What is Breast Lift Surgery?
Mastopexy, often known as breast lift surgery, is a surgical treatment used to lift and reshape sagging or drooping breasts. In order to reshape and support the new breast contour, the treatment does this by removing extra skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.
The breasts might lose their firmness and form over time as a result of things including gravity, aging, pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations, and several conditions. A breast lift might help you regain an elevated, more youthful breast profile.
It’s crucial to understand that a breast lift does not considerably alter the breasts’ size or round out their tops. Consider a breast lift in addition to a breast augmentation if you want your breasts to appear fuller. On the other hand, you can think about combining a breast lift with a breast reduction procedure if you want smaller breasts.
A breast lift can include risks like bleeding, infection, altered breast or nipple sensation, or scars, just like any surgical operation. Additionally, there must be a period of healing, and in the weeks following surgery, some activities can be prohibited. Always speak with a licensed healthcare professional to learn what the process can accomplish and to go over any worries or inquiries you might have.
Who is suitable for Breast Lift Surgery?
Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, may be a viable choice for you if:
You have drooping breasts as a result of getting older, being pregnant, breastfeeding, or losing a lot of weight. Ptosis is the medical word for sagging breasts.
Nipples that tip Downward: When your breasts are unsupported, your nipples tip downward or are situated below the breast crease.
You have stretched skin and swollen areolas, which are frequently brought on by aging or pregnancy.
One of your breasts hangs lower than the other if you have asymmetrical breasts.
Volume Loss: Although a lift alone won’t considerably alter breast size, you’ve lost volume in your breasts due to pregnancy or severe weight loss and want to restore a more youthful shape and position.
Good candidates for a breast lift typically include healthy people who:
not now breastfeeding or pregnant
Avoid smoking since it can interfere with your body’s capacity to heal after surgery.
Be realistic about what the procedure can do.
are at a constant weight because substantial weight changes can impair how the procedure turns out.
How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is normally done under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on how complicated the treatment is and whether other procedures are being done concurrently. The precise technique employed can change depending on elements such breast size and shape, degree of breast sagging, size and placement of the areolas, and skin flexibility. Here is a broad description of how a breast lift procedure is carried out:
Anesthesia: During the surgical procedure, medications are given to make you more comfortable. Both general anesthesia and intravenous sedation are options. The option that is ideal for you will be advised by your doctor.
There are three prevalent incision patterns:
(Peri-areolar or “Donut” lift) Around the areola
(Vertical or “Lollipop” lift) Around the areola and vertically downward from the areola to the breast crease.
(Inverted T or “Anchor” lift) Around the areola, down vertically from the breast crease, and along the breast crease.
The best procedure for you will be determined by your areola size and position, breast size and shape, degree of breast drooping, and skin quality and elasticity.
Lifting and Reshaping: To enhance breast contour and firmness, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped after the incision is done. The nipple and areola are raised to a more youthful, natural height. The skin around swollen areolas might be removed if necessary to minimize their size.
Removing Extra Skin: Extra skin is taken off after the breasts have been raised and sculpted to make up for lost suppleness.
Closing the wounds: To reduce scarring, the remaining skin is tightened and the wounds are properly closed. To form and sustain the newly shaped breasts, sutures are layered deeply within the breast tissue.
View the Results: After having a breast lift, the results are instantly apparent. Incision lines and post-operative edema will gradually disappear over time.
Following surgery, patients frequently cover gauze dressings with an elastic bandage or a surgical bra. The pain shouldn’t be too bad, but the breasts will be bruised, swollen, and unpleasant for a day or two. Medication can be used to ease any discomfort.
Before Breast Lift Surgery
There are various preparation measures you must complete before having breast lift surgery (mastopexy). Here are some general suggestions, but always heed the detailed counsel of your individual healthcare provider:
Medical Evaluation: To make sure you’re in good health before the treatment, you might need to get blood work done or undergo a medical evaluation. Before surgery, any health conditions you may have, such as diabetes or heart problems, must be under good control.
Medication Review: Talk to your doctor about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter vitamins, or herbal remedies you may be using. It could be necessary to discontinue taking some medications or change the dosage. Among these are over-the-counter medications like aspirin and some herbal supplements that can cause more bleeding.
Smoking: If you smoke, you must cease at least two weeks before and after the surgery, or more if you are a heavy smoker. Smoking can hasten the healing process and raise the risk of problems.
Make Plans for Assistance: You’ll need a driver to take you to and from the procedure and someone to stay with you for at least the first night after it.
Preoperative Instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions, including advice on what to eat and drink, how to care for your skin, and what to wear on the day of operation. Before your procedure, you could be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
Avoid tanning or sunbathing: Sun exposure, especially sunburn, can raise your risk of surgical complications.
Home preparation: Set up a recovery space where you may rest comfortably and have access to all of your necessities. This could involve having lots of pillows, a phone, a thermometer, and simple-to-make meals.
What is the Recovery Process After Breast Lift Surgery?
Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, recovery usually entails a period of rest and restricted activity. Following is a broad timeline and what to anticipate:
Directly following surgery
Your breasts will be wrapped or put in a surgical bra right after surgery. Small tubes may be inserted to drain any extra blood or fluid at the incision sites in your breasts. Your doctor will give you advice on how to take care of the surgical site, apply or take oral medications to promote healing and lessen the risk of infection, look out for any particular issues at the surgical site or with your general health, and when to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
The Initial Days
For a few days, you’ll probably feel sore and swollen, and you might be in some discomfort that you can manage with a prescription pain reliever. As you heal, you might need to use a support bandage or a surgical bra. The gauze dressing will probably be swapped out for a surgical bra after a couple of days.
The Initial Weeks
In the initial weeks, swelling and bruising will progressively go away. After surgery, you must restrict physical activity for at least two to four weeks. The majority of stitches are removed within one to two weeks, however the swelling may not go down completely for several weeks. When you can go back to work and resume your regular activities will depend on your doctor’s advice.
The Subsequent Months
Scarring is a typical side effect of the procedure, however scars should disappear with time. Although scars are normally located in places that can be covered by most clothing and bathing suits, everyone heals differently, so some people may have scarring that is more obvious than others.
As you heal, be sure to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and show up at all scheduled follow-up appointments so your surgeon can keep track of your development.
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that your breasts will continue to age even after a breast lift, and that additional changes to the size, firmness, and form of your breasts may result from aging, gravity, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations.
Breast Lift Surgery Recovery Process
Following a mastopexy or breast lift, there are often various stages in the healing process. It’s crucial to keep in mind that everyone heals at their own rate, therefore your recovery could not proceed according to this schedule exactly. Here is an overview of what to anticipate:
Directly following surgery
You’ll probably awaken in a recovery area after the treatment wearing a surgical bra for support and bandages over the incision areas. To help prevent fluid buildup, drains may be positioned close to the locations of the incisions. As you recover from anesthesia, a medical staff will keep an eye on you.
Expect some initial pain, bruising, and swelling. To help with any post-operative pain management, your surgeon will probably prescribe pain medication.
The Initial Days
It’s important to rest a lot the first several days after surgery. You’ll be told to stay away from lifting, bending, and strenuous activities. You ought to be able to move around and carry out extremely simple tasks, including using the restroom or taking a stroll around your home.
For several weeks, you’ll have to wear a surgical bra or a soft support bra constantly. This lessens swelling and supports the healing of your breasts.
The Initial Weeks
You should eventually experience less pain and swelling, and you’ll start to recognize your breasts’ new shape. Your breasts may appear high and tight at first, but this is normal, and they will gradually adapt to their new position.
Within the first two weeks, the majority of stitches are either removed or disappear naturally. Drains are usually taken out during the first week if you have any.
The Subsequent Months
Within a few weeks, you should be able to resume your regular activities and job, but it can take many months for your breasts to recover to their previous shape. When you may start exercising and engaging in other activities again, your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions.
Breast lift scars are permanent, but they often lighten and disappear over time. They are often positioned in places where a bra or bikini top can conceal them.
Long-Term Healing
The outcomes of your breast lift need to be largely steady throughout time. However, because to aging, weight changes, hormonal influences, and gravity, your breasts will continue to fluctuate over time. It’s crucial to have routine follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
Preparation for Breast Lift Operation
There are various steps involved in getting ready for a breast lift procedure to make sure everything goes well during the procedure and that you’re in the greatest health possible. You might need to follow the common steps listed below:
Medical Evaluation: To make sure you’re in good health before the treatment, you might need to get blood work done or undergo a medical evaluation. Based on your medical background and present state of health, your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions.
Medication Modifications: Discuss all of the prescription drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you’re currently taking with your surgeon. Before the procedure, you might need to stop taking several drugs. You might be specifically told to cease taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory meds since they raise your risk of bleeding.
You will be asked to cease smoking several weeks prior to your surgery if you currently do so. Smoking might delay recovery and raise the possibility of problems.
Getting Assistance: Make plans for a driver to take you home following your procedure and to stay with you for the first 24 hours. Because of the anesthetic, you won’t be able to operate a vehicle.
Set up a recovery place where you may rest and heal in your home to get it ready. You should have access to a space where you can lie back and sleep elevated, as this can assist to minimize swelling.
Before your surgery, it’s crucial to follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. You’ll probably be told to abstain from food and liquids the night before your procedure.
Day of Surgery: Dress comfortably and loosely on the day of the procedure. You’ll probably need to wear a button-down or zip-up top since following the operation, you might not be able to elevate your arms above your head.
What is the Age Limit for Surgery?
A person’s general state of health and the particular dangers of the surgery are more important factors than age alone when it comes to surgical procedures; there is no set “age limit.” However, there are some basic recommendations and factors to take into account when deciding on an age for a particular type of surgery.
According to FDA standards, surgeons normally advise patients to be at least 18 years old for saline implants and at least 22 years old for silicone implants before undergoing cosmetic operations like breast augmentation or a breast lift. These guidelines were put in place since breast development can last until the early 20s.
