Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can all take their toll on the breasts, causing them to sag and lose volume. Women that are unhappy with the look of their breasts may be candidates for a surgical procedure known as a mastopexy (breast lift). This procedure lifts the breasts to their original position and profile on the chest.

Dr Teston brings more than 24 years of experience to the operating table and has performed all types of breast surgery procedures. She can perform a mastopexy (breast lift) alone, although in some cases, she may recommend combining the lift procedure with reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) or augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation). This will address additional concerns you might have regarding your breasts.

Before Your Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

There are different techniques that can be used during a mastopexy (breast lift), depending on the amount of ptosis (sagging) you are experiencing:

• Periareolar incision is used when the sagging is minimal. This incision goes around the pigmented portion of the breast known as the areola. With this technique, post-operative scarring is barely visible. However, the amount of lift that can be provided is limited.
• Lollipop incision combines the periareolar incision with a single line running down the lower half of the breast. This technique does leave some visible scarring on the lower portion of the breast but is effective in providing more lift to a breast that has moderate sagging.
• Short vertical scar technique allows for the greatest amount of correction to significant breast sagging. This technique includes the lollipop incision plus a short horizontal incision that runs across the breast crease.

Dr Teston will determine the best procedure for you based on the amount of correction you require. She will discuss these choices at your initial consultation so you know what to expect from your mastopexy (breast lift) surgery.

During Your Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Your mastopexy (breast lift) procedure will be performed by Dr Teston at an accredited surgical facility, and you will be given general anaesthesia so that you sleep through the procedure. Dr Teston will then make the necessary incisions and remove excess skin, eliminating sagging and restoring lift. If augmentation mammoplasty or reduction mammoplasty is to be performed with the lift, they can usually be done at the same time.

Because drains may be placed in your incisions after your surgery, you may spend a day in the hospital, cared for by an attentive nursing staff. Bandages that are placed on the breasts immediately following your procedure will be removed the next day and replaced with a surgical bra so you will be able to shower. The drains will also be removed before you go home to continue your recovery process.

After Your Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Barring any unforeseen delays, you should be back to your regular activities within a week or two. Dr Teston will advise you to avoid strenuous physical activity for an additional two weeks to prevent complications and allow for full healing of the breasts. The results of your mastopexy (breast lift) will be long-lasting.

Potential Risks and Complications

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of mastopexy include:

• Surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
• Fluid accumulation around the operation site(s)
• Visible and prominent scars including keloid and hypertrophic scars – these are raised, red and thickened scars that may form over the healed incisions which may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
• Allergic reaction to suture materials, tape adhesive or other medical materials and lotions
• Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
• Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis) leaving hard lumps
• Changes in breast and nipple sensation
• Temporary or permanent areas of numbness
• Asymmetry or unevenness of the breasts
• Excessive firmness of the breast
• Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
• Need for further surgery to treat complications
• Risks of anaesthesia including allergic reaction or potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
• A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can move to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and may be life threatening.

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

To learn more about this surgery, schedule your personal consultation with Dr Teston by contacting her office on (02) 9708 3511.

*The information about Mastopexy (Breast Lift) was reviewed by Dr Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.