ABOUT BREAST LIFT
A breast lift procedure, also referred to as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure used to lift and tighten sagging breasts (also called breast ptosis). The surgery is generally sought after by women have gone through pregnancy, have had breast implants removed, or have lost a lot of weight, which has resulted in the sagging of the breasts.
A breast lift may be performed on patients with breast ptosis (sagging breasts) as a result of age, weight fluctuation or pregnancy, or patients who have stretched their breast skin as a result of breast implants.
The surgery involves the repositioning of the nipple, as well as removing any excess skin. The breast tissue is then lifted and repositioned, creating a new and firmer shape. The surgery is often performed with breast implant surgery.
Patients should consider whether they want to breast feed after the procedure, as sometimes the nipples are separated from the milk ducts during surgery. However, many women are still able to breastfeed following a breast lift.
Recommended for
- Breast ptosis (sagging breasts)
- Stretched breast skin
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1 – 2 days.
- Average length of stay abroad: 1 weeks.
The surgeon will usually recommend waiting at least 7 days before travelling.
COMPARE BREAST LIFT PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
Country | Cost |
---|---|
Costa Rica | 4486€ |
Germany | 4200€ |
Spain | 4000€ |
Thailand | 2968€ |
Poland | 2344€ |
Turkey | 2000€ |
Mexico | 1519€ |
Hungary | 1460€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE BREAST LIFT ABROAD
After consultation with a surgeon, it is wise to have a mammogram before surgery to get an indicator of breast health. If the patient is also having breast implants inserted as part of the surgery, then they should discuss the size of the desired implants.
The patient will likely be advised to stop taking certain medications such as aspirin, and to refrain from smoking ahead of the surgery.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
There are different methods of breast lift surgery which may be performed. A standard breast lift involves making an incision at the bottom of the breast which extends up to the nipple. This method of surgery can leave visible scarring.
Another method of surgery involves making an incision at the nipple and removing a patch of skin and the rest of the skin is reattached which creates a firmer look. This type of incision leaves less visible scarring.
The incision may also be made at the nipple and extend down the breast which also incurs less scarring when compared to a standard breast lift.
Once the incision has been made, the surgeon will remove excess tissue, and reposition the nipple. Many clinics offer the procedure in conjunction with breast implants if desired.
Anesthesia
General anesthetic.
Procedure duration
The Breast Lift takes 2 to 3 hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BREAST LIFT
Post procedure care
After the procedure patients will usually spend the first night in hospital, and may have surgical drains to remove fluid from the surgery site. These are usually removed after 24 hours or so. For the first week patients may have bandages around the breasts, and after that the surgeon will usually recommend wearing a sports bra for the first month.
Possible discomfort
Immediately after surgery, patients should expect some swelling and bruising. The drainage tube is usually removed the day after surgery, but can be a source of discomfort in the meantime.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST LIFT
Not recommended for
- Heavy smokers
- Overweight patients
Potential risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Inflammation
- Nerve damage
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Breast lift restores involves removing excess skin and tightening the skin around the breast. The surgery may be performed using a number of techniques, your surgeon will advise on which tchnique is most appropriate in your case.
Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep for the entire procedure. The doctor will make a number of incisions around the breast and reshape or remove the skin to make your breasts tighter and firmer. The surgeon may also use sutures under the skin to hold tissues in place or place a small drainage tube in the breast that will later be removed.
There is pain after breast lift surgery, and your surgeon will prescribe a pain management regimen. There will be stitches where the incisions were made and they will be removed at a later date. Your surgeon may also advise that you wear a garment to hold your breasts in a certain position while they heal.
Most patients are able to stop taking pain medication after 2 days and are able to return to work on day 3. Your surgeon will likely advise you not to lift more than 10 pounds (4.5 Kg) or do chest exercises for 6 weeks to allow the scar tissue to strengthen. There may be soreness, tightness, swelling, and/or bruising on the breasts, especially around the incision site, for several months.
While usually used to enlarge the breasts, breast implants may also be used to restore shape and volume to the breasts. A qualified cosmetic surgeon can give you the best advice on what procedures will help you reach your goals. You should reach out to several clinics for consultations before deciding what option works best for you.
Most women are able to breastfeed after breast lift surgery without problems. A small number of women have difficulty with nursing, but it is considered a rare complication. If you are concerned about breastfeeding you should discuss it with your surgeon beforehand or, if you have already had surgery, you should contact a lactation consultant.
A breast lift does not affect the size of the breasts. They may be slightly smaller depending on how much tissue is removed, but the difference is often less than a cup size. If you want larger breasts, you might want to consider breast augmentation. If you want smaller breasts, you should consider breast reduction.