A breast lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts.

Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. However, if you’re planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies, pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure. Breastfeeding might not be possible after a breast lift procedure.

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health. It’s important to discuss your expectations with your surgeon and to listen to their professional opinion. Every patient has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts. The surgeon will examine your breasts and measure them and discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as: your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition and elasticity of your skin. The surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining the risks and limitations, making sure you understand the procedure as well as the scarring that will result. You should discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they’ll be moved higher during the procedure and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts.

Breast lift procedures are performed at the Centurion Day Hospital under general anaesthesia and can be combined with b breast augmentation. The surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding a certain vitamins and medications. We advise that you need to stop smoking two weeks before surgery and two weeks after surgery. This will help to expedite your recovery period and encourage better healing on cellular level and avoid unforeseen complications. After your consultation, you will be provided with a personalised quotation based on the recommendation of your surgeon. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days.

Mastopexy procedure takes one and a half to two hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Self-dissolving sutures are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area and along the lower crease of the breast. If you’re having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the muscle of the chest wall.

You are likely to feel tired and sore for a few days after surgery, but you will be able to mobilise post-operatively. Expect to be back at work in about two to three weeks after a breast lift procedure, depending on the level of activity required. The first follow-up appointment usually takes place seven days after surgery with a second to follow in six weeks. Prescribed medication can control most discomfort. You will be fitted with a surgical bra over dressings after surgery that you must continue wearing for six weeks until the bruising and swelling subsides.  Surgical bras are available to purchase at the Centurion Cosmetic Clinic on special request and additional costs.

A small drain tube will be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the next seven days. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable the first few weeks after surgery, but the pain shouldn’t be severe. Avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for six weeks. You may be instructed to avoid intercourse for two to three weeks, and avoid anything but gentle contact with your breast for at least six weeks. A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting, is normal. Be sure to keep the dressings dry.

It’s important to remember that mastopexy scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops. You should also keep in mind that a breast lift won’t keep you firm forever – the effects of gravity, skin elasticity, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll again.