Breast Lift – Mastopexy

What is a breast lift – mastopexy?

A breast lift, also referred to as a mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to correct ptotic or lax breasts by lifting them and reducing excess skin. Breast ptosis and laxity are issues that many women deal with as they experience childbirth and breastfeeding, massive weight loss, the natural signs of aging, or their genetics. Depending on the extent of laxity, some patients need to combine a breast lift – mastopexy with a breast augmentation – mammoplasty procedure to achieve their desired results.

What can a mastopexy achieve for you?

A breast lift – mastopexy aims to remove excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue and repositioning the nipple to a higher position. This can allow the reshaped breasts to sit higher. Through this approach, the procedure can also achieve the following:

• Reduce the amount of breast tissue below the inframammary line
• Alter and adjust your nipple projection by repositioning the nipple to a more forward appearance
• Reduce discomfort and irritation caused by excess breast tissue

Am I a suitable candidate?

Your suitability for a breast lift – mastopexy will be assessed during a consultation, where several factors are considered, and your customised procedure plan is created. In general, you may be eligible for the procedure if you have:

• Large and heavy breasts, where often patients will combine a breast lift – mastopexy with a reduction mammoplasty
• Breasts that are low on the chest
• Nipples that point downwards
• Breast asymmetry, where one breast may be lower
• Stretched areolas
• Reached a healthy and maintainable weight
• Realistic expectations for the surgery and a positive mindset.

However, it is not recommended that patients have mastopexy surgery if they plan to get pregnant after surgery, have a bleeding or clotting disorder, have an active breast infection, or undiagnosed breast condition.

Consultation with Dr Matt Starr

During your consultation with Plastic Surgeon Dr Matt Starr, you will discuss your medical history, your reasons for wanting mastopexy surgery, your expectations, and your desired outcome. It is crucial that you mention any medical conditions, medications, and previous surgeries you may have undergone, including whether there is a history of breast cancer in your family. You will also need to mention any potential plans for pregnancy or whether you are still breastfeeding. Photos will need to be taken of your breasts to evaluate the extent of laxity and what techniques Dr Starr will employ. These photos are strictly for medical purposes and will remain confidential amongst Dr Starr and your medical team.

Dr Matt Star has experience and knowledge in breast surgeries and reconstruction, understanding that every patient is different. This knowledge is necessary for determining the appropriate procedure and aftercare plan for you based on your health, lifestyle, the extent of your breast ptosis, and the outcomes you wish to achieve. Once these factors have been considered and a procedure and aftercare plan is designed, Dr Starr can provide you with an estimate of costs.

The procedure

Breast lift – mastopexy surgeries are generally performed as a day procedure under general anaesthetic and can take approximately two hours to complete, depending on the extent of the surgery. Various techniques can be used when performing mastopexy surgery, meaning that the procedure will be slightly different for every patient, as everybody’s body and desired outcomes are unique. Dr Starr will work with you to determine the method that best suits your requirements and your goals.

Types of breast lift – mastopexy techniques

• Anchor
  This method may suit women who have large breasts with significant excess skin and breast tissue. It requires three incisions: one around the areola, another one vertically from the lower edge of the areola to the inframammary fold, and the last one horizontally across the natural breast crease curve. The anchor method causes the most substantial visible scarring compared to the other techniques.
• Lollipop
  The lollipop technique is the most used breast mastopexy technique for a majority of patients. Two incisions are made around the areola, with the first incision around the outside of the areola. A second incision is made at the bottom of the areola vertically down to the natural breast crease.
• Peri-areolar
  This technique is designed for women with mild laxity, or who desire a smaller areolar. It involves two circular incisions around the areola, one outside the other. Excess skin and breast tissue are then removed between these incisions.
• Crescent
  Recommended for women with slight sagging or drooping, this technique involves one incision made halfway along the top outer edge of the areola to help mask any potential scarring. A small amount of skin and breast tissue is removed, and once complete, the bottom of the incision is lifted to meet the top, elevating the breast and nipple position.

Recovery & aftercare

Immediately after your procedure, you will experience mild pain, swelling, bruising, and tightness across your chest, which are normal post-procedure experiences. After your surgery, you will be fitted with a compression bra to help minimise bruising and swelling and support your breasts. You may also have drains inserted at the surgical sites to help prevent fluid accumulation, which is removed several days post-procedure. You will also be prescribed pain medication to help with the pain, which should reduce significantly after one week. However, bruising and swelling may persist for a few weeks after your surgery.

In general, post-operative aftercare instructions are as follows:

• Take sufficient time off from work – this might be one to two weeks
• Do not shower for 2 – 3 days after your surgery
• Wear your prescribed compression garments
• Take all medications and creams as prescribed
• Maintain your hydration and a healthy diet to support your body’s natural healing
• Wear loose-fitting clothes that open at the front
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach for the next six weeks, and keep your head elevated while sleeping
• Avoid any strenuous activity for at least six weeks until advised

It is vital that patients follow their aftercare plan as advised by Dr Starr.

What risks or complications are associated with a breast lift?

As with any medical or cosmetic procedure you may choose to undergo, there are associated risks and complications that can potentially occur. Therefore, patients need to be made aware of the difficulties associated with a breast lift, which can include:

• Infection
• Poor scarring
• Excessive bleeding
• Changes to nipple and skin sensations
• Breast lumps
• Anaesthesia complications
• Excessive breast firmness
• Inability to breastfeed
• Loss of breast tissue
• Poor wound healing
• Skin discolouration