Breast lift: how it is performed, and what to expect after it is done

Because of aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations, breasts can often lose suppleness, and droop. Surgery to raise, contour, and tighten the breasts is known as “mastopexy” (which is commonly known as breast lift). Additionally, it can eliminate asymmetry and other flaws. Breast augmentation or reduction may be paired with a breast lift. 

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to alter the size and form of your breasts. An expert in plastic surgery can:

·         Raise your breasts.

·         Improve the symmetry or similarity of your breasts.

·         Make your areola (the dark pigmented region surrounding the nipple) smaller, and more forward-facing (rather than downward).

·         Eliminate excess skin that may have become developed over time.

·         Make your breasts look more rounded by reshaping them.

·         To properly support your nipples and areolas, tighten the tissue in your breasts.

Why do individuals get breast augmentation surgery?

Our breasts alter as we age. Your breasts might stretch, sag, or droop due to them losing their suppleness. Some causes are:

·         Ageing.

·         Breastfeeding (chestfeeding).

·         Sagging breasts "run in the family" or due to genetics.

·         Gravity.

·         Pregnancy.

·         Significant loss of weight.

Your breasts may seem younger and firmer after mastopexy. A breast lift can also eliminate perceived flaws like:

·         Downward-pointing areolas.

·         Breasts that are uneven or unequal.

Will having a breast lift alter the size of my breasts?

Your breast size won't alter due to a breast lift alone. But the treatment is frequently coupled with other procedures to make them bigger or smaller. Think about getting breast augmentation if you desire larger breasts (implants). Consider breast reduction if you desire smaller breasts.

What is the price of a breast lift?

The costs of cosmetic surgery are typically not covered by insurance companies. Inquire about particular expenses with your insurance company and your doctor.

What occurs before a breast lift procedure?

You will visit with your plastic surgeon before the mastopexy. You and the surgeon will speak about:

·         Your aims.

·         Your medical background includes any illnesses, allergies, past operations, and mammography findings.

·         If breast cancer runs in your family or whether you or anyone else does.

·         All medications you take include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and blood thinners.

·         Alcohol, cigarette, or illicit substance use.

Your plastic surgeon could request that you:

·         Consult your health care physician about getting blood testing or getting a physical.

·         Go for a mammogram.

·         Stop using tobacco products and smoking.

·         Stop using some medications (for example, aspirin, NSAIDs and herbal supplements).

What occurs following breast lift surgery?

Most mastopexy patients return home the same day. The first night, you should have someone accompany you and drive you home.

A tiny tube to drain fluid and stop swelling will often be placed close to one or more incisions (if so, this will be removed within the first week).

You will get personalized recovery instructions from your surgical team. 

What dangers or issues might arise from a breast lift procedure?

Being a surgical operation, a breast lift has risks and potential side effects, such as:

·         Asymmetry of the breasts (they don't appear the same).

·         Bleeding.

·         Changes in feeling include numbness in the areolas, nipples, or breast skin. Additionally, the sensation of the areolas and nipples on the left and right may differ.

·         Anaesthesia-related complications, such as nausea, vomiting, or difficulty waking up.

·         Potential unable to lactate (breastfeed).

·         Insufficiently healed wounds.

·         Infection.

·         Issues relating to your heart or lungs.

·         You receive undesirable results, which can necessitate more surgery.

·         Skin discolouration, rippling, or scarring.

How does recovery after a breast lift go?

You may have discomfort, edema, and bruising following a breast lift. Your skin may feel a little bit tight at first. These often quickly improve over time, and within 2-3 weeks most women have resumed all normal activities, and feel like themselves again!