What is a Breast Lift Surgery? How to Prepare and Recover After the Surgery?

Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts, providing a more youthful appearance. Like any surgery, it comes with its own set of risks and complications, as well as a defined recovery process that patients should be aware of before undergoing the procedure.

This article covers everything you need to know about the potential risks, complications, and the recovery timeline following a breast lift, so you can make an informed decision and ensure a smooth recovery.

What is a Breast Lift Surgery?

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. Over time, factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, ageing, and gravity can cause the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness.

A breast lift aims to restore a perkier, more youthful appearance by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipple to a higher position.

Why Do People Get a Breast Lift?

Many women choose to undergo a breast lift for both cosmetic and personal reasons. Common motivations include:

• Sagging Breasts (Ptosis): As we age, skin loses its elasticity, causing breasts to droop. A breast lift can correct this by removing the extra skin and lifting the breast tissue.
• Nipple Placement: Over time, nipples may point downward due to sagging. A breast lift repositions the nipples, making them sit higher and more central on the breast.
• Symmetry: Sometimes, one breast may sag more than the other. A breast lift can address this issue, giving the breasts a more balanced appearance.
• Self-Confidence: Many women feel more confident and comfortable with their bodies after a breast lift, especially when wearing fitted clothing or swimwear.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

A good candidate for a breast lift is someone who:

• Has sagging breasts but is generally satisfied with their size.
• Is in good health and doesn’t have any conditions that could impair healing.
• Maintains a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of a breast lift, so it’s best to be close to your ideal weight.
• Does not smoke, or is willing to quit smoking for the surgery and recovery period, as smoking can interfere with healing.

Types of Breast Lifts

There are different techniques used for breast lifts, depending on the degree of sagging and the desired results. The most common types are:

1. Crescent Lift: This is the least invasive type and is used for women with minimal sagging. It involves a small incision above the areola to lift the breast slightly.
2. Peri-Areolar Lift (Donut Lift): This method is suitable for mild sagging and involves a circular incision around the areola.
3. Vertical Lift (Lollipop Lift): For moderate sagging, a lollipop lift involves two incisions: one around the areola and another running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease.
4. Anchor Lift: This is the most invasive type and is used for women with significant sagging. It involves an incision around the areola, a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

It’s important to understand the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation. While a breast lift reshapes and lifts the breast, breast augmentation involves adding implants to increase breast size. Some women choose to have both procedures done simultaneously to achieve fuller and lifted breasts.

Preparation for Breast Lift Surgery

Before undergoing a breast lift surgery, there are several important steps to take in order to ensure a safe and smooth experience.

1. Consultation with the Surgeon: This is the first step in the process. During the consultation, you’ll discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve with the breast lift. The surgeon will also conduct a medical evaluation, which may involve lab tests to check your overall health and ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
2. Stop Smoking: Smoking can interfere with healing, so it’s crucial to stop smoking at least two weeks before and after the surgery. Smoking reduces blood flow, which can delay recovery and increase the risk of complications.
3. Avoid Certain Medications: You should avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal supplements leading up to the surgery. These substances can increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure, so it’s important to consult with your surgeon about what medications or supplements are safe to take.

The Breast Lift Procedure

The breast lift procedure itself is usually straightforward and performed under general anaesthesia to ensure that you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery.

1. Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is typically used for breast lifts, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain and remain completely relaxed.
2. Incision Patterns: The surgeon will make incisions depending on how much lift is needed and the position of the areolas and nipples. There are three common incision patterns used for breast lifts, which will be discussed with you during your consultation. The surgeon will mark the incision areas according to the plan.
3. Reshaping the Breast: Once the incisions are made, the surgeon lifts and reshapes the breast tissue to achieve a firmer and more youthful appearance. The nipples and areolas are moved higher to a more natural-looking position. If the areolas are enlarged, the surgeon can reduce their size by removing some of the surrounding skin.
4. Closing the Incisions: After reshaping the breasts, absorbable sutures are used internally to support the new breast shape. The outer skin is then closed with either sutures or medical tape. This helps ensure that the scars heal as cleanly as possible.

