Breast Lift Surgery

Last Updated: 4 January 2024

Contents

What is Breast Lift?

Breast lift is a plastic surgery procedure performed under general anesthesia to lift and correct saggy breasts in order to restore them to their ideal shape. This cosmetic plastic surgery procedure intended for the breasts, also known as “Mastopexy”, “Breast Lifting” or ‘”Breast Uplift,” is highly demanded by women because of its extremely satisfactory results.

How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?

Breast lift surgery is performed in an operating room by a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist. Breast lift surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the degree of lifting and the surgical technique used.

Why do Breasts Sag?

The breast tissue and the skin that surrounds it like a sheath are not fixed structures. Size and shape of the breast change over time due to a variety of environmental and structural factors. Some women have looser breasts which are more prone to sagging due to genetic and structural factors. Some of the factors that may cause sagging breasts are the following:

Having large breasts. Large breasts sag faster due to the effect of their weight, and sagging can be observed even in adolescence.
Excessive weight gain and loss
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Reduction and loosening of breast tissue due to menopause
Aging
Silicone implants previously placed for breast augmentation
Smoking
Environmental factors, such as excessive sun exposure
Obesity

Types of Sagging Breast (Breast Ptosis)

The downward displacement of the nipple and surrounding pink-brown area (areola), that is, the “nipple-areola complex (NAC),” .relative to the inframammary fold, is called “breast sagging” or “breast ptosis”.

When a normal breast is viewed from the side, the nipple lies above the level of the inframammary fold and points slightly upwards, while the lower pole of the breast (the portion between the nipple and the inframammary fold) that is not too loose or droopy is slightly curved outward. The relationship of the nipple with the inframammary fold and the lower pole of the breast determines the grade of the breast sagging.

Mild sagging (Grade 1):The nipple lies at the level of the inframammary fold or just below it (about 1 cm), but above the lower mammary pole. The nipple points straight ahead.
Moderate sagging (Grade 2):The nipple lies 1 cm below the inframammary fold but some portion of the lower mammary pole is still under the nipple. Nipple slightly points down.
Severe sagging (Grade 3):The nipple lies well below the inframammary fold, and there is no breast tissue below it. The nipple completely points down.
Pseudoptosis:The nipple is above the inframammary fold, but the lower pole of the breast sags and descends below the level of the inframammary fold.

Before Breast Lift Surgery

Patients who meet the criteria specified on our page about breast augmentation surgery get prepared for the procedure by taking the precautions that should be considered before surgery. These precautions are detailed under the heading “Before surgery” on an individual page on my website.

In particular, drugs and foods that have blood thinning effects should be discontinued and smoking should be stopped. Before undergoing breast lift surgery, the candidate should visit a breast diseases specialist (general surgeons in our country) and should have a routine evaluation for possible breast diseases.. If any breast disease that could interfere with the surgery is diagnosed, it should be treated first.

However, as with all aesthetic surgeries, blood thinners such as aspirin or regular green tea consumption should be discontinued in the preoperative period, the tests required for general anesthesia should be performed, and the operation stage should be started after confirming that the person is both physically and psychologically ready for the surgery.

Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy) Procedures

Except for very limited interventions, operations are performed under general anesthesia, and they take 1 to 4 hours depending on the complexity of the procedure.

This surgical procedure is intended to raise the sagging nipple to the required level, remove excess breast skin three-dimensionally, and reshape the breast more aesthetically. Depending on the degree of sagging and deformation in the breast tissue, various surgical techniques are used, and different incision scars remain on the breast skin depending on the procedure performed. These scars may only be around the nipple, and they may be accompanied by vertical (Lollipop), J-shaped, or inverted-T-shaped scars under the breast.

Breast Lift and Augmentation Surgery

Normal breast lift surgery does not involve changing the breast volume, i.e. the body size, but makes the shape aesthetically more beautiful. If there is significant volume loss in addition to sagging in the breast, breast augmentation with silicone implants is performed in conjunction with the breast lift procedure, in order to both eliminate the sagging problem and achieve the desired size (bra size). This type of surgery that involves two different procedures necessitates more surgical experience requires more surgical experience.

