Breast Lift in Sydney
Breast lift mastopexy surgery, is a cosmetic procedure in Sydney designed to enhance the aesthetics of the breast. This procedure aims to improve the placement of the breast, lift the underlying tissue, and reposition the nipple for an enhanced breast appearance.
If you’re based in Sydney, you can consult with our team of expert cosmetic doctors at ICCM to determine if a breast lift may be suitable for achieving your desired results.
A breast lift may improve breast shape and position, reposition the nipples and enhance breast contour.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure aimed at raising and reshaping sagging breasts. A breast lift primarily focuses on improving shape and position, rather than significantly changing size.
It is ideal for individuals who have experienced changes in breast shape due to ageing, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
What Will a Breast Lift Do For Me?
The goal of a breast lift in Sydney is to enhance the aesthetics of the breast by improving the placement of the breast mound, lifting the underlying tissue, and repositioning the nipple. Here’s what you can expect:
- Improved Breast Shape and Position: The procedure addresses breast ptosis, which is the medical term for the degeneration of skin and breast tissue, resulting in a flattened, stretched-out, or elongated appearance.
- Repositioned Nipples: The nipples and breast tissue are moved to a more natural position, creating a more aesthetically pleasing look.
- Enhanced Breast Contour: Unlike breast augmentation, a standard breast lift does not alter the breast volume or provide a rounder look to the upper section of the breast. This procedure focuses on reshaping and lifting the breast without changing its size.
- Appropriate Timing: Breasts should be fully developed, with enough time post-pregnancy and breastfeeding before undergoing this procedure. Heavier breasts may droop again over time, possibly requiring a second procedure. This makes it essential to consider timing carefully.
Breast Lift Surgery Options
Your individual situation will dictate the amount of skin that needs to be removed and the type of incision required. The options include:
- Lollipop Incision: This method involves an incision around the circumference of the areola and a vertical incision down to the breast crease.
It is ideal for patients needing significant lifting and allows for effective reshaping and repositioning of the breast tissue, including correcting the lower breast fold and adjusting the nipple position. - Anchor Incision: Also known as the inverted-T incision, this technique includes an incision around the areola, a vertical line to the breast crease, and a horizontal line along the breast crease.
It is suitable for extensive reshaping, particularly in cases with a significant amount of sagging and excess breast skin. This method is effective for removing excess breast tissue and achieving a more substantial lift. - Circular / Donut Incision: This method involves an incision solely around the circumference of the areola. It is used for minor adjustments and is less invasive, resulting in minimal scarring.
This option is suitable for patients who need only minor corrections in nipple position and minimal excess breast tissue removal. - Crescent Incision: This technique involves an incision along the top half of the areola. It is used for minimal lifting and is the least invasive option, resulting in the least amount of scarring.
This incision is typically chosen when minimal correction is needed, and there is only a small amount of excess breast skin to be removed.
A breast lift procedure consists of the consultation process, the procedure and recovery.
The most suitable process for you will be assessed during your consultation, along with an exact cost provided.
As with any surgery, breast lifts carry risks including bleeding, infection, anaesthesia reactions, and unsatisfactory results. Scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry are also possible. Your surgeon will discuss all potential risks and complications with you in detail during your consultation.
How is a Breast Lift Procedure Carried Out at ICCM?
Consultation Process
The first step in the breast lift process is a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. During this consultation, your surgeon will:
- Assess Your Goals: Discuss your aesthetic goals and what you hope to achieve with the procedure.
- Examine Your Breasts: Evaluate your breast size, shape, skin quality, and the position of your nipples and areolas.
- Discuss Options: Explain the different surgical techniques available and recommend the best approach for your specific needs.
- Review Medical History: Go over your medical history, including any previous surgeries, medical conditions, and medications you are taking.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Help you understand the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure as well as the risks and complications that could occur.
Procedure
The breast lift mastopexy procedure itself involves several key steps:
- Anaesthesia: The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
- Incisions: Your surgeon will make incisions based on the technique best suited for your desired outcome:
- Lollipop Incision: Around the circumference of the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.
- Anchor Incision: Around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the breast crease.
- Circular Incision: Around the areola only.
- Crescent Incision: Along the top half of the areola.
- Reshaping the Breast: Through these incisions, your surgeon will:
- Remove excess skin.
- Shape the remaining breast tissue to improve contour and firmness.
- Reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more natural position.
Reduce the size of the areola if necessary for better proportion.
