A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the sagging or ptotic appearance of breasts.
The procedure carries multiple benefits including restoring the original position of the nipple, reinflating the breast to increase breast volume, and/or restoring a more youthful natural-looking appearance. Many women who undergo a breast lift also claim it carries many physical benefits as well such as alleviating signs of back pain and chest pain.
A breast lift can also be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation, commonly referred to as an augmentation mastopexy. It is a surgical procedure that aims to lift, enlarge and firm the breasts to achieve a more youthful look and restore breast volume that may have been lost through pregnancy, breastfeeding, or mass-weight loss surgery.
What is involved in a breast lift?
Depending on your current situation, the results you desire and whether you choose to also get breast implants or not, there are different procedure types for mastopexy surgery as well as an incision site to consider.
- Traditional Breast Lift – Also known as a mastopexy or breast uplift surgery, requires Dr Leo Kim to remove excess skin. This helps tighten the surrounding tissue and to reshape (and support) the new breast contour.
- Breast Lift and Implant – Also known as an augmentation mastopexy, (similar to a traditional breast lift) requires Dr Leo Kim to first insert the new breast implants beneath the existing ptotic breasts to enlarge them. Implant shape and size will depend on various deciding factors such as how much bigger you desire your breasts to be, your anatomy, etc., that will be discussed during your consultation. Post-implant insertion, excess skin is removed to tighten the tissue and reshape the new breasts and achieve a natural-looking contour.
Incision Placement
Dr Leo Kim will inform you during your consultation of the available incision placement options and recommend on the best options for you. This is important to note as this is where the incision will be made, and your scar will form.
- Periareolar Incision – The periareolar incision is made only around the areola (coloured area surrounding the nipple). It is most typically the chosen incision type for women only requiring a minor breast lift, and slight adjustment of the nipple.
- Circumvertical Incision – This incision is made around the areola, and also travels down the midsection of the breast. This is generally chosen for women who need a more pronounced lift and is effective in enhancing projection.
- Anchor (Inverted T) Incision – This incision is a little more complex. It is made around the areola, travels vertically down the midsection of the breast, and horizontally across the breast fold. It is recommended on patients with significant amount of excess skin, or extremely ptotic or deflated breasts.
For more information on breast implant placement, shape, or size; visit breast augmentation surgery.
Breast Lift Recovery
Minor swelling, bruising and possible minor discomfort is expected after breast lift (and implant) surgery, but can be controlled through medication prescribed by your doctor. Scarring may take time to heal and will mature over time and become barely perceptible.
During recovery, you will be required to wear a garment for the first three weeks around the clock, only to be removed when showering. You will require assistance after surgery for the first few days to help perform day-to-day activities, including driving home from the surgery. Daily activities can be resumed at 6 weeks post-surgery.
Your final results may not be able to be seen until around six months to one-year post-operation.
What to know before a breast lift
Before considering a surgical procedure such as a breast lift (and implant), you must be in generally good health with no medical conditions that impair healing or increase surgical risk, maintain a stable weight, be a non-smoker or have quit smoking, uphold a positive mindset and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve as well as your surgeons’ abilities.
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Risks associated with a breast lift
Any invasive surgical procedure poses risk. These risks will be discussed with you in detail at your consultation.
- Anaesthesia – Some patients experience an adverse reaction to the anaesthesia. If you’ve experienced a bad reaction to anaesthesia before it is crucial you mention this to your surgeon during the consultation.
- Bleeding – Bleeding can occur and while a little light bleeding is no concern, excessive bleeding may require a return to operating theatre. Fortunately, this is rare.
- Breast Implant Complications – To learn more about the risks associated with breast implant insertion, visit our breast augmentation page.
- Haematoma – A painful pool or pocket of blood that can accumulate under the skin, resembling a bruise. Fortunately, this is rare.
- Infection – You will be provided with the right antibiotics to prevent any posed risk of infection. Following postoperative care procedures is the best way to avoid any risk of infection.
- Numbness – It is rare for permanent numbness to occur; however, it is possible and something to keep in mind. Loss of sensation can also occur in the nipple or surrounding the nipple.
- Poor Scar Healing – Noticeable healing and bad scarring are extremely rare. Poor scar healing is virtually unheard of when postoperative scar care is followed closely.
- Revision Surgery – Some patients choose to come in for a second surgery to help better achieve their desired results, or if the results appear asymmetric.
Breast Lift FAQs
Dr Leo Kim and his experienced team have answered frequently asked questions regarding this surgery. If you have a separate question or concern, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
First and foremost, nobody necessarily NEEDS a breast lift. When considering a breast lift, it is imperative that you want the procedure for you, your needs and your desires, and not under the influence of others. Patients in Sydney generally seek a breast lift to raise, enlarge, firm and/or to better contour the breasts.
If you are considering breast lift surgery, or a breast lift and implant, do not hesitate to request a consultation.
The short answer is no. If you undergo a surgical (invasive) procedure, unfortunately, scars are in most cases unavoidable. However, some extent of scarring can be avoided or deemed hardly perceivable through great care,
Dr Leo Kim always aims to help minimise the final appearance of scars on the breasts through meticulous surgical techniques. Request your consultation to get started or learn more about your options.
While this is something you will discuss during your initial consultation with the surgeon, Dr Leo Kim, there are some indications of whether implant insertion is required or not.
For example, if you look at the positioning of the nipple on the breast. If the nipple is lower on the breast and/or facing downwards, breast implants will not provide enough lift.
If you are still unsure of what you may require suitable to your desires, or have any questions or concerns, request a consultation with Dr Leo Kim today.
Breast Lift Surgery Sydney CBD
When you come in to see Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, we will ensure you feel self-assured about your decision and are fully informed on all the options suitable for your needs.
Contact us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.