Breast Lift

Breast lift allows the individual to have natural looking and symmetrical breasts, proportionate with the body size. It is also called mastopexy and it is performed by specialist plastic surgeons.

The shape and structure of the breasts are examined and the differences in their appearance is determined, considering the body proportions of the patient. If there is asymmetry in the breasts, it will also be taken into account. Normally, the right and left breast is different from each other in every woman.

To determine the extent of breast sagging, the inframammary fold is taken as the reference line. This line provides a reference to determine how far down the nipple is. Those, who wish to undergo breast lift surgery, should first examine their breasts in front of a mirror. If the nipples have fallen below the inframammary folds, you may need this surgery.

How is breast lift surgery performed?

Breast lift operation requires the patient and the surgeon to select the most appropriate technique to obtain the best results. The nipple and relaxed breasts are reshaped, the nipple is brought to the optimum position, and excess skin is removed. Depending on the extent of breast sagging, a difficult-to-notice scar will be formed in variable shapes (such as in the shape of a crescent over the nipple, a circular one or 4-5 cm straight incision line down the nipple).

If you want your breasts to look fuller, breast lift and augmentation (silicone prosthesis placement) surgery can be performed. If you want smaller breasts, a breast lift and reduction operation can be performed to eliminate sagging. Scar marks will be apparent after the operation, but they will fade away in time.

The healing process after breast lift surgery

The pain after breast lift will not be of high severity. Edema and bruising may occur on the breasts. These effects do not last long. If a breast prosthesis is inserted, pain may occur in the arms for several days. It takes up to 3 days to remove the chest bandaging. After the bandaging, patients will start wearing a sports bra that looks like a crop top.

At least one month after the surgery is needed to engage in arm workouts and swimming. Since absorbable sutures are used to close incision sites, patients do not experience the stress of removing sutures. It takes about 6-12 months for these adverse effects to be resolved, for the sensation impairments in the breasts to be restored, and for the breasts to take their final new shapes after the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Incision and Suture Marks Disappear After The Breast Lift?

Breast lift surgery requires intervention in the nipple and the areola. The nipple is brought to an upright position using the incision created on the nipple. The incision applied to the transition zone between the areola and the breast skin will be unnoticeable.

Does Breast Lift Surgery Prevent Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is possible with the involvement of the milk ducts in the breast. Breast lift surgery does not interfere with milk ducts. This means that the procedure will not constitute any form of obstacles to breastfeeding.

Can drooping breasts be corrected by methods other than surgery?

It is not possible to raise sagging breasts by using creams, massaging or medications. The breasts can only be raised by surgical intervention. Breast lift is not made possible with the use of natural methods.

How is breast lift surgery decided?

The  surgeon, who will perform the operation, will perform a physical examination before the surgery. The body proportions of the patient as well as the breast and nipple sizes will be examined while the patient is standing up.

How is breast lift surgery performed?

Breast lift surgery is performed when the patient is under general anesthesia regardless of which technique is applied. Although the duration of breast lift surgery depends on the techniques applied, it takes approximately 2-4 hours.

What will happen after the breast lift surgery?

After the breast lift surgery, the patient should follow the doctor’s recommendations. Postoperative edema is normal. Cold compresses can be applied to the area of intervention. Pain of mild severity is normal in the postoperative period and can be managed with painkillers. The medications to be used by the patient will be prescribed by the surgeon.

What should be paid attention to during the recovery period?

After the breast lift surgery, the patient should follow all of the recommendations. This way, a comfortable and easy healing period can be experienced. The patient should be in contact with the doctor. Any unexpected bleeding, pain or wound dehiscence should be consulted with the surgeon definitely.

Is Sagging Possible After The Surgery?

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss after the breast lift surgery may cause sagging to occur again. Therefore, it will be appropriate to perform the breast lift operation when the individual has no further plans for conception and when the individual has a normal body weight.

How should the individual get prepared for the surgery?

Before scheduling breast lift surgery, the patient should undergo ultrasound examination of the breasts if she is younger than 40 years old or mammography if she is older than 40 years old. The patient is advised to attend the clinic with a companion on the day of the operation. Blood thinning medication such as aspirin should be discontinued 1 week before the operation.

What is the type of anesthesia to be administered during the surgery?

General anesthesia is administered to the patient during the breast lift surgery. To achieve a healthy process before, during, and after the surgery; all recommendations made by the anesthesiologist should be followed. Medications such as aspirin should be discontinued one week before the surgery.

How Long Does Breast Lift Surgery take?

This operation varies from patient to patient but it usually lasts 2 to 4 hours. The duration of the procedure depends on the breast size, body and skin architecture, and age of the patient.

Can silicone prostheses be placed for breast lift?

If the extent of breast sagging is minor, it is possible to eliminate the sagging by placing a silicone prostheses. If the patient asks for breast lift and breast augmentation in combination, placing silicone prostheses will not suffice.

When to return to daily life after surgery?

Patients undergoing breast lift surgery can get back to their routine daily life after one week on the average. However; it is recommended that people having demanding jobs positions, engaging in heavy sports activities, and having a very active daily routine should wait for at least 3 months. These recommendations should be followed to avoid any postoperative complications.

What are the problems that surgery does not resolve?

Breast lift operation does not help small breasts grow. People having saggy and small breasts need to undergo both breast lift and breast augmentation procedures in the same session. The patient needs to make a decision clearly and define the targets. Then, these issues should be consulted openheartedly in detail with the surgeon.

Who is eligible to undergo breast lift surgery?

Breast lift surgery is appropriately performed in individuals over 18 years old, suffering from the sagging breasts. Individuals planning to undergo breast lift surgery are advised to postpone the operation until they stop planning pregnancy.