Post-Operative Care for Breast Lift Surgery

Recovery after a breast lift is vital to ensuring good results and minimizing any discomfort. Here’s what you should expect after the surgery:

1. Compression Bra: After surgery, you’ll need to wear a compression bra. This provides support, helps with positioning, and reduces swelling. The bra also helps prevent fluid buildup around the incisions.
2. Sleeping Position: It’s recommended to sleep with your torso slightly elevated, either by propping yourself up with pillows or using an adjustable bed. This position helps minimize bruising and swelling in the days following surgery.
3. Incision Care: Your incisions will be covered with dressings, which should remain in place until the stitches are removed, usually about seven days after surgery. It’s essential to keep the incisions clean and dry during this time to prevent infection.
4. Pain Relief: Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort after surgery. It’s important to take these as directed and not to skip doses if you’re feeling better.
5. Activity Restrictions: Avoid any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or intense exercise, for at least two weeks after surgery. This will help your body heal and prevent complications. Always follow your surgeon’s guidelines on when you can resume normal activities.
6. Follow-Up Appointments: You’ll need to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery is going smoothly. During these visits, your surgeon will monitor your healing progress and address any concerns you might have.
   

Risks and Complications from Breast Lift Surgery

Like any surgery, a breast lift (mastopexy) comes with potential risks and complications. While many patients experience a smooth recovery, it’s important to be aware of what could go wrong. Here are some common complications associated with breast lift surgery:

1. Keloid or Scarring: After surgery, scars can form at the incision site. While most scars fade over time, some people develop thicker, raised scars known as keloids. This is more common in people with a genetic predisposition to keloids.
2. Bleeding and Bruising: Some bleeding and bruising are normal after surgery, but in rare cases, bleeding can continue under the skin, which might require additional treatment.
3. Itching and Soreness: As your body heals, you might experience itching around the incision areas and soreness in the breasts. This usually fades as recovery progresses.
4. Poor Healing: Sometimes, the incisions may not heal as expected, leading to delayed wound closure or complications like infection or wider scarring.
5. Asymmetry: While surgeons aim to create symmetry between the breasts, there’s a possibility of slight differences in shape or nipple position after the surgery.
6. Infection: Infection is a risk in any surgery. If you notice redness, warmth, or experience a fever, you may have an infection. It’s crucial to contact your surgeon immediately if this happens.
7. Decreased or Lost Sensation: Some patients experience changes in nipple or breast sensation after the procedure. This can be temporary, but in some cases, the loss of sensation can be permanent.
8. Capsular Contracture: This complication is more common in patients undergoing breast lift surgery combined with implants. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breast to harden and potentially requiring additional surgery.
9. Anesthesia Risks: Since a breast lift is performed under general anaesthesia, there are associated risks such as allergic reactions or breathing issues. However, these risks are generally low when the procedure is performed by a qualified team.

Recovery for Breast Lift Surgery

Recovery after a breast lift surgery is generally smooth, but the timeline depends on the type of incision used and the complexity of the surgery.

1. Recovery After an O-Scar Breast Lift: This type of lift is less invasive, and patients typically experience mild discomfort. You might feel some soreness for a few days, but most patients can return to work within 2-3 days. The minimal nature of the O-scar lift allows for a quicker recovery compared to other techniques.
2. Recovery After a Keyhole or Inverted T-Scar Breast Lift: This type of lift involves more extensive incisions, so the recovery time is slightly longer. Patients may experience more discomfort, including pain, stiffness, swelling, and bruising, for about 4-5 days. The final results, such as reduced numbness or tingling around the incision areas, can take several weeks to months to fully settle.
3. Recovery After Breast Implant Replacement with Lifting: When a breast lift is combined with implant replacement, the recovery can be more uncomfortable. This is because the body needs to adjust to both the lift and the implants. Patients typically return to work within a week, but wearing a compression bra during recovery is essential to support the breasts, reduce swelling, and prevent fluid buildup (seroma). The bra also helps maintain the correct positioning of the breasts.

General Recovery Tips

• Avoid Strenuous Activities: It’s important to avoid moderate to strenuous exercise or workout and heavy lifting for at least six weeks after surgery. This allows the body to heal properly and reduces the risk of complications.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are essential to monitor your recovery and address any concerns that may arise.

Just make sure to follow the surgeon’s instructions after the operation, and you should recover smoothly with little discomfort. If you notice any strange symptoms, let your healthcare provider know right away.

Conclusion

Getting a breast lift can totally change things, making you look younger and feel more confident. But, it’s super important to know about the potential risks and complications and to stick to the recovery guidelines.

Most people have a smooth recovery and great results by working with a good surgeon, preparing well, and taking it easy afterwards. Being on top of your care and staying informed will help make sure you get awesome results from your breast lift surgery.

Choosing the right surgeon for your breast implant procedure is crucial for achieving a safe and successful outcome. It’s important to find an experienced, qualified, and skilled surgeon like those in Kamol Hospital who is experienced in the type of implant and technique you’re considering.