- Closing Incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape, and surgical drains may be placed to remove excess fluid.
Recovery
Recovery from a breast lift surgery involves several stages:
- Immediate Post-Operative Care:
- Monitoring: You will be monitored in the recovery area until the effects of anaesthesia wear off.
- Dressings and Support: Your breasts will be bandaged, and you will likely be given a surgical bra to wear for support and to minimise swelling.
- Pain Management: Pain medication will be prescribed to manage any discomfort.
- First Few Days:
- Rest: It's important to rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Follow-Up Appointments: You will have follow-up visits with your surgeon to check on your healing progress and remove any drains if used.
- First Few Weeks:
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid lifting heavy objects, vigorous exercise, and any activity that could strain the healing incisions.
- Supportive Garments: Continue wearing the surgical bra or a supportive sports bra as directed by your surgeon.
- Long-Term Recovery:
- Scar Management: Your surgeon may recommend scar massage techniques or topical treatments to help minimise the appearance of scars.
- Final Results: While initial results will be visible immediately, it may take several months for swelling to fully subside and for the final shape of your breasts to settle.
By following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions and attending all follow-up appointments, you can ensure the best possible outcome from your breast lift surgery.
Who May Be a Good Candidate for A Breast Lift Procedure?
It is recommended that women wait until breast development has stopped, a stable weight is achieved, and no future pregnancies are planned for a breast lift procedure. Conditions indicating a breast lift might be right for you include:
- Lack of breast substance or firmness
- Loose and sagging breasts
- One breast falls lower than the other
- Downward-pointing nipples and areolas
- Areolas stretched out of proportion
A breast lift may be performed at any age but ideally women should wait until breast development has stopped and no further pregnancies are planned.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Procedure in Sydney Cost?
Breast lift surgery costs vary depending on several factors, including:
- Silicone implants or natural breast tissue
- Time required in theatre
- Proportion of lift
You will receive a quotation at the time of your initial consultation with your doctor. Our surgeons' fee starts from $8,000. Hospital and Aneathetist Fees are billed separately.
What Kind of Results May I Expect?
- Immediate Improvement: The improvement in breast shape and position is noticeable right after surgery.
- Final Results: The full results are visible once swelling and bruising have subsided, typically within a few months.
- Longevity: While the effects are long-lasting, natural ageing and gravity will eventually influence the results, and some patients may choose to have a secondary procedure in the future to maintain their desired look.
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.
It is generally recommended to complete your family before undergoing a breast lift, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the results. The hormonal changes and weight fluctuations associated with pregnancy can impact the breast shape and may lead to sagging. If you plan to have more children, you may want to delay the procedure. However, a consultation with your surgeon can help determine the best timing for your individual situation.
While changes in nipple sensation can occur, most women retain normal sensitivity after a breast lift. The technique used in the surgery aims to preserve the nerves and blood supply to the nipples. However, some temporary changes in sensation are normal and usually resolve over time. If you have concerns, discuss them with your surgeon during your consultation.
Yes, a breast lift can be performed on breasts of any size. However, results may last longer in smaller breasts as they are less prone to sagging due to their lighter weight. Larger breasts, being more substantial, may have a higher likelihood of sagging again over time. Your surgeon can provide personalised advice based on your breast size and desired outcomes.
A consultation with your surgeon is essential to determine if a breast lift aligns with your aesthetic goals. During the consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your breast anatomy, discuss your expectations, and explain the potential outcomes. This thorough assessment ensures that the procedure will address your specific concerns and achieve the desired results. Clear communication with your surgeon will help set realistic expectations and a tailored surgical plan.
The recovery process involves rest, limited physical activity, and following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. Initially, you will need to wear a surgical bra to support your breasts and minimise swelling. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks to ensure proper healing. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are crucial to monitor your progress and address any concerns during recovery.
The improvement in breast shape and position is usually noticeable after surgery, but the final results will be more apparent once swelling and bruising subside. This typically occurs within a few months, revealing the enhanced breast contour. Patience is essential during the healing process as the tissues settle and take on their final form. Your surgeon will provide guidance on what to expect and how to care for your new breasts during this period.
Yes, a breast lift can be combined with other surgical procedures such as breast augmentation or breast reduction. Combining procedures can help achieve a more comprehensive enhancement of your breast appearance, such as increasing breast volume or reducing excess breast tissue. This approach allows for a more tailored solution to meet your specific aesthetic goals. Discuss your desires and options with your surgeon during the consultation to create a customised surgical plan.
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