Most surgeons advise patients who are thinking about getting a facelift to hold off until they are at least in their mid-40s to early 50s because this is often the time when noticeable facial aging indications start to develop.
Patients who are older may have higher surgical risks because they may have underlying medical issues like diabetes or heart disease. Age alone, however, is not a qualification requirement. It is common for healthy people to safely undertake numerous surgical operations, including aesthetic ones, in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s.
Can Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation Be Done Together?
It is possible to combine a breast lift (mastopexy) and breast augmentation (implants) in a single procedure. The term “augmentation-mastopexy” is frequently used to describe this combination operation.
Breast augmentation by itself can enlarge and make the breasts appear fuller, but it cannot reverse serious drooping. Contrarily, a breast lift can elevate and contour the breasts to a more youthful position without dramatically altering their size.
By enlarging the breasts and enhancing their position and contour when done in tandem, these treatments can offer a more thorough enhancement. For women who have suffered drooping and loss of breast volume due to age, weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, this combination may be especially helpful.
Breast Lift Surgery Prices 2023
But I can tell you that the price of a breast lift (mastopexy) can differ significantly, based on things like:
Geographical Location: Depending on where you live, surgery costs can vary greatly. Higher surgical costs could be associated with major cities or regions with higher cost of living.
Expertise of the surgeon: A surgeon with extensive experience could bill extra.
Costs of the surgical facility: These include expenses related to the operating room, such as those for supplies, personnel, and operating room time.
Anesthesia costs can vary depending on whether a nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist is doing the procedure, as well as whether it is a general or local anesthetic.
Preoperative medical testing, such as radiology or blood work, may also be necessary.
Post-operative Clothing: You might need to wear specialized bras or compression clothing.
Costs associated with medications: Prescription drugs for infection control or pain treatment will increase overall costs.
Remember, choosing a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon for your treatment is more important than choosing one based only on price. Ask for a breakdown of all the associated fees during your appointment so that you are completely aware of what you are paying for.
You should speak with a medical professional or facility that performs breast lift operations if you want the most precise and recent cost information. They will be able to provide you with an estimate that takes into account both your individual situation and the current pricing trends.
Frequently asked Questions
Is There a Non-Surgical Breast Lift Method?
However, some non-surgical procedures can help the skin on the breasts look better or offer a small lift. It’s vital to remember that these treatments often produce moderate outcomes that cannot be compared to those of a surgical breast lift.
Here are a few alternatives to surgery:
Treatments using radiofrequency (RF) or ultrasonic energy can tighten the skin by heating the underlying tissues, encouraging the creation of collagen, and starting a healing response. These procedures might raise the skin slightly and enhance its quality, but they are unlikely to produce the same level of outcomes as surgery.
Laser therapies: Some laser therapies promise to lift and tighten the skin. They may not be useful for more severe sagging or drooping, although they often work best for mild sagging.
Topical Creams and Lotions: Although the market is flooded with creams and lotions that promise to tighten and lift the breasts, it is unlikely that these products would actually lift the breasts noticeably. The appearance of the skin may be improved by these products’ ability to hydrate and smooth the skin, but drooping breast tissue cannot be appreciably lifted by them.
Exercise: While strengthening the chest muscles beneath the breasts might help your chest area seem better overall, exercise won’t be able to elevate drooping breasts directly (breasts are formed of fat, not muscle).
Keep in mind that every person’s body is unique, and non-surgical therapies can produce a wide range of results. You can get the most precise information for your particular situation by speaking with a healthcare professional or a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can advise you on the best course of action based on your objectives and physical attributes and help you understand what outcomes you could anticipate from both surgical and non-surgical therapies.
Use of Protective Bra After Breast Lift
Your surgeon will probably advise you to use a special surgical bra or a soft support bra without underwire after a breast lift (mastopexy). This is also known as a compression bra or a post-operative bra. Here is how it works and what to anticipate:
Support: During the healing process, the bra offers support to the breasts’ altered tissues. It could aid in keeping the breasts in their new position and shape.
Applying little pressure can assist reduce swelling, which helps prevent post-operative edema and fluid buildup.
In the early stages of recuperation, when the breasts may be sensitive and swollen, it can also offer comfort.
Protection: The bra helps keep bandages in place and protects the surgical site.
You’ll receive detailed instructions from your surgeon on how long to wear the bra. It can be suggested that you wear it nonstop (day and night) for a predetermined amount of time, usually a few weeks, taking it off just to take a shower. You might still need to wear it for some time during the day after that. The precise timetable varies based on the particulars of your procedure and your individual rate of recovery.
You’ll probably be instructed to put on a soft, supportive bra sans underwire after you’re given the all-clear to wear conventional bras once more. Underwire bras might not offer the kind of even, soft support required during rehabilitation and may irritate incision sites. To guarantee the best healing and outcomes, always go by your surgeon’s instructions about bra use and all other elements of your post-operative care.