Breast lift surgery is a permanent solution developed for women experiencing breast sagging. As women age, for various reasons, the skin of the breast loses its elasticity, causing the breasts to droop and change shape. Almost every woman experiences this issue.
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Breast sagging not only negatively affects the aesthetic appearance but also causes a loss of self-confidence as the person may feel older. The only permanent solution to breast sagging is breast lift surgery. Breast lift surgery is a simple and comfortable procedure. With a breast lift, the individual achieves lifted, fuller, and shapely breasts, restoring a youthful and aesthetic appearance.
What is Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that aims to lift and firm sagging breasts without changing their size. Breast sagging is a common issue among women due to factors such as childbirth, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, gravity, and aging. Sagging breasts can make a person look older and disrupt the aesthetic harmony of their figure, as they may struggle to fit into clothing properly. Breast lift surgery eliminates breast sagging, restoring a firm and shapely appearance to the breasts.
Who is Breast Lift Surgery Suitable For?
Any woman experiencing breast sagging and dissatisfied with this condition may be a candidate for breast lift surgery. There are certain signs to look for when determining if breast sagging is present:
- The nipple and areola point downward.
- The nipple falls below the breast crease.
- One breast sits lower than the other.
- Despite weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, breast sagging persists.
- In such cases, breast sagging can be diagnosed, and a breast lift may be the ideal solution.
What Should Be Done Before Breast Lift Surgery?
Before breast lift surgery, the patient’s medical history is taken. Necessary tests, including bloodwork, breast ultrasound, and, if needed, mammography, are performed to ensure there are no health issues that could complicate the procedure. Blood-thinning medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption should be stopped before surgery.
How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made around the areola and vertically down the lower part of the breast. The nipple is repositioned upwards, and the breast tissue is reshaped. Excess skin is removed, and the incision is closed with sutures. The classic breast lift surgery is applied when the breast tissue is sufficiently large. The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours to complete.
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In cases where the breast tissue is small and sagging is minimal, in addition to the classic breast lift surgery, a combination of fat injection or breast implants can be used to lift the breasts while also achieving the ideal breast size. If the breast size is too large, a breast reduction surgery is performed first, followed by a breast lift to achieve the desired results.
What Should Be Considered After Breast Lift Surgery?
After breast lift surgery, the patient typically stays in the hospital for one night. If drains were placed, they are removed after 1-2 days. Stitches are taken out within 7-10 days. It is common to experience effects such as swelling, bruising, or numbness in the breast area, which usually subside within 7-10 days. During the recovery process, the following precautions should be observed:
- No shower should be taken for the first 3 days. Afterward, warm showers can be taken.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach and protect the chest area from impacts.
- A compression bra should be worn regularly.
- Avoid exercise and strenuous activities.
- Stay away from hot, steamy environments and avoid sun exposure.
- Do not use any medications or cosmetics other than those prescribed by the doctor, and follow all post-operative instructions carefully.
Breast Lift Prices
The cost of breast lift surgery varies depending on factors such as the technique used, the materials involved, whether it is combined with other procedures, and the experience of the surgeon. You can visit our center for a consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a breast lift and to get detailed pricing information.
Will There Be Scarring After Breast Lift Surgery?
The location of the surgical scar depends on the technique used in the breast lift procedure. In classic breast lift surgery, the scar is in an inverted T shape around and below the areola. The fading of the scar depends on the patient’s metabolism, lifestyle, and adherence to post-operative care. Typically, the scar begins to fade after about 3 months and becomes less noticeable by the 6th month, blending into the skin tone within a year. The visibility of the scar also depends on skin tone; those with very dark or very light skin tend to have more noticeable scars compared to individuals with a wheatish complexion. If the scar is bothersome, laser scar removal treatments can provide a solution.
Is a Breast Lift Permanent?
The results of breast lift surgery are long-lasting, especially if the patient maintains a stable weight and does not become pregnant. As long as these conditions are met, the effects of the breast lift can last a lifetime. However, if sagging occurs again due to weight fluctuations or pregnancy, a repeat surgery can restore the firm appearance of the breasts.
What Are the Complications After a Breast Lift?
Possible complications after a breast lift include infection, bleeding, wound healing issues, or asymmetry. To avoid complications, it is important to follow the doctor’s pre-operative instructions carefully and choose an experienced plastic surgeon.
Can a Breast Lift Be Done with Breast Implants?
In patients with minimal breast tissue and sagging, a breast lift can be achieved with the use of breast implants. The implants not only prevent sagging but also help achieve the ideal breast size. However, if the patient has very little breast tissue and significant sagging, a breast lift surgery is required in addition to the implants. In these cases, excess skin is removed, and implants are placed to create firm and full breasts.
Can a Breast Lift Be Done with Fat Injection?
Fat injection can yield successful results in patients with minimal breast tissue and sagging. However, to perform fat injection, the patient must have low breast fat tissue but enough excess fat in other parts of the body for the procedure. Therefore, very slim individuals are not suitable candidates for this method.
How Long Should a Compression Bra Be Worn After a Breast Lift?
A compression bra should be worn consistently as instructed by the doctor, typically for around one month, to support the healing process and ensure the best results from the surgery.
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After a breast lift, a compression bra should be worn day and night for the first 6 weeks. The compression bra is highly effective in shaping and supporting the breasts during the healing process, making regular use essential. These specially designed, comfortable, non-restrictive, and breathable compression bras are made from materials specifically intended for post-surgical use.
Can You Breastfeed After a Breast Lift?
Whether the milk ducts are preserved during a breast lift depends on the technique used. In patients with significant breast tissue and sagging, the milk ducts are usually affected. Therefore, it is important for the individual to mention any future plans for pregnancy and breastfeeding before the surgery so that the method can be tailored accordingly.
Will the Breasts Sag Again After a Breast Lift?
Breasts may sag again after a breast lift if the patient gains excessive weight or becomes pregnant. To maintain the results of the surgery, it is recommended to keep weight stable and, if pregnancy is planned, consider postponing the surgery until after childbirth for the best outcome.
When Can You Return to Work After a Breast Lift?
Depending on the individual’s recovery, it is usually possible to return to work within 3-7 days after a breast lift. However, if the job is physically demanding or requires significant effort, it is advisable not to rush back to work. The most appropriate return time will be determined by the doctor based on the patient’s recovery progress.
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Author : Op. Dr Leyla ARVAS
Dr Leyla Arvas is an internationally recognised specialist in aesthetic surgery based in Istanbul. Graduated in 1998 from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, she has developed her expertise by studying in Taiwan, Japan and Spain during her 20 years of experience.
This article February 12, 2025 was updated on
Editor: admin@quartz.com.tr