Have you heard of the breast lift or mastopexy procedure before? Many women find that their breasts lose their shape and elasticity with age after giving birth, breastfeeding, or losing weight. A breast lift allows one to centrally reposition the nipple while removing excess skin and creating a younger breast in both shape and volume. Those uncomfortable with sagging breasts, those with asymmetrical breasts, and those who want the natural form of the chest back with youthful fullness are the ideal candidates. After a breast lift, the breasts usually appear slightly more prominent than before, as the breast volume is collected higher in the chest.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 2-3 hours | 1-2 days | 3-5 weeks |
If you already have enough breast tissue and want to lift your breasts, surgeons can perform small or large breast lifts without implants. If you want more fullness, specialists can use breast lifts and implants that create more fullness in the breast.
Choosing breast surgery is a big decision. That’s why it’s crucial to thoroughly discuss with the surgeon before making a final decision. That way, you can consult with your specialist to find the solution that works best for you. There are several ways to get a breast lift, and your options largely depend on your current body shape and what you want for the final result.
Breast reduction may be necessary if the breast is already significant, heavy, and saggy. Breast reduction and breast lift have many similarities and often go hand in hand. Surgeons also reduce fullness by lifting the breasts by performing breast reduction. You will get a smaller, smoother, and non-sagging breasts, and at the same time, your discomforts, such as neck and back pain, will be reduced.
A breast lift offers the opportunity to remove excess skin, move the nipple to a more central position, and collect existing breast volume. This gives the breast a more beautiful, younger shape. At the same time, the expert adjusts the size of the pigmented area around the nipple. Thus, the breasts have a harmonious and beautiful appearance. You may have heard of several important breast lift methods.
A traditional significant breast lift leaves an anchor-shaped scar. With this lifting procedure, you can achieve the most significant change in breast shape. The spots in the groove extend vertically upwards towards the nipple under the breast and around the nipple circumference. Specialists perform this operation under complete anesthesia.
A small breast lift is a minor procedure that doctors usually do under local anesthesia and is a minor procedure in which the breast is sutured, usually only with a scar around the nipple. The shape and size of the breast and how loose the skin is on the breast will determine which type of breast lift (large, medium, or trim) the plastic surgeon will recommend for you.
What is Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a very effective procedure that involves correcting sagging breasts by restoring the nipple and areola complex to their original position and reshaping the breast tissue. After this procedure, the breasts regain their tone, elasticity, and harmony.
Women with loose, saggy breasts may be uncomfortable with this situation, psychologically and socially inhibited. Follow-up studies of women who have had breast lift surgery and have better-shaped breasts show excellent patient satisfaction. After the breast lift procedure, the breast will appear larger and in better shape as the breast volume is collected higher up in the chest. The experts will shape the lift according to you, but most of the time, there will be scars around the nipple, from the nipple to the lower crease. Specialist doctors will attach great importance to making the scars as smooth as possible.
A breast lift isn’t a major surgery and is usually associated with few discomforts and minor risks. The operation is performed under complete or local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the intervention. You may feel a little nauseous after the surgery. But you can effectively relieve both pain and nausea with the medication. In general, the nipples stretch over time, and the pigmented area appears larger in a sagging breast. Within the scope of the operation, the specialists reduce the pigmented area around the nipple and bring it to a better and more harmonious size.
After removing the excess skin, the doctors move the nipple area to its new position by dragging it on a root consisting of breast tissue and reshaping the breast by lifting it on the chest wall. Experts sew the leather either with self-melting or thin nylon thread. Depending on the surgical method, there is a risk of loss of sensation in the nipples. The less lifting is required, the less the risk of altering the sense of touch.
Only a few studies have examined the ability to breastfeed after breast reduction or breast lift, and the results are inconclusive. It is the experience that surgery can reduce or hinder the ability to breastfeed. As with other women, your breasts will continue to change and loosen over the years. If you already have thin, stretched skin, it will be easier to re-stretch from experience. This can, at some point, lead to the need for a renewed breast lift, which surgeons can quickly do.
The difference between breast reduction and breast lift is, in short, the removal of excess breast tissue and skin before the breast reduction reshapes. The specialists only remove the skin while reshaping the breast with a breast lift.
Who Should Have Breast Lift Procedure?
