Breast lifts (Mastopexy) explained
Breast lift surgery, medically known as mastopexy, is designed to raise and tighten the breast contour to give a more youthful-looking appearance. The breasts are reshaped and become more firm through the removal of excess skin, which may have resulted from a loss of skin elasticity. A breast lift (mastopexy) often involves moving the location or changing the size of the areola, which is the darker skin surrounding the nipple.
Some common reasons why women seek a lift to their breasts include:
- Breasts seem ‘deflated’ after breastfeeding
- Breasts have changed in size or shape as a general result of pregnancy
- Ageing has caused a loss of skin elasticity
- Fluctuations in weight have left the breasts droopy
- High-impact sport or exercise without the proper bra support has caused breasts to sag
- Breasts have lost their natural fullness over time
Mr David Morgan is highly experienced in this procedure, and will be able to explain all of the options available to you if you are considering having your breasts lifted.
Be informed: Breast lift (mastopexy) risks and other concerns
All types of surgery pose a risk, and for this reason it would be wise not to make the decision to undergo any procedures when you are feeling stressed. Having a realistic expectation of the result and understanding that our bodies will continue to change over time is the right way to approach this type of cosmetic procedure. Being overweight, smoking and having other medical conditions may make surgery unsafe, so all risks will be assessed and clearly explained during your consultation with Mr Morgan.
While breast lift (mastopexy) surgery is possible at any age, it would be recommended that you wait until the breasts have fully developed before undergoing any cosmetic surgery of this kind. In most cases, this would be in your early twenties.
Being informed about your intended procedure includes looking at any surgical complications. There are specific complications that may arise from a lift procedure, and some of these include:
- Loss of sensation in the nipple and breast: While permanent loss of sensation is rare, there may be damage to the nerves that causes temporary numbness.
- Scarring on the breasts: This type of surgery will result in some scarring, however the degree will depend on what you wish to achieve and your specific circumstances. In most cases, scars around the areolas are not very noticeable but any horizontal and vertical scars will linger. Heavy bruising or internal bleeding that occurs during the procedure may increase the size of the scars.
- Unevenness of breasts: You may discover after the surgery that your nipples are not the same size or are not quite level, or that the breasts are not the same shape or size. Your surgeon will do their best to achieve the desired outcome based on your situation, however in some cases, revision surgery may be needed.
Positive outcomes from breast lift (mastopexy) surgery
It will take a few months for the breasts to settle after the surgery. Incision lines made during the procedure will fade over time and the lift achieved for most patients is long-lasting. You’ll be able to retain your new look for longer if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid major weight fluctuations.
For women who have heavier breasts, the result of a breast lift (mastopexy) may not be as long-term (as gravity may hamper the desired outcome), so perhaps a breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) is a better option. For more information on breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) surgery, head to our Breast Surgery page.
Apart from your breasts taking on a different silhouette, wearing a bra (once you’ve completely healed) will be a much more comfortable experience. For women whose reason for having the surgery was due to having full but droopy breasts, you should feel a reduction in neck and back pain, poor posture, and strap marks. In those women who felt their breasts had deflated, the result will mean no need for padded bras or bra inserts.
Mr David Morgan will help you on your journey
Mr David Morgan, a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon, is extremely experienced with breast lift (mastopexy) surgery and will be there to talk you through all considerations during your consultation. He will be able to show you some before and after shots of previous patients, proving successful results and happy clients.
Contact the Melbourne practice today to make an appointment.