What is Breast Lift?
Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure performed to restore sagging breasts to an upright position. During the procedure, the nipple is moved upwards, breast tissue is shaped and excess skin is removed. Women’s breasts usually change over time and lose their shape and firmness. These changes can occur due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain and loss, aging and gravity.
The nipple area expands over time. Breast lift also reduces this expansion, providing a more upright and fuller breast profile.
Breast lift does not significantly change the size of your breasts and does not fill the upper parts of your breasts too much if you have small breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller, you should consider breast augmentation surgery along with breast lift, or if you want smaller breasts, you can consider breast reduction surgery.
Who is Suitable for Breast Lift Surgery?
Women who are physically healthy, psychologically determined and realistic in their expectations are the most suitable candidates for breast lift surgery. Women who apply for breast lift surgery are generally 30 years of age and older. However, if sagging and heavy breast problems are experienced at an early age, these operations can still be preferred. The vast majority of patients are women who are happy with their breast size but have a sagging appearance.
How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Breast lift surgeries are performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 1-3 hours. The surgery can be performed using different techniques using different incisions. The most appropriate method for you may vary depending on breast size and shape, degree of sagging of the breast, size and position of the nipple, skin quality, elasticity and amount of excess skin.
Is There an Age Limit for Breast Lift Aesthetics?
As with all aesthetic procedures, breast lift surgeries are not performed on patients under the age of 18 unless there is a special situation. Middle-aged patients who have given birth are among the people most commonly treated with breast lifts. In cases where the breasts are structurally sagging, a lift operation can also be performed on younger patients, especially those with tubular breast deformities.
What Should Be Considered Before Breast Lift Operations?
As with all surgeries, you should stop taking aspirin and smoking three weeks before your breast lift surgery. You should avoid blood thinners and similar substances in the last week.
What are the risks of breast lift surgery?
The risks and complications of breast lift surgery include bleeding (hematoma), infection, wound healing problems, skin loss, possibility of partial or complete loss of the nipple, serum accumulation, irregularities in breast contour or shape, breast asymmetries, breasts not being lifted enough, prolonged swelling, long-lasting pain, visible scars on the breasts, skin blemishes, temporary or permanent changes in sensation in the nipple, possibility of not being able to breastfeed, allergies to tape, suture materials and adhesives, blood products, ointments or medications, anesthesia complications, deep vein thrombosis, clot in the lungs, heart and lung complications, and possibility of revision surgery.
Breast lift surgery generally does not affect breastfeeding. However, your breast skin may stretch after pregnancy and the results of your breast lift surgery may be affected.
What are the Expected Results After Breast Lift Surgery?
Three hours after breast lift surgery, it is possible to eat and stand up. Patients are discharged the same day or the next day. A small dressing is applied to the incision areas. Some pain may be felt during arm movements in the first days after surgery, but generally no significant pain is expected after breast lift surgery.
Except for walking, sports should not be done for three weeks after surgery and arm movements should be restricted. A sports bra should be worn day and night for the first three weeks. After the third week, sports activities other than arm and chest movements can be done. After the sixth week, all sports activities are allowed.
In the first three weeks after the lift surgery, the breasts do not look natural and they stand higher than normal. From the third week onwards, they start to soften and shrink to their desired size. It takes three months for the breasts to take their full shape.
Are the Effects of Breast Lift Permanent?
Although breasts that have been reshaped with aesthetic breast lifts maintain their beautiful appearance for a long time, the possibility of them remaining firm and lifted forever is unrealistic. Due to gravity, pregnancy, aging and weight change, your breasts may sag again over time. The duration of permanence is increased by using implants in breast lift surgeries.