A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes including loss of skin elasticity, can result from pregnancy, breast feeding, weight fluctuations, aging and gravity. All these factors play a major role in making the breasts sag.

Heredity may also be a factor, and a woman in her teens may experience loose sagging breast tissue. Breast that have lost their firm, uplifted contours can affect a woman’s self-image and confidence. If you desire to restore the firmness and shape of your breasts, then a breast lift procedure may be right for you

Breast lift or Mastopexy surgically relocates the breasts to a higher location on the chest wall, removes the excess loose skin and thus tightens and reshapes the breast to make it firm and youthful looking. Sometimes the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) has become enlarged over time, and a breast lift procedure will reduce this as well. A breast lift rejuvenates the female figure with a breast profile that is more youthful, uplifted and firm. This can dramatically improve the appearance of a woman’s breasts. This brochure presents an overview of breast lift. The best way to learn how a breast lift can help fulfill your personal goals is a consultation with surgeons at Aesthetics

This procedure is most suitable for women who have breasts that have sagged (ptosis), or have become floppy. Sometimes there can be asymmetry in the breasts due to different levels. This procedure, called differential breast lift can correct the asymmetry. It is also useful to achieve symmetry after breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Some women have a combination of loss of breast volume and sagging. Such patients may need an augmentation along with a breast lift. Breast lift, also called Mastopexy is a highly individualised procedure- one that you should choose to undergo to fulfill your own desire for shapely youthful breast, not the desire of others.

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how a breast lift can improve your breast contours. A consultation at “Aesthetics” is designed to educate you about breast lift in a non-pressured environment. This will include a discussion of your goals, options available in breast lift surgery, technique of surgery, potential complications and risks.

Breast lift is usually done under general anaesthesia. The nipple is relocated to a higher level on a bridge of tissue which brings its blood supply. Excess skin is excised from the inferior quadrant. The breast gland is stitched to a higher level, reshaped and tightened. The wound is closed meticulously. A tube to drain out collected blood may or may not be placed, depending upon the amount of dissection. If done by the traditional technique, which is advised for severe cases of ptosis, then an anchor shaped scar will be present. If done by the modern technique, then only a single vertical scar will be present. Those women who also have very small volume breasts and want their breast enlarged along with a lift, can have an implant placed, either behind the chest muscle or in front of the chest muscle at the time of the breast lift. The procedure is essentially the same.

The breasts will be strapped in a firm compressive dressing, till the drains are removed and then you will be advised to wear a firm supportive bra continuously for 8 weeks. As the wounds are closed with absorbable sutures, stitch removal is not usually necessary. You will be allowed to go home either on the same day or whenever you feel comfortable.

This Immediately after the operation, most women experience mild swelling, bruising and tenderness. These symptoms subside in a short time. The breasts will be riding high on your chest and if done by the single scar technique, may have skin drawn in to folds in the lower half of the breasts around the suture line. Once the swelling has subsided, the breasts will settle to a more natural and pleasing location and shape. This may take up to 3 - 6 months. After the operation, you may have mild to moderate realisation of discomfort, most noticeable only on movement. This is easily controllable with oral medication. In a weeks time most medication can be stopped. We advise you to refrain from vigorous activity for two weeks and aerobic upper body exercise for six weeks to allow your wounds to heal. We strongly advice you to wear a firm supportive bra continuously for eight weeks. Following your breast surgery, you will enjoy a new more pleasing shape, with more comfortable breasts that are in better position to your physique.

Possible complications of general anesthesia, as well as nausea, vomiting and fever. These will be discussed in detail with your anaesthetist.

Infection. Usually prevented and treated by antibiotics.

Hematoma (collection of blood that may cause swelling, pain and bruising, perhaps requiring surgical draining)

Delayed wound healing. This is very rare after a standard breast lift.

Temporary or permanent change or loss of sensation in the nipple or breast tissue.

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Final results appear gradually over the next few weeks as swelling resolves and breast size and shape settles. Incision lines typically will continue to fade over the next year. Over time, your breast can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. However, your new enhanced breast contour and the freedom to wear the clothes you enjoy without the need for padded bras should bring you added self-confidence whether at the beach or boardroom.