Breast lift

Breast lift

Mastopexy, commonly known as breast lift, is the procedure carried out on sagging, droopy breasts with the intention of lifting the breast, improving its contour and making it perkier by means of removal of excess skin and possibly tissue.

A woman’s breast is subject to change over time. This means that apart from aging, it can be further adversely affected by a number of factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding or even genetic background. If you feel concerned by changes such as your breasts having lost their roundedness and are now sagging, more elongated, or if your nipples are now facing downwards and/or are positioned below your breast fold, and lastly if over time your breasts have changed shape or volume asymmetrically, and this bothers YOU, then you may consider a breast lift. A breast lift/mastopexy aims to restore the more youthful breast shape by lifting your nipples and removing excess skin. What it cannot do is increase your breast size and give you upper breast fullness. If you would like to have the additional upper pole fullness and/or increased size then you should consider having an Augmentation Mastopexy or simply put breast implants as well as a breast lift.

During the evaluation expect to be asked about your reasoning behind wanting to undergo a breast lift. You should be clear regarding your expectations. Personal and family history of breast cancer will be discussed as well as your general health, use of regular medications and social habits such as smoking. An examination of your breast will include precise measurements, skin quality assessment and the position of your nipple. Your surgeon will then offer you his evaluation and explain what is safely achievable in terms of a breast lift with your particular presentation in mind.

Prior to breast lift surgery you must carry out a complete blood test and a breast ultrasound but even better to have a breast mammogram carried out, including one after surgery for future reference. Breast lift is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. There will be incisions around your nipple and most likely the lower aspect of your breast, the extent of which varies depending on the amount of excess skin.  This allows for removal of surplus skin as well as to lift the nipple to its new position. Following tissue removal the breast is reshaped and sutures are placed to hold it together. The skin is closed in layers and supportive bra is applied over wound dressings.

Breast lift, similar to a breast reduction does carry some additional risks.  Aside from probable risks associated with general anaesthesia, as with most surgeries there is always a risk of bleeding, haematoma, poor wound healing, irregular scars as well as infection. More particular risks include temporary or even permanent changes to nipple sensation or rarely complete nipple loss, irregularities in breast form and asymmetry of breasts. Other conceivable complications include seroma formation, DVT or pulmonary embolism and fat or skin necrosis –loss-. Any of the above may lead to future revisional surgery or hospitalisation.

You will stay overnight following breast lift surgery. There will be a drain –plastic tube- coming out of each side, which will collect excess fluid/blood. These are typically removed the next morning before discharge. Your breast will be swollen and will remain so for the first 2-3 weeks, the swelling subsiding gradually. Pain and discomfort typically does not last more than 5-7 days. Your surgeon will prescribe painkillers and any other medication deemed necessary for you. The supportive bra provided will have to be worn for 8 weeks. During the first two weeks you should avoid driving, lifting heavy objects or any sudden movements. Sutures are absorbable but the knots may need removing after two weeks. Exercise should be avoided for the first 6-8 weeks depending on your recovery. Following surgery you are expected to return to us for follow up visits after a week and then again at 2 weeks and 3 months.