Some patients with low-volume and sagging breasts apply to our clinic for “breast lift”, while some others for “breast augmentation” surgery. As a result of the examination, both the volume and degree of sagging of the breast are evaluated and the procedures to be performed in the mammoplasty procedure are determined.

Mammoplasty aims at making the breast look natural and aesthetic in terms of both volume and shape. You can find more information about breast augmentation surgery and the silicone implants on our page entitled “breast augmentation”.

After Breast Lift Surgery

The patient starts consuming food orally 2 hours after the operation, and stands up and walks 4 hours later. The patient stays in the hospital overnight. The drains (if any) are removed the next day or 1-2 days later.

For at least 2 months, the patient wears a special bra corset that keeps the breasts stable and does not press on the suture lines. Changing dressings and taking a bath takes 7-10 days.
It takes 7-10 days for the patient to be able to change dressings and take a bath. Special creams are applied to the incision lines, and the scars are protected from sun exposure until they take their final shape, i.e. for a period of at least a year.

When the dressings are removed the breast shape you will see will not be the final shape of your breasts. The lower pole of the breast looks flatter and tighter in the first few weeks, while the upper pole looks swollen. In the following months, the breast begins to get a bit looser under the effect of gravity and takes on a more natural appearance.

Risks and Complications of Breast lift Surgery

Bleeding
Infection
Suture dehiscence
Impaired blood circulation and loss of tissue in the nipple
Sensory changes or loss of sensation in the nipple
Asymmetry
Poor healing of the incision scars
Unsatisfactory aesthetic result

How Long After The Lactation Period Can I Have Surgery?

At least 3 to 6 months should be waited for the mammary glands to complete their lactation process and return to their pre-pregnancy state.

Does Breast Lift Surgery Interfere With Breastfeeding?

Although some techniques involve cutting some parts of the mammary glands, the lactation function of the breast is usually not affected by this.

Can The Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift Procedures Be Performed In Conjunction With Each Other?

Yes, it is possible. In the majority of cases where lifting is needed, there is a significant loss of volume in the breast that requires the breast to supported with a silicone implant.

I Have Saggy Breasts, So What Surgery Do I Need?

Breast lift surgery is absolutely necessary to correct sagging breasts. However, whether another procedure is required in addition to the breast lifting procedure is decided by evaluating the size of the breast. In this regard, the options are as follows:

If there is a sagging problem but the size (bra size, cup size) is normal, only breast lift surgery is performed.
If there is a sagging problem accompanied by an excessively small breast volume, the breast lift procedure is performed in conjunction with the breast augmentation procedure that involves silicone implant placement.
If there is a sagging problem accompanied by an excessively big breast volume, the operation involves both breast lift breast reduction procedures.

What is the Age Limit for Surgery?

For the breast lift procedure, it is necessary to wait until the completion of the breast growth. Except in very special cases, the patient should be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit for patients who do not have general health problems.

What is the Optimal Timing for Surgery?

If you intend to have a baby in the near future, I recommend that you have a breast lift operation after the completion of the pregnancy and lactation periods because during these periods, sagging and volume changes will occur in the breasts. If you don’t intend to have a baby in the near future, for example if you are single, there is no need to postpone the surgery. However, you should be aware that the pregnancy and lactation periods that you may experience in the future will cause some changes in your breasts.

Can Breast Augmentation Surgery Be Performed Later On Surgically Lifted Breasts?

Yes it is possible. Sometimes, it can be difficult to decide on the size of the breast and whether a silicone implant is needed. In some cases, the sagging is at very advanced stage and a silicone implant surgery may increase the risk of complications. Such conditions can be treated with breast lift surgery alone. Breast augmentation surgery can be performed with silicone implant placement at least 6 to 12 months after the operation.

Is The Result Of Breast Lift Surgery Permanent?

Breast surgery results are not permanent for life; some changes will inevitably be observed depending on time and environmental conditions. The permanence of the results may be shorter, especially in women with a genetic predisposition, excessively loose skin, women who experience pregnancy and breastfeeding or weight gain and loss after the surgery.

Does The Procedure Cause Loss of Sensation in the Nipples?

Temporary loss of sensation or sensory changes may be experienced depending on the surgical technique used. In addition, there is a very low risk of permanent loss of sensation.

Is the Procedure Painful?

