breasts. Pregnancy and nursing often result in stretched skin and decreased volume. If you are planning a future pregnancy, it is advisable to postpone your breast lift since you will probably experience further stretching.
This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes two to four hours, depending on the size and shape of the breasts, as well as the degree of sagging and amount of excess skin. Various incision patterns are possible and the objective is to remove excess skin and then stitch the remaining tissue in place so that the breasts have a more youthful, pert appearance. The main incisions may be:
- Circular, following the outline of the areola around the nipple.
- Around the outside of the areola, where it meets the skin of the breast, and then vertically downwards towards the breast crease.
- For larger, more pendulous breasts further incisions may be made at the side of the breasts to remove excess skin and fatty tissue
What are the risks involved with a Breast Lift (mastopexy) procedure?
Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved with mastopexy. An individual’s choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison to the risk to potential benefit. While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your breast lift surgeon to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of mastopexy (breast lift).
Please find below the associated risks and complications:
Bleeding – It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after surgery. Should operative bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood or blood transfusion. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.
Infections – An infection is quite unusual after this type of surgery. Should an infection occur, treatment includes antibiotics or additional surgery may be necessary.
Change in nipple and skin sensation – You may experience a change in the sensitivity of the nipples and the skin of your breasts. Permanent loss of nipple sensation can occur after a mastopexy in one or both nipples.
Skin scarring – All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing a surgical procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissue. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than the surrounding skin tone. There is the possibility of visible marks in skin from sutures. In some cases scars may require surgical revision or treatment.
Firmness – Excessive firmness of the breast can occur after surgery due to internal scarring or scarring around a breast implant if one is used. The occurrence of this is not predictable. Additional treatment including surgery may be needed.
Delayed Healing – Wound disruption or delayed would healing is possible. Some areas of the breast nipple regions may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal.
Asymmetry – Some breast asymmetry naturally occurs in most women. Differences in terms of breasts are nipple shape, size, or symmetry may also occur after surgery. Additional surgery may be necessary to revise the asymmetry after a mastopexy.
Allergic Reactions – In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to drugs used during surgery and prescription medications. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.
After a breast lift
Your surgeon will remove the bandages and any drains during your follow-up visit on the first or second day after your breast lift. The doctor will also check the nipple’s colour and blood supply. After the operation, expect to be uncomfortable for a few days. Your doctor will usually recommend that you wear a bra or have a special dressing in place to provide the support you will need during your recovery. For the first week, you may need pain medication. If you’ve gotten breast implants, be careful to avoid any impact to your chest. Within two to three weeks, your surgeon will remove all your stitches.
The size and shape of the breast will continue to improve as time passes. There may be slight differences in symmetry between the two breasts. If so, your plastic surgeon will do a small touch-up procedure to help reposition the nipple as necessary. Minor adjustments can be made later on. During your recovery, it is very important to limit your activity as directed by your surgeon and to immediately report any side effects or problems you’re having. Any surgery has risks, including infection. With breast lift surgery, permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breast skin is very rare.
How much does it cost?
From $14,400
Fee above includes the hospital theatre and bed fee, anaesthetist fee, surgeon’s fee, post operative bra and post operative consultations in the first year.
Please keep in mind not all patients are alike and some will require a slightly different operation than others. Rest assured, you will receive a specific price quotation during your consultation visit.
Cost of Consultation : $250.00
The cost of the consultation fee (face to face, Skype or FaceTime) is payable at the time of the booking. This amount is non-refundable/transferable amount in an event of a no show, cancellation, rescheduling, change of mind etc etc. You are essentially paying for the time we are exclusively reserving for you.
Please do not book an appointment if you are unsure of your availability. The consultation date and time is exclusively booked for you.
What should be my next step if I am interested to pursue this option?
Your first step is to see your Gp and organise to get a referral to see our plastic surgeon. Once you have received your letter of referral, kindly call the clinic on 1300 378 336 and schedule an appointment for a consultation with our plastic surgeon.
Is there patient financing?
Patient financing is completely independent from the clinic. For patients wanting affordable payment plans please apply directly with Total Lifestyle Credit. This facility is subject to approval. Our advice to all patients is to be financially responsible when undertaking finance for elective surgical procedures.
Resources:
G Whidden, P. (2003). Simultaneous breast augmentation and mastopexy. Plastic Surgery, 11(02). [PubMed]
Hurwitz, D. and Golla, D. (2004). Breast Reshaping after Massive Weight Loss. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 18(3), pp.179-187. [PubMed]
Read more on Breast Augmentation, Inverted Nipple Correction and Labiaplasty
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