Breast Lift in Sydney
Breast lift (mastopexy), is a surgical plastic surgery procedure designed to potentially enhance the position and shape of the breasts by addressing sagging, stretched skin, and loss of firmness. This procedure focuses on lifting and reshaping the breasts, creating a more youthful contour.
At ICCM, we provide breast lift procedures in Sydney, tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient’s goals. Our experienced team aims to deliver natural results while prioritising your comfort and safety. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
A breast lift offers a potential range of functional and aesthetic benefits.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes and elevates sagging breasts, restoring a firmer and more youthful contour. The procedure removes excess skin, tightens breast tissue and repositions the nipples to create symmetry and balance.
Common reasons for considering a breast lift include:
- Sagging or loose skin caused by ageing, pregnancy, or weight changes.
- Downward-pointing nipples and stretched areolas.
- Uneven breasts where one sits lower than the other.
What Will a Breast Lift Do For Me?
A breast lift offers a potential range of functional and aesthetic benefits, including:
- Enhanced Breast Shape and Position: Elevates sagging breasts with the potential of restoring a firmer, youthful contour.
- Repositioned Nipples and Areolas: Moves the nipples to a more natural position, resizing the areolas if necessary for better proportion.
- Improved Symmetry: Corrects unevenness to potentially achieve balanced, symmetrical breasts.
- Customisable Results: Can be paired with breast augmentation surgery, reduction or other breast surgery to achieve comprehensive results tailored to your goals.
Breast Lift Surgery Options
The surgical technique used for your breast lift procedure depends on the extent of correction required. Options include:
- Lollipop Incision: Involves an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. Suitable for moderate sagging, this method may assist with reshaping.
- Anchor Incision: Also known as the inverted-T incision, it includes an incision around the areola, vertically down to the crease, and along the breast fold. Ideal for significant sagging and excess breast tissue removal.
- Circular Incision: A single incision around the areola for minor adjustments. This less invasive option results in minimal scarring.
- Crescent Incision: A small incision along the top edge of the areola for minimal lifting and correction.
Your cosmetic surgeon will determine the most appropriate technique based on your needs during the consultation.
There are a few different breast reduction incisions, the most appropriate technique will be determined during your consultation.
How is a Breast Lift Procedure Carried Out at ICCM?
Consultation Process
The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic surgeons. This session allows you to:
- Discuss Your Goals: Share your aesthetic desires and what you hope to achieve with the procedure.
- Breast Evaluation: Your surgeon will assess your breast size, shape, skin quality, and the position of your nipples and areolas to determine the best approach.
- Review Medical History: Your surgeon will evaluate your overall health, including prior surgeries, current medications, and medical conditions that might affect the procedure.
- Surgical Techniques Discussion: We will explain the different incision techniques (e.g., lollipop, anchor, circular, or crescent) and recommend the most suitable one based on your needs.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Your surgeon will outline the potential risks, recovery timelines, and expected outcomes, ensuring you have a clear understanding before moving forward.
The Breast Lift Procedure
The breast lift surgery is tailored to your individual needs and involves several critical steps:
- Anaesthesia:
The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. - Incisions:
The type of incision depends on the degree of sagging and desired correction:- Lollipop Incision: For moderate reshaping and lifting.
- Anchor Incision: Ideal for significant sagging and reshaping.
- Circular Incision: Best for minor adjustments and minimal scarring.
- Crescent Incision: Suitable for patients needing slight lifting.
- Reshaping the Breasts:
- Excess Skin Removal: Sagging and stretched skin are removed to potentially restore a firmer, youthful contour.
- Breast Tissue Adjustment: The remaining breast tissue is reshaped to improve firmness and potentially enhance breast volume distribution.
- Nipple and Areola Repositioning: The nipples are moved to a higher, more natural position, and areola size can be adjusted for symmetry and proportion.
- Closure of Incisions:
- Incisions are closed using sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives. The placement of incisions ensures minimal visibility, with scars fading over time.
- In some cases, small drainage tubes may be placed to remove excess fluid and support healing.
Recovery Process
Recovery from a breast lift is a gradual process that requires patience and adherence to post-operative care guidelines. Here’s what to expect:
Immediate Post-Operative Care:
- Monitoring: After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in the recovery area until the effects of anaesthesia wear off.
- Dressings and Support: Your breasts will be covered with bandages, and a surgical bra will be provided to support the healing process and minimise swelling.
- Pain Management: Prescription pain medications will be given for pain relief during the initial days.
First Few Days After Surgery:
- Rest is crucial to allow your body to heal. Avoid any strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects.
- You may experience some swelling, bruising, and tightness in the chest area, which is normal and will subside over time.
- Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and remove any drains if placed.
First Few Weeks Post-Surgery:
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid vigorous exercise and activities that could strain the incisions. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation.
- Support Garments: Continue wearing the surgical bra or a supportive sports bra as recommended by your surgeon.
Long-Term Recovery:
- Swelling will gradually diminish over the following months, revealing the final results.
- Most patients notice significant improvements in breast shape and position within 6–12 weeks post-surgery.
