Breast Lift

What is a breast lift?

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure our Specialist Plastic Surgeons perform in Perth to remove excess breast skin to raise breast ptosis (sagging of the breast) and increase breast firmness.

This procedure can be performed for aesthetic (cosmetic) purposes or for medical/functional reasons (e.g. breast ptosis), the latter being dependent on strict Medicare eligibility criteria.

What factors may influence the decision to have a breast lift?

If your breasts have been impacted by factors like weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, a breast lift could potentially be beneficial for you.

Breast lift procedures can help to:

• Raise sagging breasts by removing excess skin
• Increase the firmness of soft breasts
• Increase the volume of breasts, in combination with the insertion of an artificial implant to enlarge the breast
• Raise the position of downward pointing nipples and areolas
• Reduce the size of the areolas.

A breast lift can also be used to balance the size and shape of significantly unequal breasts. It is important to note that both breasts, nipples and areolas are never exactly the same size and shape.

If you are contemplating a breast lift procedure, we advise you to consider the potential impact of pregnancy and breastfeeding on the size and shape of your breasts. Therefore, if you are planning to become pregnant, you may wish to consider delaying the surgery, as the results may be compromised or lost as a result.

Is a breast lift right for me?

A consultation with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon is the first step when you are considering a breast surgery. During this consultation, it is important to openly communicate your goals and expectations regarding your appearance. During the consultation, your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination and attentively listen to and address your concerns prior to discussing the most suitable options for your individual circumstances.

How is a breast lift performed?

There are currently several techniques for breast lift surgery. They all aim to remove excess breast tissue, raise the breasts, and reposition the nipples. Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will take your physical condition and requirements into consideration, and will determine which technique would be best for you.

The surgery is performed in Perth in a fully-accredited hospital under general anaesthesia. The surgery generally takes one to three hours but may take longer. You can expect to be discharged that same day or in some cases, after a short stay of one to two days. You will need to attend a post-operative consultation approximately seven (7) days after breast lift surgery and again four (4) weeks later.

Are there any risks and complications of breast lift surgery?

All plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures come with risks and potential complications. To ensure successful surgery, it is crucial to understand and minimise these risks. Whilst all measures are taken to mitigate risks, some risks are unavoidable.

All information on this page is general in nature – your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will discuss the specific risks and complications pertinent to your individual surgical procedure during your consultation. General risks for surgery are listed here.

Specific risks related to breast lift surgery include, but are not limited to:

• Fluid accumulation: After the surgery, there is a possibility of fluid accumulating around the breast. This condition, known as seroma, may require additional procedures to drain the fluid. To prevent any fluid or blood accumulation, thin tubes called a drains may be temporarily placed under the skin while you’re in hospital.
• Fat necrosis: This is a rare complication that can occur when fatty tissue dies. It can cause hard lumps under the skin, but it is usually not a serious problem.
• Changes in breast and nipple sensation: Breast lift surgery may lead to temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation. Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity, while others may notice reduced sensation.
• Asymmetry (unevenness) of the breasts: This is a rare complication of breast lift surgery. It can be caused by a number of factors, including differences in the size or shape of the breasts before surgery, or problems with healing.
• Excessive firmness of the breast: This is a rare complication of breast lift surgery that can be caused by the formation of scar tissue.
• Potential partial or total loss of the nipple and areola: This is a very rare complication of breast lift surgery. It is usually caused by damage to the blood supply to the nipple and areola.
• Requirement for further surgery to address complications: This is a rare complication of breast lift surgery. It may be necessary to correct problems such as asymmetry, excessive firmness, or loss of the nipple and areola.

Will a breast lift procedure leave any scars?

Although your surgeon will make every effort to keep them as inconspicuous as possible, scars are the inevitable result of any surgery. The scars should however be hidden on the undersurface of the breasts and thus become less visible after a period of time. Some patients have a tendency to develop keloid or hypertrophic scars and you should advise your surgeon if you are aware of this tendency in yourself.

What results can I expect from a breast lift?

The primary objective of your surgery is to lift your breasts to a size that is in better proportion with your physique and makes you feel more comfortable. Your surgeon is the best person to determine whether your expectations are achievable.

When can I resume normal activities following a breast lift?

Most patients are back to their regular routine in about three weeks. To permit proper healing, you should avoid excessive exercise for the first three to four weeks. Returning to work or your normal activities is an individual matter, and your surgeon will advise you. You will have to wear post-surgical compression garments for up to six weeks to reduce swelling and assist with the healing process.

It is important to note however, that each patient requires adequate time, support, and proper postoperative care to facilitate their recovery process. Due to individual variations in healing abilities and pain tolerance, the duration of recovery and ability to engage in various activities may differ among patients.

How much does this procedure cost?

Please contact us online or call us on (08) 9380 0333 and one of our medical secretaries can provide you with more information. Please note that pricing does vary from case to case.

Where can I find more information?

The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website is a helpful and reliable source of information online. Their website is an excellent place to research a range of surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments, and view video animations.