Breast Lift
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, genetics and rapid weight gain or loss, combined with the effect of gravity, can cause the breasts to sag and lose their shape. This can lower patients’ self-confidence and affect them psychologically.
With breast lift surgery, women can achieve the firmer, more lifted breasts they desire.
How is the operation performed?
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. It takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the degree of sagging and whether additional volume is needed.
In this operation, excess and sagging skin is removed, and the breast tissue is lifted and made fuller at the same time. If the patient’s own tissue is not sufficient to add volume, silicone implants or fat injection may also be used. At the same time, an enlarged and drooping nipple is moved to its proper position and reduced to the right size.
This operation leaves scars around the nipple and down towards the fold beneath the breast, to a varying extent depending on the degree of sagging. It is important to know that there is no breast lift operation that leaves no scar. However, these scars become less noticeable over time.
If the nipple has not dropped significantly and there is only mild sagging together with a loss of volume, an implant can be placed to restore fullness and lift the breast at the same time.
Since the milk ducts are not significantly affected, breastfeeding problems are very rare.
What should I pay attention to after surgery?
The patient is discharged on the day of surgery or after one night in hospital. Apart from pain on the first day, which is relieved with painkillers, significant pain is not expected on the following days.
Swelling and bruising around the breasts usually occur and generally subside within 2 weeks. In some patients, drains are placed in the breasts and are usually removed after 1–2 days.
After surgery, sports bras are worn for 3–4 weeks. If the patient’s job does not involve heavy work, they can return to work from the third day. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy work for about a month.
Breast lift surgery gives the breasts an attractive shape and achieves good results. However, it should be remembered that some sagging may occur after surgery due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, rapid weight gain or loss, and ageing combined with gravity.