Breast lift surgery is a cosmetic enhancement procedure where droopy or sagging breasts are lifted up surgically to give them a firmer appearance. Breast lift surgery is performed in women who want to regain the look of their breasts which was lost either due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy or other conditions. Breast lift surgery is also referred to as Mastopexy and is performed by certified and trained plastic surgeons.
Are breast lift surgery and breast augmentation surgery the same ?
No, breast lift surgery and breast augmentation are entirely different procedures. A breast augmentation procedure utilizes an artificial implant to make the breast look fuller and larger. Whereas in a breast lift/uplift surgery the skin over the breast and the nipples are positioned at a higher level surgically to give the breasts a firmer look. Even if both the procedures are entirely different, your surgeon can perform both procedures at the same time if it is indicated for you.
What are the indications of a breast lift surgery ?
A breast lift surgery is performed to correct
- Drooping or sagging breasts after pregnancy
- Drooping or sagging breast caused due to aging
- Drooping or sagging breasts post pregnancy and breast feeding
Breast lift surgery helps in boosting the self confidence in women who are more aware and particular about the way they look. It also helps one in choosing to wear a wider range of clothes and sometimes even nullifies the need to wear a bra under a top or a shirt.
When is a breast lift surgery not advised ?
The ideal time to get a breast lift surgery is once your breasts are fully developed to their normal size and you do not wish to get pregnant in the future, as during pregnancy and breast feeding the breast size is greatly altered. If you wish to get pregnant in the near future or are going in for a weight loss program, it is not advised to undergo a breast lift surgery, as these would alter the outcome of the procedure leaving you unsatisfied.
How do you decide to get a breast lift surgery done?
The decision of getting a breast lift surgery is completely yours and your cosmetic/ plastic surgeons. It is important for you to understand and realise what type of outcome you are looking for, and what can be achieved with a breast lift surgery. In any cosmetic procedure it is very important to have realistic expectations from a procedure, hence it is advised to have a detailed conversation with your consultant surgeon regarding the suitability of the procedure for your requirements.
The consultant physician will conduct a thorough physical examination and clinical examination of your existing health, any medications which you are prescribed. Certain medications like aspirin, blood clotting agents, blood pressure medication need to be review before posting you for a breast lift surgery. Other investigations will include analysis of your breast and skin over the breast clinically and with the help of photography and technology to see how much of the skin can be uplifted surgically. Once all the investigations are completed the consulting surgeon will prepare you for the surgical procedure. The doctor might also ask you to get a new sports bra to be worn after the surgical procedure at the hospital.
It is advised to ask your surgeon about every detail and doubts, if you have any about the breast lift surgery before the procedure is performed.
Does the breast lift surgery require administration of anaesthesia ?
Yes, the breast lift surgery is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia and mild sedation can also be given to you if required.
What happens during a breast lift surgery ?
Once the effect of anaesthesia initiates the surgeon will give an incision at the base of your breasts and at skin around your nipple and other areas of the breast if required. The number of incisions depend upon the technique being used by the surgeon. Once the incisions are made the surgeon will reposition the skin depending upon the extent of the lift required and stich the incisions. The entire procedure takes about 2-3 hours, but can take longer if the breast lift surgery is combined with breast augmentation procedure.
What happens after a breast lift surgery ?
Breast lift surgery is a major cosmetic procedure and hence after the surgery is completed the surgical area is covered with sterile gauze and bandage. Occasionally tubes/catheters may be used to drain excess fluid or blood from the surgical site. The breasts might be swollen for the initial two weeks, and also might be a little bruised, but this bruising will disappear with time. Initially you will be wearing surgical support bra for a few days, until the doctor advises you to start wearing a sports bra. You will be strictly advised not to wear an underwired bra till the consultant surgeon permits you to. Also, you will not be allowed to engage in heavy weight lifting, performing strenuous activities and sexual activity for 2-3 weeks or until advised by the doctor. Post-operative care plays a major role in the final outcome of the surgical procedure, hence ask your surgeon so as to when you can resume your daily activities after the surgery.
If removable sutures are used, you have to visit your doctor to get them removed about a week to ten days after the surgery. Routine follow up visits are essential to monitor the healing and the outcome of the surgical procedure.
What are the risks and complications associated with a breast lift surgery ?
The complications related to anaesthesia may include nausea, vomiting, gastritis and headache. Complications and risks pertaining to the surgical procedure include scarring of the surgical site/breast tissue, infection at the surgical site, difference in the sensation of the nipple post surgically, difficulty in breast feeding, asymmetric appearance of the breasts and rarely there could be loss of nipple or areolae due to poor blood supply to the area after the procedure. It is advised to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure before getting a breast lift surgery done.
Is the effect breast lift surgery permanent?
No, the outcome of a breast lift surgery is not permanent. Some patients get a breast uplift surgery done again. Pregnancy, breast feeding, aging and weight loss drastically alter the outcome of a breast lift surgery.
What is the outcome of a breast lift surgery ?
A breast lift surgery or Mastopexy is a cosmetic procedure which primarily aims at giving the breasts a younger and firmer appearance. After the procedure you will notice a change in your bra size (you will require a smaller bra size) and your breast will appear shapelier and contoured. The surgical scars and bruising fade as the healing of the tissue progresses. You can also have a breast augmentation or a breast reduction surgery along with the breast lift procedure if required. Ask your consulting surgeon if breast lift surgery could be suitable choice of treatment for you.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for breast lift surgery ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for breast lift surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for breast lift surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for breast lift surgery.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for breast lift surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
