What is Breast Lift Surgical Procedure?
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) is a surgical procedure whereby a cosmetic surgeon restructures breasts that have lost their original shape and appear to have an element of sagging or loss of volume to them.
Over Time a woman’s breasts often change, many factors can bring about a loss of youthful shape and firmness to the breasts, and loss of skin elasticity. These causes include; pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight fluctuations and weight gain, aging and natural gravity, heredity and genes also have a lot to answer for. Sometimes a woman in her teens may experience loose sagging breast tissue due to simple genetic heredity. Breasts that have lost their once firm uplifted contours can have a negative effect on a woman’s self-confidence and self-image.
For women seeking to restore the firmness and shape of their breasts, a Breast Lift Procedure medically known as a Mastopexy may be a good option. A Breast Lift Procedure raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples) can become enlarged over time; a Breast Lift will reduce this appearance as well. A Breast Lift can rejuvenate the female figure by giving a profile that is more youthful, uplifted and firm.
A Breast Lift is an ideal choice for women who wish to improve the shape and the position of their breasts, where an increase in volume and size is desired Breast Implants may also be inserted in conjunction with a Breast Lift.
Breast Lift Procedures are also appropriate for younger women as well who wish to address Asymmetrical Breast Correction.
Description of Breast Lift Surgery
Surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts to a higher position.
Variations of technique
1-2 hours
Length of Surgery
2-5 hours
In/Outpatient
Usually outpatient,
Anesthesia
Local or general
Back to work in…
7-14 days
Back to the gym in…
3-6 weeks
Treatment Frequency
Once
Risks
Soreness/numbness around the nipples, asymmetry, scar formation, anesthesia complications
Duration of results
Long lasting, however weight loss/gain, pregnancy, and age will all take their toll.
Breast Lift Surgery Costs in Dubai
National average: between 9,000 and 14,000 AED
Most cosmetic surgeons and surgical clinics offer flexible payment and finance options, some of which allow staggered payments or loans from VARIOUS FINANCING COMPANIES
Am I a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery
Women that undergo Breast Lift Surgery are looking to increase their breast volume that they have lost in recent years, and to improve the stretched skin around the Breast area.
Ideal Breast Lift Candidates are :
- Patients at least 18 years of age.
- Healthy individuals who are not suffering from a life-threatening illness or any other medical conditions that could impair healing and recovery.
- Non-Smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving their individual body image and self-confidence
- Candidates who are not pregnant or breast-feeding.
- It is also reccomendded that candidates considering Breast Lift Surgery should not be contemplating losing large amounts of weight after the surgery as this can alter the appearance of the final results.
Before undergoing a Breast Lift Operation, It is important that as a patient you understand what a Breast Lift procedure entails. If in doubt ask your surgeon if they consider you an ideal candidate.
Preparing for Breast Lift Surgery
Your Breast Lift Surgeon will carefully explain your Breast Lift Operation with you, at your initial consultation. Prior to surgery you may be asked to:
- Get a lab testing or medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust you current medications
- Get a baseline mammogram before surgery another and perhaps one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and herbal supplements as they may increase bleeding
In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure your cosmetic surgeon that you fully understand the procedure that you will undergo and any potential risks, complications and side effects associated with Breast Lift Surgery.
You may also receive special instructions prior to surgery which include:
- What to do on the day of your Breast Lift Surgery
- Post-operative care and follow-up instructions
Your Cosmetic Surgeon will also discuss where you procedure will be performed. Breast Lift Surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient/ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital
Breast Lift Surgery Procedure Steps
A Breast Lift without implants is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for your individual case will be determined on your breast size and shape, the size and the position of your areola, the degree of your breast sagging, and your skin quality and skin elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin.
Breast Augmentation Surgical Steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
- Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The Incision
- Incision pattern for a Breast Lift will be determined based on individual breast size and shape, excess skin and skin elasticity off the individual patient in order to achieve realistic goals.
- The Incision may include a circle around the areola, a line extending down the lower portion of the breast from the areola to the crease underneath the breast and a line along the crease of the breast.
- Not every patient will require all of the incisions mentioned above. It is possible to perform a Breast Lift through an incision around the areola only, or through a combination of incisions around the areola and a vertical incision down the lower portion of the breast.
- Most commonly, three incisions including one along the breast crease are used. The combination length and extent of incisions depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed and the quality of the skin.
- Once the excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped and lifted and the remaining skin tightened as the incisions are closed.