- Follow-up appointments will continue to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
Who May Be a Good Candidate for A Breast Lift Procedure?
A breast lift is a highly individualised procedure, ideal for individuals who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts due to sagging, asymmetry, or loss of firmness. You may be a good candidate if:
- Your breasts have loose skin or sag: Ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss can result in loose and sagging breasts, causing a deflated or uneven appearance.
- Your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease: This condition often occurs due to the stretching of breast tissue and skin, which can make the breasts appear droopy.
- One breast falls lower than the other: Asymmetry is a common issue that can be corrected during a breast lift procedure by reshaping and repositioning the breasts for a balanced look.
- You lack breast substance or firmness: If your breasts feel less firm and have lost volume over time, a breast lift may restore their shape and firmness by removing excess skin and repositioning the breast tissue.
- Your areolas are stretched out of proportion: The procedure may reduce and reshape stretched areolas for a more proportionate appearance.
- You are in good overall health and at a stable weight: Achieving and maintaining a stable weight may help ensure long-lasting results.
- You do not plan future pregnancies: Pregnancy and breastfeeding after a breast lift may alter the results, potentially requiring additional procedures.
During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will assess your specific concerns and discuss whether a breast lift is the right solution for your aesthetic goals.
A breast lift may be ideal for individuals who have breasts that are sagging, not symmetrical or have lost their firmness.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Procedure Cost in Sydney?
The cost of breast lift surgery in Sydney varies depending on several factors, including:
- Whether silicone implants or natural tissue are used: Combining a breast lift with implants for added volume will influence the overall cost.
- The degree of lift required: The extent of correction needed, such as the amount of loose skin or sagging, will determine the complexity of the procedure and time spent in surgery.
- Time in surgery: Longer, more involved procedures that require additional reshaping or repositioning may impact the total cost.
At ICCM, the surgeon's fees for a breast lift start from $8,000. Additional costs, such as hospital and anaesthetist fees, are billed separately. These include:
- Hospital Fees: Covering the operating room, nursing staff, and necessary equipment.
- Anaesthetist Fees: Ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
A personalised quotation, including all associated costs, will be provided during your consultation.
What Kind of Results May I Expect?
A breast lift procedure provides long-lasting improvements to the shape, position, and overall appearance of the breasts. Here’s what you may expect:
- Immediate Improvement: The changes in breast position and shape may be noticeable right after surgery. While some swelling and bruising may temporarily obscure the final results, the improvement in symmetry and contour may be visible early on.
- Final Results: Over the next 3–6 months, swelling subsides, and the breasts settle into their final position. The repositioned nipple and breast tissue may create a natural, youthful look.
- Long-Lasting Effects: The results of a breast lift may be long-lasting, particularly when combined with healthy lifestyle choices and a stable weight. However, natural ageing, gravity, and other life events, such as pregnancy, may impact the longevity of your results over time. Some patients may opt for a secondary procedure in the future to maintain their desired look.
Potential Risks of a Breast Lift Procedure
While a breast lift is generally safe when performed by someone experienced, like all surgical procedures, it carries certain risks. Understanding these potential risks can help you make an informed decision:
- Scarring: Incisions made during a breast lift procedure will result in scars. While these are typically placed in discreet areas and fade over time, they may remain visible. Patients prone to keloids or thickened scars should discuss this with their surgeon.
- Changes in Sensation: Temporary changes in nipple or breast tissue sensation are common. In rare cases, permanent alterations may occur, particularly if extensive adjustments are made to the nipple area.
- Infection: As with any cosmetic breast surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments can help with minimising this risk.
- Bleeding or Hematoma Formation: Excessive bleeding or the accumulation of blood under the skin may require additional procedures to resolve.
- Asymmetry: While the goal of a breast lift is to create balance and symmetry, slight differences in shape or size may persist due to variations in existing breast tissue.
- Poor Healing: Individuals with poor skin elasticity or certain medical conditions may experience delayed wound healing.
- Complications with Breastfeeding: A breast lift may affect the ability to breastfeed, particularly if significant adjustments are made to the natural breast tissue.
- Unsatisfactory Results: While rare, some patients may not achieve their desired outcome and could require revision surgery.
These risks are thoroughly discussed during your consultation to ensure you are fully aware of the procedure and its potential outcomes.
Why Choose Us?
- Experience: Dr. Tony has over 15 years of experience in cosmetic surgery and over 20 years in non-surgical injectable treatments.
- Caring Attitude: Our patients’ safety and well-being are always our foremost priority.
- Pricing: Reasonable, realistic pricing in the face of a competitive and rapidly evolving market.
- Convenience: Ideally located in central Sydney on Macquarie Street (famous as Sydney’s leading “specialist street”), close to transport and parking.
Dr Tony Prochazka
MBBS, FFMACCS / Cosmetic Doctor
Dr Tony Prochazka has over 20 years of experience with such procedures as Gynaecomastia, Blepharoplasty, Thread Lift, Neck Lift, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Liposculpture, etc. Dr Tony was the Inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery, and a former vice–president of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia.
