Changes in the shape and position of your breasts can naturally occur throughout your life. As the natural ageing process takes place, breasts can appear to drop or sag from their original position. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes and other factors can also influence breast size, position, shape, and symmetry. Breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, is a surgical solution to low or sagging breasts and can help women regain a desired breast shape.
Plastic surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk can perform breast lift surgery to improve the breast shape and lift the breasts to a desired and more comfortable position. He will tailor the surgery to your body proportions and ideals in order to give you a pleasing surgical outcome.
What can a breast lift achieve?
Women seek breast lift surgery for many reasons, depending on their age, genetics, and stage in life. For example, sagging or drooping breasts can become an issue due to large weight loss, where the breasts go through changes in weight and size. Women may experience a similar effect after pregnancy, where the breasts increase and decrease in volume. In other cases, breasts can begin sagging in mature women due to the natural ageing process. Whatever the reason for your skin laxity around the breasts, mastopexy can be a great solution. It is a versatile surgery that surgeons can tailor to meet the requirements of each patient.
To improve the appearance of the breasts, a breast lift procedure can:
- Remove excess or sagging skin
- Firm and tighten the breast tissue
- Correct nipple placement
- Correct asymmetrical breasts
- Adjust areola size
- Lift the breasts to sit higher on the chest
- Help women regain confidence
Breast lift surgery aims to restore the breasts to a more ideal position on the chest wall and create a more flattering shape. The procedure reverses the effects of gravity and skin laxity and gives the breasts a more lifted, rejuvenated look. This helps women feel more confident and improve their self-esteem and body image.
Your consultations
Since every patient has different needs, we will need to gather information about your requirements and goals for surgery. This means a consultation is needed before your mastopexy procedure. During this meeting, we will speak about your health and any prior surgeries you have had. You can explain what you hope to achieve from breast lift surgery and which issues you are seeking to address. From this information, we will be able to develop a customised plan for surgery that best suits your goals in order to produce a pleasing end result.
We will explain the mastopexy procedure in detail to make sure you know what to expect before surgery as well as after. For example, we may advise that you stop taking certain medications several weeks before your breast lift. We also advise that patients stop smoking several weeks before and after their surgery, since smoking puts you at a higher risk for complications. You will be able to ask any questions about the procedure to ensure you are well informed.
Mastopexy surgery procedure
A breast lift procedure is designed to lift the breasts to an improved position by removing excess skin. By removing excess skin and loose tissue, we can reverse the appearance of sagging and create a firmer, more refined breast shape. Some patients choose to combine the surgery with a different procedure, depending on their goals, such as breast reduction surgery or breast implant surgery. Dr Fraser-Kirk uses a patient-focused approach, using the most suitable incision type for each individual. We will discuss which approach best suits your case during your first meeting with us.
On the day of your surgery, you will be given a general anaesthetic. This will ensure you are asleep and do not feel pain during the mastopexy procedure.
Breast lift incision types:
The incision type chosen will depend on the amount of lifting and excess skin removal that is needed. Incision types that involve more cutting will allow the surgeon more access to the areas of excess skin and will allow for more shaping. These types are generally ideal for those who would like a more dramatic change. Those who only require a subtle lift can achieve their desired results with a less extensive incision type.
- Wise-Pattern/Anchor: To allow a moderate to a large amount of lifting, the surgeon makes a circular incision around the areola, then a vertical incision down to the bottom of the breast. There is also a horizontal incision along the crease of the breast.
- Vertical/Lollipop: For a moderate lift, there is a circular incision around the areola before a vertical incision down towards the breast crease.
- Peri-Areolar/Benelli: When patients only require a subtle lift, there is only an incision around the areola.
- Crescent: For an even more subtle lift, the surgeon makes a semi-circle incision above the areola.
After your surgeon makes the required incisions, he will begin adjusting the skin and underlying tissue. He will trim the excess skin and secure the breast in a more ideal position and shape on the chest wall.
As well as removing excess skin and creating a lift, your surgeon can also adjust the placement of your nipples to suit the new breast shape. Often, breasts that have begun to sag will cause the nipples to move from their original position, sometimes facing downwards. A mastopexy can adjust your nipple placement for a natural looking result.
Enlarged areolae are also common among women who choose to have a breast lift procedure. During the procedure, we can adjust the size of the areolae to create a more balanced and refined appearance.
Recovery and aftercare
Following your mastopexy, your surgeon will stitch and bandage your wounds, and you will begin recovery. It is normal to have some light bleeding through your dressings for a couple of days, as well as some mild discomfort and swelling. We can assist you through this initial stage of healing by prescribing pain relief and ensuring that pain management is built into your treatment plan.