A breast lift operation alone causes no significant pain. If the breast lift procedure was performed in conjunction with the breast augmentation procedure, the silicone causes some pain especially in the first postoperative day by pushing and stretching the breast and muscle tissue, but this pain can be managed with simple painkillers.

Is Non-Surgical Breast Lift Possible?

Some suggestions can be made to preserve the shape of the breasts, but it is not possible to lift a sagging breast with nonsurgical methods; if there were such methods, no one would have surgery instead of using them.

Does the Surgery Leave Any Scar?

The procedure leaves some scars to some extent that may vary depending on the surgical technique used. After the surgery, it takes 1-2 years for the scars to completely heal and become unnoticeable. In this period, especially in the first postoperative months, some supportive creams are applied.

Wound healing characteristics of the patient is the most important factor that determines how well the incision scar will heal; so wounds heal quickly and smoothly in some people, while patients experiences scars which heal more slowly and difficultly. Sometimes, poor wound healing known as hypertrophic scar or keloid may occur. You can get more information about the postoperative period at https://www.cengizacikel.com/ameliyat-sonrasi-nelere-dikkat-etmeli

2024 Prices of Breast Lift in Istanbul

The cost of surgery may vary depending on the hospital where the operation will be performed, the surgeon who will perform the operation, and the degree of deformation in the breasts. You can contact our office to find out the breast lift procedure suitable for you and its current price.

References

Mastopexy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does breast lift surgery cause any postoperative problems?

Some problems may be encountered such as bleeding and infection at the surgical site, suture dehiscence, circulatory disorders in the nipple, loss of tissue, sensory changes or loss in the nipple, asymmetry between the breasts, poor healing of incision scars, or unsatisfactory aesthetic results.

How is the decision made on breast lift surgery?

First of all, the person must be dissatisfied with the aesthetic appearance of her breasts and should consult a plastic surgery specialist voluntarily. During the examination, the physician evaluates the surgery candidate’s general physical and mental health, and the condition of the breasts. In cases where the nipple is at or below the level of the inframammary fold, the surgical technique to be used is determined based on the degree of sagging. In addition, the size of the breast is evaluated and it is determined whether breast lift alone is adequate or breast reduction or whether breast augmentation is also necessary.

Can sagging recur after breast lift surgery?

Breasts cannot maintain their shape for life after any type of breast plastic surgery. Due to the effect of gravity, some sagging reappears over time. Sagging may be more noticeable after pregnancy, excessive weight gain and loss and in cases where the patient has silicone implants in her breasts or structural looseness in her tissues.

Are the scars that the breast lift operation will leave on the breast unsightly?

It takes about 2 years for the scars left by breast lift surgery to take their final form and begin to look natural. Especially in the first postoperative months, creams that support wound healing and remodeling are applied. Scars in the vast majority of patients are not unsightly. In a very small group of patients, poor wound healing can be observed due to the patient’s own wound healing characteristics. In cases, the scars may heal while looking redder, thicker, more raised or enlarged. It may be beneficial to perform scar revision surgery or laser applications on some scars that heal by exhibiting undesirable features.

Does breast lift surgery heal all stretch marks on the breast?

Breast lift surgery involves 3D removal of the excess skin of the breast. As a result, stretch marks on the skin are also eliminated in this way. However, unfortunately, it is not possible to eliminate the stretch marks on the remaining part of the breast skin.

Who are not suitable candidates for breast lift surgery?

Individuals who have serious physical or mental illnesses, those who have a perfectionist personality, or those who have unrealistic expectations, are not suitable candidates for breast lift surgery. In addition those who with suspected breast cancer or a breast disease that is still being treated, and those who have had a COVID-19 disease in the last two months should postpone their surgeries. Heavy smokers, drug users, those with a history of deep vein thrombosis in their leg veins, and obese people are all in the high risk group.

In this regard, the best course of action is to give correct answers to all questions asked and to listen to their evaluations during the preoperative meetings with the plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist. The biggest mistake is to conceal information from the physician, by thinking that “otherwise they refuse to operate on me.” In most cases, the surgery is performed after risk factors have been evaluated and controlled, and all necessary precautions have been taken. For example, smoking can be stopped, weight can be lost, anemia can be treated, blood pressure disorder, diabetes and other chronic diseases can be controlled, and patients at risk can be operated on in a full-fledged hospital after the most ideal conditions are provided.