If you are generally physically healthy and have a stable weight, you are the ideal candidate for a breast lift. Your skin tone should be standard; healthy skin is more likely to keep the breasts in their new position after surgery. Suppose a person with realistic expectations about this operation and believes in the person’s choice believes that he can gain more self-confidence by treating breast sagging. In that case, the person is a suitable candidate for this surgery.
However, some women are unsure whether they need a breast lift or breast reduction. To diagnose this problem, you should consult a plastic surgeon. However, if you need this plastic surgery, there is also a test that can guide you a little bit. Place a pencil horizontally under your breasts and let go. If your breasts are too sagging, the pen will get stuck between your chest and your body, and the pressure of the breasts will not allow the pen to fall. In this case, you need a breast lift.
Experts perform breast lift surgery with different techniques and different cutting shapes. In this surgery, doctors remove excess tissue and skin. Specialists cut and repositioned the area around the nipple. Patients with smaller and slightly drooping breasts are candidates for breast lift surgery with smaller incisions.
Breast lift surgery is personal and may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, if you want this procedure, you should consult a doctor. You should not forget some points. A breast lift doesn’t change the size of the breasts or make them rounder. After consulting a doctor, people who want to enlarge their breasts can enjoy the benefits of breast implant surgery. We recommend waiting until breast growth is complete, giving birth or breastfeeding, and proceeding to breast lift surgery.
While this surgical procedure can help lift any size breast, the larger the breasts, the better the results. You should have realistic expectations about the surgery’s outcome, and your breasts’ development should be complete.
What are the Risks of the Breast Lift Process?
As we mentioned earlier, complications can occur with any surgical intervention. The most common side effects and complications are mild to severe pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. These risks decrease over time and become faster as you relax and don’t push yourself too hard. Rare complications may occur from bleeding, sensory disturbances, and infection. It’s essential to call your doctor if in doubt here. So the surgeon can see you and check that everything is as it should be. Check out the risks of breast lifts in general:
- General anesthesia: Most healthy patients respond well to general anesthesia because modern techniques are very safe. Surgeons will prepare you before surgery for details, especially anesthesia if you have any problems or medical history.
- Bleeding (hematoma): You may need to be examined for surgery to remove the blood clot.
- Infection: The surgeon will prescribe antibiotics and monitor you regularly in the room. The surgeon and nurse should perform their operations to prevent disease, usually seen in overweight patients, smokers, and people with infections.
- Nipple tenderness: You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in your nipples.
- Loss of the nipple: A rare complication usually occurs in smokers. It can affect all or part of the nipple.
- Breast asymmetry: Most women naturally have almost asymmetrical breasts, considered pre-operative. Asymmetry can also see after surgery, but some breasts may have more asymmetry.
- Breastfeeding: After this procedure, the possibility of breastfeeding may be affected.
- Allergies: The patient may be allergic to tape, detergents, adhesives, blood products, topical preparations, or injected substances.
What Will You Encounter During a Breast Lift Consultation?
During your breast lift consultation, you can expect to meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and concerns about the procedure. The surgeon will examine your breasts, take measurements and take pictures for your medical records. They will also talk about the different breast lift procedures available, the risks and benefits of surgery, and the healing process.
Additionally, the surgeon will likely provide information on the cost of the procedure and discuss financing options that may be available. The consultation is an opportunity for you to ask questions and get all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether breast lift surgery is right for you.
The surgeon will also evaluate your general health and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. They will discuss pre-operative instructions or tests that may require before surgery. During the consultation, you will also have the chance to see the before and after photos of the surgeon’s patients who have undergone breast lift surgery. This will give you an idea of the possible results you can expect. The doctor will also discuss different incision options to lift and reshape the breasts, such as the anchor incision.
It’s essential, to be honest with your surgeon about your expectations, any concerns you may have, and any medical conditions you may have. This will help the surgeon give the best advice for you and help you make a fully informed decision about whether breast lift surgery is the right choice for you.
How Should You Prepare for Breast Lift Procedure?
The preparation stage for a breast lift is crucial. Here, the size and weight of the breasts and the possibilities of obtaining a good result with the breast lift operation evaluate. Experts examine the breasts for visible nodules, indentations, or other signs of malignant changes. Then the specialist informs you about which method to use and the scars’ location. In addition, the doctor will examine whether you have any other health conditions and whether you can cope with the surgery and anesthesia.