When you go home from breast lift surgery, you will need to continue wearing a support garment and may have drains in your incisions for a 24-hour period. The drains remove any excess fluid in order to prevent build-up and avoid complications. Dr Fraser-Kirk will give you further guidance on how to care for your healing breasts, including pain and scar management. You should follow this advice closely in order to aid your body’s healing process and achieve a great final outcome. For example, advice after mastopexy can include:
- Keep your incisions in place and dry until advised by your surgeon
- Attend post-op appointments
- Rest on your back with your head propped up on pillows
- Wear your support garment for six weeks
- Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated
- Take medication prescribed by your surgeon
- Do not smoke, since smoking increases healing risks
- Consult your surgeon if any issues arise
- Refrain from all strenuous movement for six weeks
Although different patients may have different recovery times, most patients can expect to resume light movement such as walking after two weeks. However, you should not do any heavy lifting or exercise for at least six weeks. Giving your body enough time to rest and recover will help your breasts settle into their new shape and position, reduce risks, and minimise scarring.
Once you have recovered, you can enjoy the full results of your mastopexy. Your scars will continue to improve for up to 12 months afterwards.
Breast lift cost on the Sunshine Coast
Since every mastopexy is customised to the patient, costs can vary. We must consider a number of factors when outlining costs, and each patient will have a different estimated total, as measured by the details of their procedure.
We can outline your breast lift procedure costs during your first meeting with Dr Fraser-Kirk. During this meeting, we will assess your individual needs and procedure goals in order to find out what you require from surgery. Generally, procedure costs are influenced by anaesthesia fees, hospital fees, and the extent and length of the procedure. We will be able to discuss all of these things during your first appointment.
For any questions regarding procedure costs, please contact us.
Surgery risks and complications
Mild side effects are common after mastopexy surgery, such as minor swelling and bruising. However, severe side effects are less common and may need further treatment. If you notice any severe issues or side effects, consult your surgeon straight away. The potential side effects of a breast lift procedure can include:
- Slow healing
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Anaesthesia reactions
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Unwanted results
- Changes in skin or nipple sensation
- Haematoma
- Fat necrosis
Notify us if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding from the incision site that is difficult to control
- Severe, ongoingpain that you cannot relieve with pain medication
- Chills or a feverabove 38 degrees celsius
- Redness around the incision site that is spreading
- Pus or discharge from the incision site
It is vital that patients follow their surgeon’s post-op care advice in order to reduce their risk of healing problems. Your recovery instructions will help you take the required steps to reduce your post-surgery risks. We advise that patients monitor their breasts through the entire recovery process and report any severe symptoms to their doctor as soon as possible. This will ensure patients receive the right treatment.
It is also important to refrain from smoking during the healing process, since smoking delays healing and increases risks.
How to choose the best Mastopexy surgeon on the Sunshine Coast
The decision to have mastopexy surgery is very personal. Given that not all breast lift surgeries are the same, it is important to choose a qualified surgeon who will be able to tailor the process to each patient and their needs. Dr Fraser-Kirk is a highly skilled surgeon who provides quality, tailored treatments to help patients achieve their goals. He will endeavour to give you all the guidance and care you need to have a positive experience and achieve a satisfying outcome. After a breast lift procedure with Dr Fraser-Kirk, patients can enjoy a more lifted, refined breast shape and improved overall shape of their breasts.
FAQS
What is a breast lift consultation with Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk?
The purpose of your first appointment is to determine if you are suitable for a breast lift and develop a plan for surgery. Dr Fraser-Kirk will assess your needs and develop a customised treatment plan based on your health, concerns, and goals. He will also provide you with an outline of your costs and important advice to help you prepare for the day of your mastopexy surgery.
Who is a good candidate for mastopexy?
Generally, suitable patients for this procedure are in good health and at a stable and healthy weight. This is because weight changes can alter the breasts and impact the results of your surgery. If you are healthy and have concerns about sagging breasts or poor nipple position, you may be suitable for the procedure. A discussion with a surgeon will help clarify whether you are a good candidate.
How can I prepare?
We will make sure you have all the information you need to prepare for surgery. This may include keeping an active and healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, and refraining from smoking. In some cases, we may advise that you stop taking certain medicines that could increase your risks. Taking the appropriate steps to prepare will help you achieve a good outcome.
Will I have scarring?
Breast lift surgery involves making incisions in the skin, which means you will have some scarring afterwards. However, your surgeon will place the scars in discreet areas and give you advice on how to reduce their appearance. Taking care of your incision sites will help them heal well and reduce your risk of large or poor scarring.
Will a breast lift change the size of my breasts?
Mastopexy surgery does not aim to change the size of the breasts, but to use the existing breast tissue to create an improved position and shape. However, for patients who wish to increase the volume of their breasts, the procedure can be combined with breast implants.