Breast Lift Surgery – Top 8 Things You Need To Know

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy surgery is a type of mammoplasty – a plastic surgery term designating any procedure performed in the breast area. There are several breast surgeries that may differ depending on the aim. Breast augmentation is for enhancing the breast shape and size by using breast implants or performing the procedure of fat transfer without implants. Also, for those who want to have smaller breasts, there are performed breast reduction surgeries. However, breast lift surgery does not create a remarkable change in your breast size or round out the upper part of your breast. The breast lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure to raise and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue and supporting the new breast form.

In this article, you will find some information about breast lift surgery, facts about breast ptosis, and different ways to avoid drooping or saggy breasts.

READ: Which Is Better? Breast Augmentation by Fat Transfer & Breast Implants

1. Breast Lift Surgery Is Performed Mostly for Cosmetic Purposes

Breast lift surgery is mainly a cosmetic procedure. Women suffering from breast ptosis often feel self-conscious about their bust, which can lead to depression, lack of self-acceptance, and lower satisfaction with life in general. Since functionality is the same for sagging breasts or raised breasts, the procedure is considered strictly aesthetic.

If you consider this cosmetic procedure, you may start to search for good clinics and surgeons to reach your expected results. If the cost factor is a significant determinant as well as the level of experience of the surgeon for you, you may consider having your breast lift surgery in Turkey. With a number of well-equipped clinics and successful surgeons, Turkey has become a reasonable medical tourism destination choice for many people in recent years.

READ: Breast Lift – 6 Things You Should Know About

2. Breast Ptosis Can Be Caused by Different Things

Female breast ptosis is a result of aging. An ideal nipple lies between 5 and 7 cm above the inferior mammary curve in a non-augmented breast. Progressive resting of the gland against the rib cage reflects ptosis. History of excess weight loss, higher body mass index (BMI), larger bra cup size, number of pregnancies, and smoking has been considered as the significant risk factors for breast ptosis.

3. There Are Several Degrees of Breast Ptosis

The Regnault scale divides breast ptosis into 4 different grades, depending on the location of the nipple compared to the inframammary fold or IMF.
Grade I: This is considered mild ptosis. The nipple is usually located somewhat below the inframammary fold but still above the lower pole of the breast.
Grade II: Moderate ptosis means that the nipple is located below the inframammary fold and some breast tissue hangs below the nipple.
Grade III: Advanced ptosis. The nipple is below the inframammary crease, and it is at the maximum projection of the breast from the chest.
Grade IV: Severe ptosis consists of the nipple being well below the inframammary crease and the lack of any lower pole tissue under the nipple itself.

4. Breast Lift Surgery Scars Are Unavoidable

Although breast lift surgery results are usually good and patients report high satisfaction rates after the procedure, scarring is unfortunately unavoidable. There are 3 main types of incisions created for breast lift surgery, and the type of incision performed during the surgery depends on the degree of ptosis the patient suffers from:

Donut incisions – this type of incision runs around the full length of the areola – the darker tissue surrounding the nipple. Donut incisions are usually performed on patients with mild or moderate ptosis or patients with smaller breasts.

A lollipop incision – the lollipop incision is made around the areola and then down to the inframammary fold or crease. This type of incision is performed on patients suffering from advanced or severe ptosis.

Anchor incision – The anchor incision is recommended for patients with severe or advanced ptosis and big bust size. The incision is made around the areola, then down towards the inframammary fold and then it covers the length of the mammary fold itself.

After your incision has completely recovered, you may think of professional treatments for the scarring. For instance, laser therapy can help to reach the top and inner layers of your skin to reduce pigmentation difference.

A scar-free breast lift surgery is the least invasive operation available. In this option, your surgeon will use a system of electrical currents or ultrasound to heat the fat cells and skin of your breasts instead of using any incision into your skin. This procedure is also satisfying with the results of the tissue to tighten and firm, creating the desired lift. The only thing about this procedure you need to consider is that it only works for women who have minimal sagging.

5. Breast Lift Recovery Period Is Very Important

After your breast lift surgery, you may feel uncomfortable for a few days. Surgeons usually recommend wearing a bra or having a special dressing in order to provide the necessary support during your recovery. For the first week, you may need medication for your possible pain. After two or three weeks, your surgeon will remove all your stitches. Your breasts will continue to take their final shape in the process of time.

Full recovery from breast lift surgery takes between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on the type of incision used and the patient’s bust. During this time the doctor’s guidelines need to be followed thoroughly, and it’s strongly recommended that patients quit smoking — certain activities such as heavy lifting need to be avoided during this period as well. The tissue around the breasts needs ample time to heal properly in a way that the scars will be less noticeable.

6. You May Need Minor Touches After the Procedure

Although a breast lift procedure provides patients with great results, it doesn’t mean that minor touches may not be necessary in the future. After the breast lift surgery, there may be small differences in the symmetry between the two breasts. If you experience it, your plastic surgeon will apply a small touch-up procedure to help reposition the nipple. Minor adjustments can also be performed subsequently.

These procedures are less expensive and require a much shorter recovery period though. Ethical breast lift clinics will always inform their patients regarding the possibility of revision surgery.

7. You Can Still Breastfeed

Breast lift surgery only removes excess fatty tissue and skin. The mammary glands are left intact during this procedure, so you may undergo breast lift surgery get one before or after you are pregnant. You will be able to breastfeed still after a breast lift surgery.

8. There Are Ways to Avoid Breast Ptosis in The Long Run

Although we can’t prevent the natural aging process and its effects, there are a few ways to prevent breast ptosis or at least, the degree of it.

Breast ptosis prevention tips include:

• Quit smoking
• Stay away from fatty diets and foods
• Avoid fluctuations in body weight through healthy diets
• Regular exercise is a must
• Always wear a special sports bra during your exercises
• Try a pectoral muscle workout