He is a regular presenter and teacher at international conferences, with invitations to meetings in Australia, China, New Zealand and South America.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any more questions about cosmetic procedures in Sydney or any of our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime, you can find our FAQs below that may provide the additional information you’re looking for.
Yes, a breast lift can be combined with breast implants to enhance volume while addressing sagging. This combination is ideal for individuals seeking fuller breasts alongside improved shape and position. During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will assess your existing breast tissue and discuss whether combining procedures aligns with your goals.
A breast lift is effective for most breast sizes, from small breasts to larger ones. However, larger, heavier breasts may experience more noticeable sagging over time due to gravity. Patients with small breasts or lighter tissue may have longer-lasting results because of reduced weight on the breast mound.
A crescent lift is a minimally invasive technique suitable for minor lifting needs. It involves a small incision along the upper edge of the nipple area, making it ideal for patients with minimal sagging and strong skin elasticity. In contrast, a full breast lift addresses more significant sagging by reshaping the breast mound and repositioning the nipple and areola.
A breast lift focuses on reshaping and repositioning your natural breast tissue to create a firmer, more youthful contour. Unlike breast augmentation, it does not add volume but instead enhances the appearance of your existing tissue. If desired, volume can be added with breast implants during the same procedure.
While a breast lift cannot change the natural properties of your skin, it may significantly improve the appearance of sagging caused by poor skin elasticity. By removing excess skin and reshaping the breast, the procedure creates a firmer, tighter look. Maintaining stable weight and avoiding significant weight fluctuations may help prolong results.
Breast ptosis refers to the sagging or drooping of breasts, which occurs when the breast tissue and skin lose elasticity and firmness. This condition is often categorised into grades based on the position of the nipple relative to the chest wall and breast fold. Common causes of ptosis include ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and gravity.
A breast lift surgery may address breast ptosis by removing excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher, more natural position. For patients looking to restore both shape and volume, a combined breast augmentation with implants may be recommended.
The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Risks and complications of cosmetic surgery
These risks, while concerning, are generally rare and can be mitigated through careful planning, following pre- and post-operative care instructions, and working with qualified and experienced medical practitioners, like those at ICCM. But it can still be beneficial to understand potential risks that can occur, so you can discuss these risks before proceeding with any treatment.
Scarring
Scarring is a common risk with any surgery that involves making incisions in the skin. While practitioners take care to place incisions in discreet areas and close them carefully to minimise scars, the body’s healing process varies from person to person. Some individuals may develop thicker, more noticeable scars, known as hypertrophic scars or keloids, which can be difficult to treat and may require additional procedures.
Bruising and Swelling
Bruising and swelling are common side effects of surgery as the body responds to tissue trauma. While these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks, severe bruising can cause discomfort and prolong recovery. In some cases, significant swelling might indicate underlying issues such as fluid accumulation or infection, requiring further medical attention.
Bleeding
Bleeding during surgery is controlled by the surgical team, but there is always a risk of excessive bleeding either during the procedure or postoperatively. This can lead to complications like hematomas, where blood pools under the skin, potentially requiring surgical drainage. Severe bleeding can also lead to shock, which is a medical emergency.
Infection
Infection is a risk whenever the skin is broken, as it provides a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. Surgical sites are particularly vulnerable, especially if the wound care instructions are not followed closely. Infections can range from minor skin infections to more serious, deep-tissue infections that might require antibiotics, drainage, or even additional surgery to resolve.
Pain
Pain is an expected part of recovery from any surgery, but its intensity and duration can vary. While most pain can be managed with prescribed medications, some patients may experience prolonged or severe pain, which could indicate complications such as nerve damage or infection. Chronic pain is a less common, but more serious, concern that might persist long after the typical recovery period.
Undesirable Cosmetic Outcome
An undesirable cosmetic outcome occurs when the results of the surgery do not meet the patient’s expectations, or the aesthetic goals outlined before the procedure. This could be due to asymmetry, unnatural appearance, or a failure to achieve the desired contour or shape. In some cases, additional procedures, known as revision surgeries, may be needed to correct these issues.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is a risk in many cosmetic procedures, especially those that involve cutting near nerves. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or even loss of sensation in the affected area. While some nerve damage may be temporary and improve over time, permanent nerve injury can result in lasting changes in sensation or function.
Seroma
A seroma is a pocket of clear fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery. It often occurs when the surgical area is not fully drained, leading to swelling and discomfort. Seromas are usually treated by draining the fluid with a needle, but if left untreated, they can increase the risk of infection or contribute to poor wound healing.
Anaesthetic Complications
Anaesthetic complications can arise from both general and local anaesthesia. These risks include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and, in rare cases, more severe reactions such as malignant hyperthermia. Patients with pre-existing health conditions or those undergoing lengthy procedures are at a higher risk. Complications can range from temporary disorientation or nausea to more serious outcomes like heart attack or stroke.
Death
Death is the most severe and rare risk associated with cosmetic surgery. It can result from complications related to anaesthesia, excessive bleeding, severe infection, or an adverse reaction during the procedure. While the overall risk is low, it underscores the importance of a thorough preoperative assessment and choosing an experienced, qualified medical practitioner to minimise risks.
The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Before & After Results
