What is breast lift surgery?
Breasts may lose shape and begin to droop because of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging. Because of drooping, the skin on the breasts stretches, breast tissue is located lower on the chest, the location of the nipples changes, and the areolas may stretch undesirably. Breast lift is an effective way to return the shape of the breasts and enhance the natural balanced look of the body.
In the procedure, excess skin is removed from the breast, breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple is elevated if necessary. The areola may be reduced during as well. The shape of the breasts is made beautiful, and their location on the chest is elevated again.
Breast lift surgery can be performed as an individual procedure or simultaneously with breast augmentation surgery (implants, fat grafting).
Breast lift may be for help if:
- the breasts are no longer compact
- skin on the breasts is stretched
- nipples are located low on the chest
- the breasts are asymmetrical.
Who does breast lift surgery suit?
An appointment for planning is crucial for achieving a good result. At the appointment, the proper method for the client is evaluated and information regarding scarring and possible effects are discussed thoroughly.
There are several surgery techniques, and the suitable method is chosen based on the size and shape of the breast. The decision of surgery is made together with the client, and the planning related to the procedure is personalized, taking the wishes of the client into account.
The effect of breast lift surgery on breastfeeding should be considered with younger clients.
The procedure always leaves scars. The eventual size and quality of the scars depend on the starting point.
Imaging the breasts before the surgery
Before the surgery the need to image the breasts will be agreed upon (mammography and ultrasound). While evaluating the need, the age and possible previous findings will be considered.
The purpose of imaging is to rule out any possible illnesses related to the breast before the reduction surgery.
The result of breast lift surgery is permanent
After the surgery, the shape of the breasts is enhanced in the beginning, and the breasts are located high on the chest. The result, however, will appear in a few months as the breasts lower to a more natural level because gravity.
Even though the surgical result is permanent, aging and weight gain and loss may still affect the breast size and shape with time.
More Information
Breast Lift Surgery – The Procedure
Before surgery, you must not eat or drink for six hours. You arrive for the procedure at the agreed time, and before surgery, the operating surgeon makes the necessary markings on the skin with a marker while the client is standing upright.
Breast lift surgery is almost always performed under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes 2–3 hours.
The goal of surgery is always to achieve the most symmetrical result possible, and breasts of different sizes or levels are corrected to make them as even as possible. At the end of the surgery, the breasts are supported with tape, and a supportive bra is applied in the operating room.
The procedure can almost always be performed as day surgery, meaning you can return home on the same day. However, when you are discharged after surgery, you must have someone to accompany you, and this person must also stay with you for the first night.
Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery
After breast lift surgery, pain is not severe. However, pain medication may be needed during the first few days after surgery. As the tissues recover, occasional sharp pains inside the breast are typical even for a few months after surgery.
The length of sick leave is typically approximately 1–4 weeks. The length is decided individually.
Using a Supportive Bra
After breast lift surgery, a supportive bra should be worn day and night for the first month. After that, the supportive bra should be worn at least during the day for the second month.
Exercise
After surgery, heavy lifting, strong use of the pectoral muscles, and extreme arm movements should be avoided for the first week. Heavy straining and jumping should be avoided for the first month.
Exercise can be started gradually approximately one month after surgery. When returning to exercise, a very supportive sports bra or supportive bra should be worn.
Stitches and Supportive Taping
The wounds are mainly closed with dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed.
Supportive taping of the wounds should be continued for 2–3 months after breast lift surgery so that the scars become as thin and unnoticeable as possible. We will provide instructions for the best scar care after supportive taping.
Possible Complications of Breast Lift Surgery
Surgical procedures always involve risks. In breast lift surgery, the greatest risks of complications are related to tissue hematomas and blood circulation, as well as possible infections.
Hematomas and Blood Circulation
Bruising occurs on the skin as a result of surgery. Sometimes hematomas can be larger.
If blood leaks into the breast after surgery, it may cause pressure symptoms and may even need to be removed in a new surgery. This does not affect the final aesthetic result of the breast, but it does slow down recovery from surgery slightly.
During breast lift surgery, the nipple needs to be moved higher on the chest. The longer the distance it is moved, the greater the demands on blood circulation. When the nipple is moved, its blood circulation may be at risk.
Moving the nipple also often affects its sensation, and reduced nipple sensation is common as a result of surgery. The reduced sensation may be temporary or permanent.
Infections
Although surgery is performed under sterile conditions, bacteria on the skin can enter through the surgical wound and cause infection in the tissues even after surgery.
Minor infections can often be treated with medication. In rare cases, a more severe infection may even lead to repeat surgery, in which the tissues are cleaned in the operating room.