What is perfect symmetry in breast lift?

After a breast lift operation, it can be said that perfect symmetry exists if both nipples are at the same level, if the pigmented areas (areola) around the nipple have the same diameter and shape in both breasts, and if both breasts have the same shape and size. However, in practice it is very difficult to achieve such perfect symmetry. In my practice, I never promise my patients perfect symmetry before surgery, and I never operate on patients who request guarantee for such as result. Before the operation, I can only guarantee that I will give all my attention to the operation and I will use all my knowledge and skills for this purpose.

What are the problems that can be solved with the breast lift procedure?

With the breast lift procedure, the nipples are moved from their drooping position to a higher position, where they should be. If the areola (pigmented area around the nipple) is excessively large, it is reduced and its shape is equalized with the shape of the other areola. If the nipples are excessively big, they can be reduced. The breast’s flat shape is recovered, and it is given a more aesthetic and conical shape. The sagging breast tissue in the lower half of the nipple is mowed up to the upper half of the breast, making the upper portion fuller. The breast projection that looks flattened when viewed from the side is enhanced.

If the total volume of the breast is inadequate, that is, if the breast is both saggy and small, the breast lift procedure can also be performed in conjunction with the breast augmentation procedure that involves silicone implant placement.

Can the breast lift procedure be performed in combination with other mammoplasty procedures?

Breast lift and recovery procedure can be performed in combination with other procedures such as breast reduction or breast augmentation with silicone implants. In my practice, the number of patients who have had only breast lift is significantly lower than the number of patients who have had a breast lift operation performed in conjunction with other procedures.

What are the dos and don’ts before breast lift surgery?

In the preoperative period, you should strictly follow your physician’s recommendations and get mentally and physically prepared for the surgery. You should discontinue birth control pills, stop drinking and smoking, and avoid blood thinners such some drugs, green tea, and nutritional supplements. You should be fit and rested at the time of surgery, so you should take a rest by taking a break from your busy work schedule at least one week before the surgery. You should sleep well and eat a well-balanced diet. You should not be on any strict diet.

In the postoperative period, you should lie in a semi-sitting position, avoid straining your arms, and try to keep them at rest. You should avoid excessive straining on the toilet. In the first postoperative days, there should be a companion to help you with your daily needs. As in the 15-day preparation period before the surgery, drugs and foods with blood thinning effect should be discontinued. Smoking should definitely be stopped because impairs blood circulation in the tissues. No additional drug or herbal product should be consumed without informing the physician. You should contact, without delay, the surgeon who performed the operation in cases of abnormal conditions such as gradually increasing swelling in the breast, severe pain, excessive blood discharge from drains, high fever, extreme weakness, and shortness of breath. If you cannot reach the surgeon, you should consult a plastic surgery specialist at the nearest hospital, so that possible complications can be intervened in time.

Choosing the Right Surgical Procedure in Mammoplasty (Breast Aesthetics)

In mammoplasty, it is the aesthetic plastic surgeon’s responsibility to determine which surgical procedure is the most suitable for the patient. During the preoperative interview, the surgeon listens to the patient’s complaints and expectations from the operation, examines her breasts, and makes a decision on which surgical procedure would be more appropriate, and explains the reasons to the patient. It would not be appropriate for the patient, with her limited knowledge, to dictate any surgical procedure to the surgeon, and for the surgeon to tolerate such behaviors and perform the procedure. In cases where there are multiple surgical options that are very close to each other in terms of suitability, the surgeon can explain the pros and cons of both methods and leave the final decision to his patient.

How much scar does breast lift surgery leave?

The size and shape of the scar to be left by the breast lift operation are directly proportional to the degree of sagging and loosening of the breast skin. In mild cases, surgical techniques that leave fewer scars are used, while surgical techniques that leave more noticeable scars are preferred in advanced cases to allow for 3D recovery of the breast tissue.

Breast Lift Prices in 2024

Costs of breast lift surgery vary depending on the hospital where the surgery will be performed, the difficulty level of the surgery, and the plastic surgeon that will perform the surgery. You can contact our office to know the current price specific to you.