It is crucial to inform the specialist about other diseases and drug use. You and the specialist together make a plan for the course ahead. The surgeon will also notify you about the operation, its system and complications, and what you can expect from the result. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your breast lift procedure:
- Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure, review your medical history, and determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
- Follow the pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, such as discontinuing certain medications or supplements and undergoing any necessary medical tests.
- Quitting smoking can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Schedule someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for 24 hours to help you recover.
- Make arrangements for any childcare or assistance you may need during your recovery.
- Plan to take at least one to two weeks off from work or other activities to allow time for recovery.
- Be sure to create a comfortable, well-equipped relaxation area at home.
- Follow your surgeon’s pre-and post-operative instructions for the best possible result.
- It is crucial to remember that each patient is unique, and your surgeon will have specific instructions for you based on your situation.
How is Breast Lift Procedure Performed?
Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure you can choose to lift and reshape the breasts. The process typically involves using incisions to remove excess skin and reposition breast tissue and nipples. The specific technique surgeons will use depends on the degree of sagging and the size and shape of the breasts. Check out the breast lift procedure steps in general:
- Anesthesia
The procedure is most likely done under general anesthesia. So you will be asleep.
- Incisions
The surgeon will make vertical or anchor-shaped incisions around the areola, from the areola to the breast crease. The location and shape of the cuts will depend on the individual case.
- Techniques
The surgeon will evaluate different types of breast lifts according to the breast size and the results desired by the patient. Each of these techniques causes additional scars. However, the stitches are applied so that there is minimal scarring. The most common type of surgery is to make a vertical incision around the brown halo of the breast and below the breast. Sometimes the incision is made from the natural folds under the breast. Then, the specialist removes the excess skin from under the breast and reshapes the breast by stretching it.
In some cases, the nipple will also be higher than before. A silicone prosthesis may also be required if the breasts are small and sagging. The specialist chooses the best technique according to the patient’s condition.
- Final
After they have finished shaping the breast and repairing the remaining skin from the incision, the specialists close it. Most of the incisions made by surgeons during breast lift surgery will disappear. After the operation, the surgeon will dress and bandage the breasts. It is necessary to use an elastic bandage or medical bra recommended by the surgeon. It is essential to use bandages and medical bras to reduce swelling. You can see the result of the procedure as soon as the surgery completes.
What to Consider After Breast Lift Procedure?
A breast lift isn’t particularly painful; most people manage with moderate pain relievers. You will feel some tenderness in the chest, and discoloration may occur in the surgery area. Your breasts may swell for up to 2 months after surgery. After 14 days, you can shower after specialists remove the dressing. In general, here are things to consider after the breast lift procedure:
- You should wear a sports bra day and night for 6 weeks. Then another 6 weeks during the daytime and during sports activities. You should not lie face down for 3 months because of the scar.
- Avoid taking a bath for the first 2 days after breast lift surgery.
- While sleeping, lie down with your head higher than other body parts to avoid putting pressure on your body. Getting help from a companion while taking a bath would be better.
- The use of public swimming pools and bathtubs is prohibited for up to 2 months. It is better to disinfect the surgical site constantly. You can disinfect it with clean tissue.
- The use of spring or string bras is prohibited. Using a medical bra for up to 2 months and every day is necessary.
- Avoid contact with the sun and sunbathing. It is better to take care of your wounds and avoid manipulating them. Keep the area around your wounds soft.
- Sick leave depends on the type of job you have. You should keep the arms at rest for 3-4 weeks. It would be best to avoid great physical exertion for the first 4-6 weeks.
- It would be best if you didn’t use the breasts, direct sun, or solarium until after 6 months. If the sun hits the wounds, they can take on a brownish color.
What is the Recovery Process After Breast Lift?
Our body’s response to such interventions is different. Some swell a lot and turn blue and yellow, while others get rid of with a few scars and mild swelling. This depends on the extent of the surgery, and it is essential to avoid lifting heavy objects or physically straining yourself. It would be best if you didn’t lift weights or raise your arms above the horizontal for the first 4 weeks, as this will increase the risk of the pectoral muscle injury being thrown.
