Breast Lift – Sydney & Canberra

Breast Lift – The Operation

Breast lift, also known as breast ptosis correction or mastopexy, takes approximately two hours. It is performed under general anaesthesia or deep sedation depending on the extent of the procedure .

Excess skin will be cut away from above, below and around the nipple and areola. The skin will be stretched taut when rejoined. The pattern followed by the surgeon is that which will cause the breast to be lifted and allow repositioning of the nipple. Loss of nipple sensation, not uncommon in breast reduction is not expected, nor is breast-feeding prevented.

The three possible scar patterns are shown below.

After your Breast Lift Procedure

Following breast lift surgery, your breasts will probably be uncomfortable, possibly painful. However, this is easily relieved, by taking pain-killing tablets as required. Aspirin should be avoided.

The wounds will be dressed with a simple light tape dressing which should be kept dry and in place until the stitches are removed and the wounds checked at seven to ten days. You may shower during this period being careful to keep the tapes dry, or take a shallow bath. A comfortably fitting bra can be worn immediately after surgery.

You should be aware that bruising of the skin of your ‘new’ breasts may occur but will probably disappear in 2-3 weeks. To help rapidly decrease swelling and bruising you may, if you wish, take Arnica one week prior to surgery and two weeks afterwards.

As in any surgery, there is a possibility of infection, but this is readily treated with antibiotics and/or dressings as required. Delayed wound healing is more likely if you smoke tobacco after surgery.

The scars in this procedure are around the areolae of the nipples, possibly extending down to the under breast crease and along this crease. Your surgeon will define the extent of the scars as they vary depending on your initial shape. Immediately after surgery, the skin adjacent to the incision may appear slightly ‘pleated’. Initially, the scars can be hard, red, raised and lumpy and can take up to 18 months to flatten and resolve, depending on the healing qualities of the individual. Pressure on any lumpy scars with a firm well-fitting bra will help them to soften more quickly. The three possible scar patterns from a breast lift treatment are shown below.

Expect to be somewhat tired for up to two weeks after your surgery. You may drive after three or four days but do not return to vigorous exercise for two weeks and it is not advisable to make any travel plans for at least one month after your operation.

Breast Lift Summary

The results of this operation are usually excellent and you can expect less drooping of your breasts with the nipples in a higher position. Immediately after surgery your new breasts will be apparent but the final shape takes approximately six months to fully emerge.

Scars are the greatest consideration in this procedure. They will eventually return to normal skin colour but you should not assume that the scars in a breast lift can ever be ‘hairline’; they cannot.

---