It is quite natural to experience changes in the appearance of the breasts as women age or undergo major life changes. Breasts can start to droop and lose their firmness. This is quite often the result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it can also be the result of losing a significant amount of weight. These life changes can result in the fibrous bands within the breasts breaking down.
The skin will stretch and the youthful silhouette will change. This can result in many women no longer enjoying the way that their breasts sit on their chest when they look in the mirror.
Mastopexy surgery, often simply referred to as a breast lift, can improve the shape and position of the breasts without the need to reduce the size of the breasts. The procedure can lift and restore drooping or sagging breasts, which is called ptosis. The result is breasts that have a more youthful position. This can also lead to improved self-esteem and a boost in confidence. Sagging breasts can often have an empty and flat appearance, particularly after losing volume following pregnancy and after weight loss. The breast lift can be performed on its own or in conjunction with breast augmentation. The result will be a more youthful, full and perky look. In some cases, implant surgery on its own may be sufficient to restore volume and get you the lift you’re looking for.
Breasts become droopy for various reasons, including:
- Natural ageing process; gravity can take a toll on the breasts, particularly if they are larger sized breasts.
- Genetics; some women are simply more prone to experiencing breast droop.
- Dramatic weight loss; this can result in a loss of volume in the breasts, which can lead to them drooping.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding; the increased volume experienced during pregnant and breastfeeding can result in a loss of volume and positioning once breastfeeding is stopped
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SURGERY?
The focus of this surgical procedure is to remove loose skin from the breasts and reposition them for a more youthful silhouette. The procedure lifts and reshapes the breasts. A youthful contour is restored.
Before the surgery, you will meet with Dr Laniewski to discuss the procedure and your realistic goals from the procedure. This is your opportunity to ask any questions that you have and to learn more about the surgery.
On the day of your surgery, Dr Laniewski will mark on your breasts where his planned incisions will go to ensure that all runs smoothly during surgery. When you are comfortable and under anaesthesia, your surgeon will make an incision around the areola. This will allow for access to the breast and breast tissue. During the surgery excess skin will be removed from the breasts and liposuction may also be used. The areolae will be repositioned once the excess skin has been removed. The surgery itself typically takes about two to three hours. This can vary based upon the extent of the breast lift and whether other procedures are combined with the lift.
Dr Laniewski makes every effort to keep scarring to a minimum. It is a surgical procedure, which means that scars are inevitable. However, with the right scar care, it will fade naturally over time and will take on a much softer appearance. Any scars that you do have will not be visible when you are wearing a bra or bikini top.
Post operative LED Light Therapy is strongly recommended to decrease your downtime and speed healing immediately after your surgery. The treatment is convenient and can be combined with your post operative visits. Lasting only 13 minutes and completely painless, LED Light Therapy is clinically proven to dramatically reduce the swelling and bruising that can occur after your surgery. Please speak to Dr Laniewski or one of his consultants to book in your treatment.
DOES A BREAST LIFT HURT?
Patients will feel no pain during the procedure. A general anaesthetic is administered prior to the surgery. Patients will be asleep and comfortable during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort can be controlled with pain medications. Most patients do not feel the need for prescription pain medication after three or so days.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A BREAST LIFT?
Every woman reacts to surgery and heals at her own pace. There are some potential commonalities that breast lift patients experience. It is normal to experience some swelling of the breast. Swelling is the body’s normal reaction to surgery. Some discolouration and bruising is also likely.
The swelling, discolouration and bruising will subside on its own after a few weeks. Any discomfort felt will also diminish after a few weeks.
Post operative LED Light Therapy is strongly recommended to decrease your downtime and speed healing immediately after your surgery. The treatment is convenient and can be combined with your post operative visits. Lasting only 13 minutes and completely painless, LED Light Therapy is clinically proven to dramatically reduce the swelling and bruising that can occur after your surgery. Please speak to Dr Laniewski or one of his consultants to book in your treatment.
Some loss of breast sensation may occur. This is a completely normal occurrence after surgery. Sensation should return after some rest and recovery.
Rest, recovery and some downtime is essential after the breast lift. This is a major surgical procedure. The majority of patients take one or two weeks off from work in order to best recover. This can vary from patient to patient, and the individual recovery rate.
Strenuous exercise such as working out, running or other athletic activities should be avoided for six weeks. This will allow the body and breasts to recover well. Every patient can expect her own experience after the surgery. Dr Laniewski will be able to offer more personalised information during your consultation.
After a breast lift, you will need to wear a supportive bra. This supportive garment can help to control excessive swelling and aid in the healing process. Supportive undergarments will need to be used for up to two months. This will encourage the best results.
You will be able to see the full benefit of your breast lift after around three months once the swelling has subsided. Breasts will be noticeable higher and firmer, which results in the youthful look that women want.
WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST LIFT?
The ideal candidate for a breast lift is a woman who is in good overall health. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle and have a steady weight maintained for a minimum of six months prior to surgery. It is also important to maintain your healthy weight after your surgery. Post-operative weight gain or loss can have a marked impact on the results of your surgery.
If you are a smoker, you will need to stop smoking several weeks prior to and after the surgery. Smoking can constrict your blood vessels, which can take a toll on your body’s ability to heal correctly after a major surgery.
It is important to note that if you become pregnant after your breast lift, this has the potential to affect the results of your breast lift surgery.
The breast lift surgery is not the right choice if you’re looking to reduce or increase the size of your breasts. A breast reduction or a breast augmentation, which will insert implants into the breasts, could be combined with the lift.
