Frequently Asked Questions
After pregnancy and breast-feeding, the breasts can often appear ‘hollowed’ out, and the post partum breast, after breast milk production cease can often appear deflated with saggy, ptotic skin and with breasts appearing low on the chest/upper abdomen.
Breast lift surgery is a type of breast rejuvenating surgery, where the breast is lifted back up to the chest from the ptotic (sagged) position, the nipple is also lifted up and can be reshaped to reduce in size. The breast shape is also returned to a more youthful ‘tear-drop’ shape.
Sometimes, volume is lacking in the post partum breasts and breast implant augmentation or fat grafting can be considered.
Consultation
You will have at least two 1-on-1 consultation sessions, each around 1 hour with Dr Johnny Kwei to allow for a discussion of your desires and breast surgical goals, and also the expectation of what can be achieved. These consultations will in depth, and will cover all medical/surgical history, physical examination, some pre-surgical photography, and an assessment of the general landscape of the anatomy of the chest and also that of the abdomen. There will also be an in depth discussion of the risks and limitations of the surgery. Dr Kwei will give some pre-surgical care instructions, like diet supplements, skin health and general skin care as well as, explore other important factors such as stability of weight, work/family demands and social support. Plenty of time will be given for questions in every consultation.
Surgery
Surgery is conducted at an accredited hospital facility, under general anaesthesia with the involvement of a specialist anaesthetist (please refer to Anaesthetist section of the website).
If your surgery require hospital admission, you will be admitted at the hospital under Dr Kwei’s care for the required nights of care, and you will be reviewed by Dr Kwei and his team daily.
Dr Kwei will discuss with you in detail regarding the surgical technique, and any refinements that he has made to enhance your surgical results, improve/minimise your scars, the time required for your surgery, as well as the dressings that will be applied at the end of the surgery.
Often, photos of pre and post surgery examples will be shown as well as photos with the type of dressings applied.
Post Operation
Dr Kwei will advise on the ongoing care of the surgical sites and dressings, with frequent reviews immediate few weeks after surgery, and longer interval review up to 6 to 12 months – for monitoring of long term outcomes.
Compression garment often need to be worn for a period of 6 weeks post surgery.
Summary:
It is important to know if your post pregnancy body changes are normal, and if there are any options to restore and lift the breast shape and volumes changes. Also, understanding if you are a candidate for such surgical procedure, and the importance of timing post pregnancy and breast feeding, so that you are not rushing into surgery before the body has returned to your new baseline after pregnancy.
If you have breast ptosis (breast droop/sagginess) after pregnancy and breast feeding, and do not plan to have any more children (at least not planning for 2-3 years)
The right candidate is one that is prepared physically and mentally
Well supported socially
Financial independent and stable
Understand and accepts the post surgery recovery and realistic about possible risks and complications associated with surgery
The initial recovery period after a breast lift typically takes about 1-2 weeks. During this time, you may experience soreness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding post-operative care, such as wearing a supportive bra and avoiding strenuous activities. After 2–3 weeks, you can usually return to non-strenuous work
and daily activities. Over the course of several months, the swelling and bruising will subside, and the breasts will settle into their new shape. It’s important to note that complete healing and final results can take several months, and the timeline can vary for each individual.
After pregnancy, it is best to wait for 6 to 12 months after the pregnancy, or 3 to 6 months after breast feeding had ceased to consider breast lift and other breast rejuvenating surgeries.
- When the breast appear deflated and lacking the pre- pregnancy volume.
- When majority of the breast tissue is below the inframammary fold.
- When the nipple is at the most dependent position of the breast.
- When the breast has a very elongated appearance.
- When the breast tissue appears to be herniating off the chest wall on to the abdomen.
1. Return / restore the breast tissue back on the chest
- The surgery remove any excess skin on the inferior portion of the breasts and reshape and lift the breast back up on to the chest
2. Improve breast shape
- The mastopexy surgery allows the surgeon to control and create a harmonious lower pole curvature of the breasts, which improves breast shape and profile.
3. Remove excess droopy/sagging breast skin/tissue inferior portion of the breast
4. Control the position and sizie of the nipples/areola
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The mastopexy surgery would allow the nipple to be lifted up on the new position of the breast. If the areola or nipple are enlarged as a result of the breast feeding, this can also be reduced to a more proportional size to the size and shape of the new breasts
General:
- Some minor discomfort around the IMF sutures for a few weeks
- Bruising
- Oedema
- Rarely infection
Specific:
- Some changes in sensation around breast
- Scarring (regimented post surgery scar management will be implemented)
Depending on the surgery – Dr Kwei will spend time discussing possible risks of surgery and strategies he uses to minimise/control these risks.
References
- Breast reduction surgery Mayo clinic
- Breast surgery my.clevlandclinic.org
Dr Kwei has helped many patients over the years to achieve their desired results. Fill the form to view our gallery of before and afters.