Breast Lift

Sagging breasts are a real concern for many women. Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as pregnancy and nursing can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness.

A breast lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to lift and reshape the sagging breasts. Mastopexy may also involve repositioning the areola and nipple. Women who have small breasts or those who have lost a significant amount of breast volume after pregnancy may also get breast implants at the same time as their breast lift.

Procedure

Breast lifts are usually performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure generally takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to perform. Your surgeon will make an appropriate incision that follows the natural contour of the breast. Next, your surgeon will remove the excess skin and move your nipple and areola to a higher position. After completion of the procedure, dissolving stitches are placed around the areola and nipple area in a vertical line beneath the nipple, and may be along the lower crease of the breast.

Another technique especially for those with small breasts and minimal sagging is the doughnut or concentric mastopexy, where circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin or areola is removed.

Following the surgery your breast will be slightly bruised and swollen. After you have a breast lift, an elastic bandage or a surgical bra will be wrapped around your breasts over dressings. These will be removed within a few days and replaced with a support bra.

You may expect loss of sensation around your nipple and areola areas. This is usually temporary and may take six weeks or more to return to normal.