Breast Lift Surgery
Breast Lift Surgery Sydney
Breast Lift Surgery is intended to address the effects of sagging or drooping breasts by restoring a firmer and more uplifted position.
Breast Lift Surgery, also known as Mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to raise and reshape the breasts. For women also wanting to upsize their breasts, the procedure can be performed in conjunction with Breast Augmentation surgery, which ultimately involves adding suitable breast implants to the procedure.
What does the surgery involve?
During the surgery, excess skin is removed, the nipple and areola are repositioned, and the surrounding tissue is tightened. This helps to improve the aesthetics of breasts that have lost their shape and tone.
For women also wishing to upsize their breasts or dissatisfied with their breast size post-breast lift surgery, adding breast implants through breast augmentation surgery can be a suitable solution.
If you are unsure what results you may achieve or would like to discuss your options for breast lift surgery or breast lift and implants, request a consultation with Dr Johnny Kwei today.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Incision & Scarring Options
Dr Kwei is qualified and experienced in performing various types of breast lift techniques. While scarring with any surgical procedure is inevitable, there are a few different approaches to choose from.
Also known as the “doughnut/donut” incision technique, this incision traces around the areola (pigmented area around the nipple) and is virtually invisible once fully healed.
Commonly referred to as the “lollipop” incision, the circumvertical incision has become one of the most common methods of breast lift. As the name suggests, the circumvertical (lollipop) incision almost replicates a lollipop. Similar to the concentric incision, this incision traces around the areola and also draws an incision down toward the crease or bottom of the breast.
Also known as the “anchor” incision, the inverted T incision is drawn around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast fold or crease, then horizontally along the inframammary crease (this is where the breast meets the chest wall).
What are the risks associated with breast lift surgery (mastopexy)?
All surgical or invasive procedures pose risk. Some of the risks associated with breast lift surgery include:
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Scarring; this is inevitable
- Swelling and bruising
- Loss of sensation (can temporarily affect skin or nipples)
- Potential revisional (second) surgery
At Dr Johnny Kwei Plastic Surgery, your well-being is our top priorities. While breast lift surgery is a commonly performed procedure with a high success rate, it’s important to understand that all surgeries carry some degree of risk. We believe in providing you with comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision about your cosmetic journey. Here are some potential complications and risks associated with breast lift surgery:
- Surgical Risks: Like any surgery, breast lift surgery carries the possibility of surgical risks such as bleeding or infection.
- Fluid Accumulation: In some cases, fluid may accumulate around the operation site(s) after surgery. This can cause swelling and discomfort, but it is typically temporary and can be addressed through appropriate post-operative care.
- Visible and Prominent Scars: Following a breast lift, visible and prominent scars may form over the healed incisions. These scars can include keloid and hypertrophic scars, which are raised, red, and thickened. While they may be itchy, annoying, and unsightly, they are generally not a threat to your health.
- Allergic Reactions: Rarely, individuals may experience allergic reactions to suture materials, tape adhesive, or other medical substances used during the procedure.
- Skin Discoloration and Swelling: Temporary skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling, and bruising can occur as part of the normal healing process. These usually resolve over time as your body recovers.
- Fat Necrosis: In some cases, fatty tissue deep within the skin may experience a lack of blood supply, leading to fat necrosis. This can result in the formation of hard lumps. Regular post-operative monitoring and appropriate care can help minimize this risk.
- Changes in Sensation: Breast and nipple sensation may be altered following a breast lift. Temporary or permanent areas of numbness or changes in sensation can occur, but these changes are typically mild and improve over time.
- Breast Asymmetry: While efforts are made to achieve symmetry, some degree of breast asymmetry may persist following a breast lift.
- Excessive Firmness of the Breast: In rare cases, the breasts may become excessively firm following a breast lift.
- Potential Nipple and Areola Loss: In rare instances, there is a possibility of partial or total loss of nipple and areola due to compromised blood supply.
- Need for Further Surgery: In some cases, further surgery may be required to address complications or achieve optimal results.
- Risks of Anaesthesia: Anaesthesia carries its own set of risks, including allergic reactions or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications.
- Blood Clots: A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk following surgery.
It’s important to note that while these risks exist, the vast majority of breast lift surgeries are performed without complications. Dr Kwei is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care and well-being throughout your breast lift journey. With years of experience and a deep understanding of each patient’s unique needs, Dr. Kwei ensures meticulous planning and precise execution to deliver outstanding results.
During the recovery period following your breast lift surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort, bruising, swelling, and numbness around the treated area. Rest assured that these are typical side effects and should gradually improve over time. Dr Kwei will prescribe appropriate pain relief medication to manage any discomfort you may feel. If you have any concerns or encounter any issues during your recovery, it is important to communicate them to Dr Kwei promptly.
After the surgery, you will be advised to wear an elastic dressing or surgical bra, which will provide support and promote proper healing of your breasts. Additionally, Dr Kwei may place plastic tubes in each breast to drain any excess fluid that may accumulate. These tubes are temporary and will be removed at a later stage. At this time, other dressings may also be changed or removed as directed by Dr Kwei.
The duration of your recovery will depend on the extent of your breast lift procedure. In order to facilitate optimal healing, it may be necessary for you to take a few days off work to rest and allow your body to recover. It is important to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming, and engaging in strenuous sports activities until you have received clearance from your surgeon. Following their guidance will help minimise any potential complications and ensure a smooth recovery process.
Remember, each individual’s recovery experience may vary, so it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions. By adhering to these guidelines and allowing yourself sufficient time to heal, you can expect to achieve the best possible results from your breast lift surgery.
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
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