Are you thinking about getting a breast lift? Discover what to expect afterwards.
But quickly, what is a breast lift? The breast lift, also known as the mastopexy is a surgical procedure which removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue to raise the breasts and aims to change the shape of the breasts.
The breast lift procedure is for women who have breasts that sag or have nipples that point downwards. Generally, patients will undergo this procedure to reverse the impact of pregnancy, weight fluctuations and gravity. These three issues can all decrease the firmness and elasticity of the breast skin.
What to expect after your breast lift
Here we will cover multiple topics, ranging from scarring, side-effects and the appearance of your breasts after a lift.
What results should you expect?
Following the completion of your breast lift procedure, you will notice an immediate difference in the appearance. Your breasts will, however, take several months to fully recover and show full results.
The scars from the surgery will also reduce overtime, increasing the appearance.
Please also know that the results from a breast lift may not be permanent. This is due to the ageing process where your skin naturally becomes less elastic, which means your breasts may become saggier.
How to maintain the best results?
Maintaining a healthy weight can, however, help you retain breast lift results, even with age.
The following can impact your results:
- Becoming pregnant
- Weight fluctuations
- Natural ageing process
What is the scarring like after a breast lift?
Yes, as with any surgical procedure, there will be scarring from the procedure. Your scars will appear red and lumpy at first and be most noticeable for about six to ten weeks.
Overtime, your scars will soften down, become thinner and turn white, meaning they will be less noticeable after about one to two years.
You can expect a scar around the areolar and a vertical scar. A bra or bikini can usually hide the scars. Associate Professor Dean White will discuss scar management with you. (LINK TO SCAR BLOG)
Are there side-effects or risks after the procedure?
You will also have to consider the risks following a breast lift procedure, which can include:
- Bleeding / Hematoma – If a blood clot occurs, it may require operating for removal.
- Infection – Can be managed with antibiotics.
- Delayed wound healing – Your surgeon, or a nurse, will manage the healing process. Delayed wound healing usually only occurs in people who are overweight, smokers or have an infection.
- Deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolus DVT/PE – These are blood clots that form in the legs and travel to the lungs. These are life-threatening, however, there are any minimising strategies.
- Skin/nipple necrosis – This complication is rare and occurs more often in smokers than not. If this occurs, more dressing is usually required over further surgery.
- Sensitivity – Usually for about a few following surgery to a month, you can expect the nipple area to be numb or more sensitive.
- Breast symmetry – It will take several months for the final result to appear. Most women have slightly different breasts, and even after breast surgery, there are usually still small differences.
- Breastfeeding – The ability to breastfeed is usually impacted after a breast lift. However, it’s recommended to have breast surgery after you’ve had your last child and finished breastfeeding.
Speak to Associate Professor Dean White
If you have any questions, would like to book in for a consultation or would like to enquire about breast lift surgery, then get in touch with Dean White’s team.
Please click here or call on (03) 9895 7631.