- Some incisions resulting from Breast Lift are concealed in the natural breast contours; others are visible on the breast surface.
- Non-removable sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts, sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.
- Incision lines are permanent but in most cases fade and improve significantly with time.
Step 3 – Results
- The results of Breast Lift Surgery are immediately visible. Over time post-surgical swelling will subside and resolve, and incision lines will gradually refine in appearance. Patients experience an immediate satisfaction at their results, and experience fulfillment in self-confidence and personal body image in achieving their goal for an uplifted breast profile.
Breast Lift Surgery Recovery and Healing
Once your Breast Lift Procedure is completed, the surgical areas will be covered in dressing or bandages and an elastic bandage or support bra will be given to the patients to wear, the purpose of a support bra or bandage is to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal, you may have to wear a support bra for the first week or two.
Breast Lift Recovery times vary from patient to patient. Initial Breast Lift Recovery may include swelling and slight discomfort at the incision sites and in breast tissue overall. It is quite common to experience discomfort and this can be controlled with medication.
Your Medical team will advise you of:
- How to care for the Breasts following surgery, and the importance to cleanse the incision sites and apply any ointment as directed, and it is important you follow that advice carefully, as this is essential to the success of your final outcome.
- Medications to apply or to take orally to reduce the risk of infection
- Specific changes at the surgical site or in overall health
- Follow up consultation with your Breast Lift Surgeon
A return to light and normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, which is normally a few days after surgery, however initial would healing may take between 5 to 10 days at which time any sutures will be removed. You will be able to return to work and resume normal activity after this time. It is advisable not to engage in any vigorous exercise or activity or heavy lifting within 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure.
Breast Lift Recovery Times can take up to several weeks as swelling slowly resolves and implant position settles. Incision lines will gradually fade; although they remain permanent they are often inconspicuous.
Breast Lift Side Effects and Surgery Risks
The decision to have Breast Lift Surgery is an exceptionally personal one and you will have to decide if the surgery will achieve your goals and expectations. Risks and potential complications are possible and it is advised that you discuss these in detail with you Breast Lift Surgeon.
Breast Lift Procedures are commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications.
Breast Lift Side Effects
These are the unwanted, but mostly temporary effects of a successful treatment, for example, feeling sick as a result of the general anesthetic.
For a few weeks after surgery, your breasts will feel sore, swollen and hard, and you will feel a burning sensation in your nipples. Using extra pillows when sleeping can help reduce the swelling around your breasts.
You will have scars, they will be pink and noticeable at first, but they should fade gradually.
It’s possible that you still won’t be satisfied with your appearance after the operation.
Breast Lift Risks
- Unfavorable scarring
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Poor healing of incisions
- Changes in nipples or breast sensation – maybe temporary or permanent
- Skin discoloration, pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs –maybe temporary or permanent
- Breast Asymmetry
- Fluid accumulation
- Excessive firmness of the breast
- Potential or partial or total loss of the nipple or areola
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Pain
It is possible that you still won’t be satisfied with your appearance after the operation.
All surgery carries risks associated with Anesthesia. These and additional risks will be discussed prior to your consent.
The exact risks are specific to you and will differ for every person. Ask your surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you.
Questions to Ask a Surgeon About Breast Lift Surgery
Knowledge is power so arm yourself with the facts before making any decision about Breast Lift Surgery; here is an essential check list to help you find the right Perfect Yourself Surgeon.
- Am I a good candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
- Are my described expectations realistic?
- Where is the Breast Lift surgery performed?
- How long will the Breast Lift procedure take?
- What kind of anesthesia is used in Breast Lift surgery?
- What is your experience in performing Breast Lift surgery?
- Can I see your qualifications?
- Can I see Breast Lift before and after photos of recent surgeries you have performed?
- What percentages of your Breast Lift patients have had significant post-surgical complications? (surgeons should disclose this information to you)
- Who will be assisting my surgery? Can I see their qualifications?
- How much will my Breast Lift surgery cost?
- Do you offer patient financing? (Flexible payment schemes for your surgery)
- Will you repeat/correct procedures if the agreed goals are not met? If this is the case, will I be charged again?
- Ask to observe the exact procedure you are considering before you decided to have surgery if you are unsure (this could be on videotape or in real life).
- What is the recovery and healing period for Breast Lift? When can I resume full normal activity?
- Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended
- Ask for and follow up on patient references (these can be invaluable to finding out what your surgeon is really like and the level of customer satisfaction he/she has received in the past)