Mastopexy surgery, commonly known as a breast lift, surgically removes excess skin and lifts the breasts in alignment with the patient’s individual needs.
The procedure involves a variety of options and can address various concerns. The choice of incision pattern and the detailed steps of the procedure will be tailored to each unique patient and will be discussed during a thorough consultation process.
The benefits of a breast lift
Addressing excess skin and sagging breasts, a breast lift offers a surgical option that can be tailored to the patient’s personal preferences and needs.
The benefits of a breast lift will vary from patient to patient, depending on the reasons for undergoing the procedure. For example, lifting heavy breasts may decrease discomfort or improve posture.
A breast lift with Dr Rastogi will involve personalised preparation and recovery instructions and a detailed procedure plan. During your consultation process, your personal preferences and concerns will be heard and closely considered when planning your procedure.
Your consultation with Dr Rastogi in Double Bay, Sydney
Your first consultation with Dr Rastogi will be a 20 to 30-minute video call via FaceTime or another suitable platform. You will discuss your reasons for undergoing surgery, your personal preferences and your needs.
You’ll then have a second consultation at our Double Bay, Sydney clinic for a one to one-and-a-half-hour consultation. You will discuss your procedure plan further and receive important information, including preparation and recovery information.
The costs of your procedure, the details of where incisions will be placed, an estimate for your procedure time, and more essential details will be discussed during your second consultation.
Your consultations are obligation-free, meaning you can decide whether or not you would like to go through with the procedure after discussing all of the necessary information during your consultations.
The breast lift procedure
You will discuss the details of your breast lift during your consultation so that you will know what to expect on the day of your procedure. Your breast lift procedure will be performed under general anaesthesia.
Dr Rastogi will make incisions on the breasts based on the chosen incision pattern. Depending on your needs, he may use the periareolar incision (made around the areola), the vertical or lollipop incision (in addition to the periareolar incision, a vertical incision is made from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease), or the anchor incision (includes the periareolar and vertical incisions, as well as a horizontal incision along the breast crease).
After making the incisions, excess skin can be removed, and the breast tissue can be repositioned and shaped. The nipples and areolae can also be addressed, being moved to a more suitable position for the breast shape.
To finish the procedure, the incisions will be stitched closed, and drainage tubes may be placed under the skin to help remove excess fluid and reduce swelling in some cases. These are usually removed within the first few days after the procedure. After surgery, you will be closely monitored in the recovery area before returning home to complete your recovery.
Risks and complications
All surgeries can be associated with certain risks. It’s important to discuss the risks of a breast lift during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not to undergo the procedure. You should also discuss how to prepare for your procedure to help decrease risks and how to manage recovery to prevent complications.
During your consultation, you can discuss the level of your personal risk according to personal factors such as your overall health and lifestyle. Should you decide to undergo the procedure, your preparation and recovery instructions will be tailored to your needs and designed to support your personal case.
The risks and complications of a breast lift can include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Breast asymmetry
- Scarring
- Delayed healing
- Temporary or permanent loss of sensation
- Seroma (a collection of fluid)
- Anaesthesia complications
- Blood clots (thrombosis)
Some of these risks are more complicated than others and some may require immediate medical attention. You will be provided with information on what symptoms to look out for that could indicate a complication has occurred. Should you experience any concerning symptoms, you should seek medical attention or contact the clinic.
Recovery
Recovery after your breast lift will require some patience and the commitment to following your personalised post-operative instructions.
You’ll receive recovery instructions that will consider the details of your procedure and your personal circumstances. These recovery instructions will aim to support your healing and prevent complications from occurring. Throughout your recovery, you will be able to contact our team should you need any support or advice, including after hours.
After your surgery, you’ll need to organise for someone to pick you up from the hospital as you will be unable to drive. After being monitored in the hospital following your procedure, you should be able to complete your recovery at home, returning to the clinic for follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing sufficiently. Generally, post-operative appointments will be required three to four days after your procedure.
Your recovery instructions can include to get plenty of rest during the initial days after surgery, and avoiding strenuous physical activities, including heavy lifting and exercise, for the first few weeks. You may have dressings or bandages over the incision sites, and will receive instructions on how and when to change them. You may need to wear a supportive bra or compression garment to help minimise swelling and provide support. You’ll also receive instructions on how long to wear the garment for, depending on your personal needs.
