Do you find yourself longing for a silhouette that reflects your youthful spirit, wishing to restore the shape and position of your breasts after the natural changes brought about by time, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations?
Then a breast lift might be for you.
A breast lift (or a mastopexy) is a surgical intervention aimed at addressing sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.
A mastopexy lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest, enhancing their shape and firmness. Unlike breast augmentation, a lift does not significantly alter the size of your breasts but focuses on improving their overall appearance and symmetry. If you wish to reduce the size of your chest, the procedure can be combined with breast reduction.
Breasts can lose their youthful shape and firmness due to various factors, a reality that affects many but is seldom discussed openly. Key contributors include: ageing, weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, gravity, pregnancy and genetics.
A breast lift might be an option for you if:
•Your breasts are sagging, having lost the shape and volume
•Your nipples and areolae point downwards
•Your breasts are different sizes
•Your areolae have stretched out of proportion
•Your nipple falls below your breast crease when unsupported
The initial consultation is a moment where you and your surgeon explore the aesthetic goals and the practicalities of achieving them through a mastopexy. It is a time for open dialogue about what you hope to achieve and for the surgeon to provide a realistic perspective, based on their expertise and an evaluation of your breast size, shape and the degree of sagging.
During this meeting, you will also cover your medical history, any previous surgeries and your overall health, to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This is the time to address any concerns or questions you may have, to stay informed and comfortable with the proposed plan.
Preparing for surgery is a collaborative e ffort between you and your surgical team. You will be guided on how to adjust your lifestyle in the weeks leading up to the procedure, such as pausing certain medications and ceasing smoking to enhance your body's ability to heal. Instructions for the night before your surgery, like fasting requirements, will be provided to prepare you for anaesthesia.
Making your home recovery-friendly by setting up a comfortable resting area and having necessary supplies and a support team of family or friends on hand, will play a huge part of your preparation.
To ensure a pain-free experience, allowing the surgeon to proceed with the breast lift surgery while you are comfortably sedated, you will be administered anaesthesia. Whether the surgery requires general anaesthesia, where you'll be asleep, or local anaesthesia with sedation, depends on the extent of your procedure and your personal health.
The anaesthesiologist will assess your medical history and any previous experiences with anaesthesia to determine the best approach. Throughout the surgery, your vital signs and comfort level are closely monitored, and after the procedure, the focus shifts to your gradual and safe recovery from the anaesthesia.
The technique for your breast lift will be determined during your consultation, and the incision pattern is tailored to your specific needs, aimed to minimise the visible scarring, while maximising the aesthetic outcome. They commonly consist of either a periareolar, lollipop or anchor-shaped incision.
A breast lift surgery typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on the extent of the lift required, and whether additional procedures, such as breast augmentation or reduction, are being performed simultaneously.
After making the incisions, the 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, ensuring that the proportions of the newly shaped breasts are harmonious and natural-looking.
Layers of sutures are used to close the incisions, ensuring that the newly shaped breasts are supported. The sutures, skin adhesives or surgical tape used to close the skin, are applied with precision to minimise scarring. As the incisions heal, they will gradually fade and improve over time, however, they will not fade completely.
The results of a breast lift are visible immediately after surgery, although initial swelling and incision lines will gradually diminish over time. Your new breast shape will continue to improve as you heal, with final results typically emerging within a few months. A mastopexy does not significantly change the size of your breasts, but it can dramatically enhance their appearance by lifting and firming. Attending regular follow-ups and keeping a healthy lifestyle will help you enjoy your results for years to come.
The journey through the procedure doesn't end with the procedure itself; the post-operative period plays a significant role in ensuring optimal results and your overall well-being.
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within a week or two after the procedure, depending on the nature of their job. Swelling and bruising are normal and will gradually subside over a few weeks.
After a breast lift, the scars are usually well concealed and will fade significantly over time. Scars are often hidden under the natural contours of the breasts, or along lines that can be covered by bras and swimwear. Techniques such as silicone sheets or gels, sun protection and gentle massage can improve the appearance of scars.
As with any surgical procedure, a breast lift carries certain risks and potential side effects, such as infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation and issues with scarring. Although serious complications are rare, you should be aware of these possibilities and discuss any concerns with your surgeon beforehand.
• Infection
• Change in nipple or breast sensation
• Scarring issues
• Bleeding and blood clots
Adhering closely to pre and post-operative instructions can minimise the risk of complications, and ensure a safer, more effective recovery.
