Breast Lift: Who Is A Good Candidate For Mastopexy Surgery

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is designed to address skin laxity on the breasts. Before deciding to undergo the procedure, it’s essential to understand the criteria for being a good breast lift candidate. Performing the surgery on suitable candidates only helps to minimise complications.

In this blog, we’ll go over what makes a suitable candidate for the procedure, so that you will know what to expect before your consultation. When you’re ready to book a consultation, you should choose a qualified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. If you’re in the Sunshine Coast, Dr Fraser-Kirk is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with a high level of experience in breast surgery. You can contact our team to book your initial consultation and discuss if you are a suitable candidate.

What is a breast lift/mastopexy?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a aimed at lifting breasts that have lost their elasticity. Factors such as ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight fluctuations can contribute to the loss of breast volume and skin elasticity. The primary goal of mastopexy is to elevate the breasts, as well as reposition the nipples, if needed.

Who may want to undergo a breast lift?

Deciding to undergo a breast lift is highly personal. Generally, breast lift patients seek the procedure to address skin laxity on the breasts, which can have a variety of causes, including the natural ageing process, changes after pregnancy and weight fluctuations.

The natural ageing process can cause skin laxity, which can cause the breast tissue to sit below the breast crease. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause significant changes in breast shape and volume. Many women experience a loss of breast firmness and an elongation of the breast tissue after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Significant weight loss or gain can also lead to changes in breast appearance.

Essentially, the reasons for undergoing a breast lift can vary and entirely depend on the patient’s personal concerns and preferences.

What makes a good candidate for a breast lift

A variety of factors need to be considered when it comes to deciding whether or not a candidate is suitable for mastopexy.

Firstly, candidates should want to address relaxed breast tissue, that may have caused the breasts to sit anatomically low. If the patient is experiencing skin laxity, a breast lift can reduce excess skin and lift the breasts. A candidate can also be suitable for a breast lift if the nipples point downward, as the procedure can also address the position of the nipples. Specifically, if the nipples have descended below the breast crease or point downward, a breast lift can reposition them to a more central location on the breast mound.

Candidates for mastopexy should be in good overall health. Ideal candidates should have achieved a stable weight, as fluctuations in weight can impact the long-term results of the procedure. Maintaining a stable weight is generally recommended both before and after undergoing procedure.

When it comes to overall health, smoking can compromise the healing process and increase the risk of complications after surgery. Ideal candidates for mastopexy should be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for a specified period before and after the procedure.

Individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular diseases may face increased risks during surgery and may be advised against mastopexy until their health is stabilised. Conditions that affect blood clotting may also contraindicate mastopexy, due to the increased risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. Patients with autoimmune disorders may experience compromised healing and increased susceptibility to infections, potentially making mastopexy a less suitable option.

Another factor to consider is that women planning to become pregnant or breastfeed shortly after mastopexy may be advised to postpone the surgery, as this can impact the long-term results of the procedure.

Understanding the limitations and potential outcomes of mastopexy is essential. Candidates should have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved through surgery.

During a consultation with your chosen surgeon, you will discuss what makes a suitable candidate for a breast lift in further detail.

Your personal consultation for mastopexy

To find out if you are a good breast lift candidate, you’ll need to discuss your personal situation during a consultation.

During a consultation, candidates for mastopexy must undergo a thorough physical health assessment. Your surgeon will assess your health, discussing any conditions that can impact surgery, such as diabetes or hypertension.

You will also discuss other factors, such as allergic reactions to anaesthesia or other medications used during surgery, that must be identified and addressed. Any sensitivities or allergies to surgical materials, such as sutures or dressings, should also be discussed with your surgeon.

During your consultation, it will be important to determine if your expectations for the procedure are realistic. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations about the improvements achievable through surgery.

Choose Dr Fraser-Kirk for breast lift surgery in the Sunshine Coast

For a high level of care when undergoing a breast lift, you should always ensure that you choose a qualified plastic surgeon.

Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk is an experienced Specialised Plastic Surgeon based in the Sunshine Coast. With a focus on breast surgery, he understands the details of a breast lift that need to be considered when determining if a candidate is suitable.

To discuss if you are a suitable breast lift candidate, contact our team to book your initial consultation.