Breast Lift
About Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support a new uplifted and rejuvenated breast contour.
Women who require breast lift surgery usually have breasts that sag due to ageing and or having breastfed. Breasts of any size can be lifted but the best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Sometimes you may also wish to increase the size of the breast in which case combining the procedure with a breast augmentation may be appropriate.
Surgery
Breast lift surgery involves excision of excess skin, re-draping of the remaining skin, repositioning of the nipple +/- reduction of the nipple.
The “vertical scar” technique is the most commonly used and it results in a scar around the nipple and a scar going vertically down the breast. Sometimes it is also necessary to excise in a straight line below the breast.
Breast lift surgery can also be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation for patients wishing fuller breasts using implants.
FAQs
How would you describe typical breasts in a patient that may present to you for breast lift surgery?
The breasts of a patient who presents for breast lift surgery may have all or some of the following features:
- breasts have lost shape and/or volume
- breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous
- when unsupported, nipples fall below the breast crease
- nipples and areolae point downward
- areolae have become enlarged
- one breast is lower than the other
What are the common causes of sagging breasts?
These are just a few of the common causes:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Weight fluctuation
- Ageing
- Genetic factors
Will the breast lift round the upper part of my breast or make them look bigger?
No – not significantly. If you want the breast to look noticeably fuller, you will require the insertion of an implant in addition to the breast lift procedure. It is quite common to combine a breast lift procedure with an augmentation.
Will the procedure leave any scars?
There will be a scar around the nipple, +/- vertically down from the nipple to the lower fold of the breast and possibly in the lower fold of the breast.
Will I be able to breastfeed after breast lift surgery?
Possibly. Breast lift surgery doesn’t significantly alter the breast tissue remaining, so shouldn’t have a significant impact on the ability to breastfeed.
Will future pregnancies change the result of a breast lift?
The breast skin may stretch with pregnancy and breastfeeding and hence reverse some of the effects of the breast lift procedure.
How long is my surgery post-recovery?
The breast lift procedure is usually carried out in a private hospital under general anaesthetic as a day procedure.
Following your procedure, dressings will be applied to the incisions and you will need to wear a support bra for 2-4 weeks to minimise swelling and support your breasts as they heal. A return to all normal activities is expected within 6 weeks.
Medical terms
Mastopexy: surgical name for breast lift procedure
Vertical scar technique: The breast reduction technique is possible for some small to medium breast reductions that result in a scar from the underside of the nipple down to under the breast but which does not result in a horizontal scar under the breast.
- Loss of nipple-areola, nipple-areola too high or low, and skin loss – especially in -smokers
- Possible difficulty with breastfeeding
- Altered sensitivity of mammography to detect breast cancer
Additional general risks inherent in undergoing surgery and anaesthesia are explained at the time of consultation.
Fees
Our Surgeons & Anaesthetists charge out-of-pocket fees for surgery done in the private hospital.
Because the length and complexity of the different surgical techniques are so vast, you will be given an estimate of costings after your consultation.
For more information on fees and rebates For more information on fees and rebates please visit the fee section on the FAQ page.