To prevent infection, you may be prescribed some antibiotics. It will be important to follow the instructions on how to take these. You may also be provided with pain medication to manage comfort levels throughout your recovery. Swelling and bruising are common after a breast lift, so you may be advised to apply cold compresses and keep your upper body elevated when resting and sleeping.
Typically, you should avoid submerging the incision areas in water, such as baths or swimming, after your procedure. You’ll need to keep the incision sites clean and dry, following instructions on applying any ointments or creams to promote healing and reduce scarring. You should also protect your incisions from sun exposure to prevent the darkening of scars.
Throughout your recovery, you should take care of your general health to best support your body’s healing process. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet and staying hydrated will be essential. You should also avoid smoking and alcohol for a period of time, as set by Dr Rastogi.
Recovery timeline
Dr Rastogi can provide you with a recovery timeline based on your individual case. Generally, most patients can gradually increase activity levels as the body heals over about six weeks.
As a general recovery timeline, you will likely experience discomfort and swelling during the first few days. For the first week, you should avoid strenuous activities, slowly returning to light activities after about two to four weeks, still avoiding heavy lifting and vigorous exercise. Most patients are able to resume work after two weeks, but it may vary.
After about four to six weeks, swelling and bruising should continue to subside. You can gradually increase your activity levels, but still avoid activities that strain the chest muscles. By about six weeks, you should be able to return to most normal activities. However, complete healing, including scar maturation, may take a few months to a year.
Your procedure costs
You will receive a personalised quote during your consultation with Dr Rastogi in Double Bay, Sydney, and discuss the details of your costs.
A variety of factors can influence your procedure costs, including:
- Anaesthesia fees
- Personalised procedure steps
- Hospital fees
- Post-operative care costs
Anaesthesia fees will depend on the qualification and experience level of the anaesthetist. This fee can be calculated during your consultation. Hospital fees will include the use of the theatre, equipment and the recovery room. All procedures are performed at accredited hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a suitable candidate for a breast lift?
Suitable breast lift candidates should be in good health, have realistic expectations and be willing to follow preparation and recovery instructions. Your suitability for the procedure will be discussed in detail during your consultation process.
Can I have a breast lift if I plan to have children in the future?
You can, but it’s generally recommended to wait until you’ve completed your family, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the results. However, some women choose to have the surgery and then have a revision if needed after having children.
How long does a breast lift surgery typically take?
The duration of the surgery varies, but it often takes between two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Dr Rastogi can give you a time estimate after discussing your procedure plan during your consultation.
Will I have scars after a breast lift, and how noticeable will they be?
As with all surgeries, a breast lift surgery will leave scars, but their visibility can vary. Dr Rastogi will discuss incision pattern options and techniques to minimise and manage scarring.
Can I combine a breast lift procedure with other types of procedures?
If it’s considered to be a suitable option by you and Dr Rastogi, you may be able to combine your breast lift with another procedure, such as a breast augmentation with implants.
Are the results of a breast lift permanent?
Surgical changes can be considered permanent but are more often considered long-lasting as they don’t prevent natural changes that may alter results in the future, such as the ageing process and lifestyle factors. Undergoing breast revision surgery can address changes that have altered results.
Does a breast lift affect the ability to breastfeed?
A breast lift should not affect the ability to breastfeed. However, some patients can experience changes, such as nipple sensitivity. If you’re planning on breastfeeding after undergoing a breast lift, please mention this during your consultation.
Can asymmetry occur after a breast lift?
While perfect symmetry is an unrealistic expectation for any surgical results, Dr Rastogi will aim to prevent noticeable asymmetry.
Can my breasts become numb after surgery?
Some patients can experience changes in sensation in certain areas of the breasts after a breast lift, such as the nipples, but this often improves as the body heals.
How long will I need to be away from work after my procedure?
The length of time that you’ll need to take off from work will vary from patient to patient. Generally, we recommend about one to two weeks, but it can depend on the nature of your work and the extensiveness of your procedure. You’ll be given personalised instructions during your consultation to help you take the right amount of time away from work according to your personal circumstances.
How should I manage the incision sites after surgery?
After your procedure, you’ll need to keep your incision sites clean, dry and away from sun exposure. You’ll receive personalised aftercare instructions during your consultation. You may also be given instructions on changing dressings and applying recommended ointments to minimise scarring.
How long will the final results of my procedure take to show?
Your final results will become visible once swelling, bruising and other signs of the natural healing process subside. Healing time varies, with some patient’s results taking months to become completely visible. Scarring can also fade over time. During your consultation, you can discuss your recovery timeline and what to expect after your procedure.
