How Do I Know If It’s Time for a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
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Gravity, hormonal changes, and the natural process of ageing will impact breast tissue over time. This can result in skin laxity and volume loss in the breasts and nipples may point downward or fall below the breast crease. A breast lift (mastopexy) procedure can help address these changes by reshaping the breasts, repositioning the nipples, removing excess skin, and tightening the breast tissue.
So how do you know when it’s time for a breast lift surgery? You may be a good candidate if you answer yes to the following questions:
- Are your breasts lower or less firm than they used to be?
- Have childbirth, breastfeeding, weight changes, or ageing caused your breasts to noticeably descend to a lower position?
- Have you formerly had implants, and your breasts are sitting lower than you’d like?
Learn about Breast Lift Surgery by watching this video by Dr Craig Rubinstein.
What are my breast lift options?
There are a number of breast surgery options available, these include:
- Mastopexy augmentation – a lift with implants
- Breast reduction with lift
- A breast lift with additional reshaping
- Nipple surgery (changing the size, shape, or position)
You can have a breast lift surgery alone or combine it with other body contouring procedures. These might include:
- Liposuction
- Upper or Lower Body Lift
- Circumferential Abdominoplasty
- Arm Reduction
The important thing is to get results that align with your body frame, expectations, and overall health. When you feel it is time for breast surgery, there are some popular options to consider:
Breast lift surgery – With or without implants?
A breast lift is a surgery that helps reposition your existing breast tissue. This is done by lifting and tightening the skin in your breast and repositioning the nipples. On its own, a mastopexy procedure does not significantly change the size or shape of the breasts. If you want an increase in size, you may want to combine breast lift with breast implants. A breast lift without implants usually requires adequate breast tissue and good skin elasticity to get a good result.
The results of the surgery generally depend on the following:
- Your existing breast tissue
- Skin health or elasticity
- Your preferences in terms of shape, size, and position
Breast Lift Without Implants
A breast lift without implants will leave you with similar-sized breasts, relocated higher on the chest. Good results do depend on what you’re starting with and how well you follow the preparation and post-op instructions. Maintaining your results depends on maintaining a stable weight, healthy eating, and a good supportive bra.
Breast Lift Surgery With Implants – Mastopexy Augmentation
The combination of breast lift and breast augmentation produces more comprehensive results. It lifts the breasts while increasing breast cup size. It can also help you gain a bit of cleavage or roundness to the shape of your breast.
Breast lift surgery – With or without a breast reduction
Another option is a breast reduction with a lift. This lifts the breast and repositions the nipple. It is a good option for patients with large breasts that descend due to ageing, hormonal changes, or weight fluctuations.
Changing the shape, size, or position of the nipples with surgery
A breast lift not only lifts the breasts but can also adjust or correct issues with the nipples, including:
- Disproportionate nipples (size or location)
- Inverted nipples
- Enlarged or overstretched nipples
Breast surgery can help address some major signs of ageing by:
- Removing excess skin (skin tightening)
- Changing the nipple appearance to make it look more proportionate to the entire breast
- Repositioning the nipples higher on the chest
If your breasts match any of the above, then it is time for a breast lift.
What to expect during recovery
After a breast lift surgery, you may experience grogginess from anaesthesia and may feel soreness, tightness, and swelling in the breast area. Bandages or dressings will be applied over the incision sites and may have drains to remove excess fluid.
You will need to avoid some of your normal activities. This includes picking up objects, driving, and looking after pets and children. Recovery can take several weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.
The swelling and bruising should resolve within a few weeks. However, you may still experience some minor swelling for several months. You can gradually increase your activity level but should still avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several weeks. Over time, the scars will lighten.
Throughout your recovery, it is important to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
