PROCEDURES
Breast Lift
What is a breast lift?
Over time, breast skin can stretch as a result of heavy breasts and/or fluctuations in breast size that occurs with pregnancy, hormonal changes, and ageing. This causes the breasts to lose their shape and firmness, and they appear ptotic or droopy and empty.
Breast lift (also known as mastopexy), as the name suggests, is a surgical procedure that aims to lift the breasts back up into the correct position on the chest wall, restoring a youthful, firm breast shape. A breast lift may also be performed in combination with breast augmentation or breast reduction.
Fast Facts:
Length of procedure: 1,5 – 2 hours
Type of anaesthesia: General anaesthetic.
Length of stay: Overnight
What to expect post-op: You may have difficulty lifting your arms above your shoulders in the first few days, and you will need to wear a supportive post-surgical bra for 6 weeks post-surgery.
Recovery time: You should be able to drive after ten days and return to work after approximately 1 week. Avoid strenuous activity for 1 month.
Results: Final results are seen after about 6 months and will persist, but may be affected by significant variations in weight, gravity, pregnancy and the natural ageing process.
Who might benefit from a breast lift?
A breast lift is appropriate for any woman who is happy with her breast size but feels that her breasts have lost their youthful appearance, and are droopy, sagging or ptotic. In these cases, a breast lift or mastopexy can be performed to restore youthful, firm, properly positioned breasts. In cases where there is an excess of lax skin as well as a loss of volume, it might be necessary to combine a breast lift with the insertion of a breast implant (known as an Augmentation Mastopexy). Many women may choose to combine a breast lift with liposuction or a tummy tuck to restore their bodies after pregnancy, childbirth (Mommy Makeover) or significant weight loss.
What does a breast lift procedure involve?
Undergoing a breast lift/mastopexy is a major decision. During your consultation, Dr do Vale will discuss and answer any questions you may have regarding the breast lift procedure, all options available to you, the risks involved, and the expected benefits and results so that together you can come to a personalised decision that best suits you.
Dr do Vale uses the Vectra XT 3D camera to provide a life-like 3-dimensional view of your breasts from all angles. Using this advanced imaging technology, Dr do Vale can show you various simulations that experiment with different surgical options (such as different breast implant sizes and shapes), to show you a ‘preview’ of potential post-operative results and how they might look on your body, as well as where the scars will lie. Vectra-XT 3D imaging will help give you peace of mind about what you can realistically achieve from your plastic surgery. (Read more here…)
Breast lift is a surgical procedure that typically lasts around 1,5 to 2 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. Several different breast lift techniques exist, but ultimately, they all aim to remove excess skin and reshape the breast to produce shapely, firmer, lifted breasts. If necessary, the breast lift may be combined with the insertion of a breast implant (known as an Augmentation Mastopexy). As a female plastic surgeon, Dr do Vale will apply her skill and appreciation of shape and scale to personalise each breast lift or breast implant to match the specific needs of the patient.
Surgical markings are measured and made before going into theatre. During the breast lift procedure, incisions are made around the areolae in a key-hole pattern, followed by a vertical incision along the lower portion of the breast and finally a horizontal incision along the breast crease. The scar around the areola is fairly inconspicuous due to the contrast in colour between the light breast skin and the darker areola skin. Both the vertical and horizontal scars tend to heal well and are generally well hidden even in a bikini.
These incisions are designed to allow Dr do Vale to adequately reshape, firm and lift the breast, whilst the nipples and areolae are repositioned higher up on the breast, and the incisions are closed.
For some patients, it may not be possible to create the desired breast lift, fullness and projection with the breast tissue available and in these cases, a breast implant may be used to augment the final result. As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr do Vale’s ultimate goal is to give you shapely, firmer, lifted breasts whilst achieving an attractive, natural look.
Recovery after breast lift:
Most patients will take about one week to recover after a breast lift procedure before returning to work. It may take a few weeks for the incisions to fully heal and a good quality supportive post-surgical bra should be worn, day and night, during this period. No strenuous activity should be done during this time (approximately four to six weeks). Once the incisions have fully healed, you can resume your normal exercise routine. Dr do Vale will advise you on the most suitable scar management regimen to minimise the visibility of the scars.
For more information on Breast Lift/Mastopexy or to find out if it’s the right procedure for you, request a consultation below or call 0109003999 to schedule your detailed consultation with Dr do Vale.