Use a microporous patch for up to 3 months; scars will be more beautiful. Then avoid sunbathing for another 3 months. You can continue your normal physical activities as the swelling subsides in the 4th week. The final result is usually only visible after 6-12 months. Check out the recovery process after breast lift in general:
- There is usually mild pain and swelling. However, seek medical attention for rare side effects and complications such as infection, rash, and blood pooling. The clinics will give you a phone number for the surgeon; you can always call if you have questions, concerns, or need advice and talk.
- After surgery, you must wear a unique gown to protect your breasts. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you need to rest at home for a few days. Lifting heavy objects, intense physical activities, and you should avoid serious sports.
- It would be best to keep your stitches clean to prevent infection.
- We can easily say that this surgery is painless and will be very effective. This surgical method can be applied to married and single women and doesn’t affect the person’s fertility.
- You make an appointment with the surgeon for a 3-month control.
- The scars are usually red for 3 months after the operation, sometimes up to a year. Protecting spots from the sun for at least 12 months after surgery is vital to prevent permanent pigmented discoloration.
- First, you should start fitness, running, swimming and similar sports. It is crucial to maintain a stable weight after surgery. Weight gain negatively affects the shape and scars; weight loss can cause new looseness.
How Long After Breast Lift Will You See the Final Result?
The final results of a breast lift procedure may take several months to become fully visible. Being patient is essential as understanding that the healing process can take time. Immediately after the surgery, the breasts will swell, and the incisions may be noticeable. Over the next few weeks, the swelling will begin to subside, and the incisions will start to fade. The breasts can take several weeks to a few months to settle into their new shape.
The initial results will become more apparent as the swelling subsides, but the final results may take up to 6 months to a year to be visible. This is because the incisions will continue to heal, and the scars will continue to fade.
It’s also important to remember that the final results will depend on factors such as the patient’s skin quality and healing process and overall health, habits, and lifestyle. It’s essential to keep close communication with your surgeon during the recovery process and follow all post-operative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
How Much Does Breast Lift Cost?
Breast lift costs can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the location of the practice, and the specific technique used. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a breast lift in the United States is around $4500, but it can range from $4500 to $8000 or more.
It’s important to note that the cost of a breast lift can also depend on whether the procedure performs alone or in combination with other techniques, such as breast augmentation or reduction. Additionally, other factors that can affect the cost include:
- Anesthesia and facility fees
- Pre-operative and post-operative care
- Medications
- Surgeon’s fee
- Follow-up visits
It’s essential to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the cost of the procedure and to get a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved.
It’s also important to remember that most health insurance plans do not cover the cost of cosmetic surgery, so the price will likely have to be covered out-of-pocket. Some plastic surgeons offer financing options, so it’s worth asking about them. Choosing the right surgeon for you is essential, regardless of the cost. A board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast lift procedures is necessary for the best possible outcome.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Breast Lift Procedure Performed?
The cost of a breast lift procedure can vary greatly depending on the country in which it performs. Generally, countries with a lower cost of living have lower prices for medical procedures, including breast lifts.
Although the procedure cost is lower in these countries, it is crucial to remember that the quality of care and qualifications of surgeons may not be the same as in developed countries. It is important to note that even in countries where surgery costs are lower, travel, accommodation, and other fees may increase. The overall cost may be similar or even higher than in your home country.
When considering breast lift surgery, it is crucial to remember that the surgery’s cost should not be the only factor. The most important consideration should be the safety and quality of the surgery and the surgeon performing it. Here are the breast lift costs by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $4500 to $8000 |
| Brazil | $3100 to $6000 |
| China | $4500 to $7200 |
| Japan | $4200 to $7500 |
| South Korea | $4000 to $7200 |
| India | $2950 to $6100 |
| Argentina | $3000 to $5500 |
| Mexico | $3000 to $5500 |
| Germany | $4100 to $6900 |
| Turkey | $1750 to $4500 |
| Colombia | $3250 to $6000 |
| Italy | $4000 to $6800 |
| France | $4200 to $7000 |
| Spain | $4150 to $7000 |
| Taiwan | $3100 to $6500 |
| Venezuela | $3000 to $5000 |
| United Kingdom | $5500 to $9000 |
| Netherlands | $4000 to $6700 |
| Egypt | $3750 to $6000 |
| Peru | $4000 to $6500 |
| AVERAGE COST | $1750 to $9000 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7647657/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00266-022-03178-x
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https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/3-540-28043-X_36.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33173660/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29365038/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30527707/
