Breast lift

When do we talk about breast enhancement surgery?

Breast enhancement is a rapidly growing area of cosmetic plastic surgery and includes several breast surgery procedures. Cosmetic breast procedures include breast augmentation (breast enlargement), which is accomplished with breast implants, and breast lift, which is often performed simultaneously with an augmentation. In addition to these purely cosmetic procedures, breast reduction is an enhancement surgery that potentially offers both health and cosmetic benefits.

What is a breast lift? Why is it necessary?

Breast lift is a cosmetic surgery for contouring and lifting sagging breasts, which have lost their firmness. These conditions can be inherited, can appear after pregnancy, after losing weight or can be caused by aging. And these changes that take place between the ages of 20 and 40 are progressive. The volume of the breast tissue reduces and the breasts lose their firmness. With breast lift surgery the breast firmness can be reestablished and their position without enhancing or reducing their volume can be corrected. A reduction of the areola can be performed at the same time, too. If the breasts have lost volume and the patient wants larger ones, silicone implants can be used, also.

About the initial consultation

Discuss expectations, goals, risks, costs, and benefits with your surgeon. The procedure should be explained in detail, and all your questions should be answered fully. You should also talk about the nipple and areola position, and you must understand what type of scar will appear as a result.
After your initial consultation, a breast X-ray (mammogram) should be taken to check for cancer or other abnormalities before surgery, and the plastic surgeon will take measurements and photos of your breasts to document your pre-surgical condition and for comparison after the surgery.

Instructions before surgery

• Before surgery women have to undergo a mammography or ultrasound examination.
• Do not eat or drink anything six hours before surgery.
• Do not take aspirin or any medicine containing aspirin for two weeks before the surgery.
• The surgery of women must be performed outside the menstrual period.
• Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about your medical problems: hypertension, vascular problems, heart failure, diabetes, lung problems, bleeding problems, epilepsy, neurological problems, allergies to certain drugs, etc.
• Tell your surgeon if you’re wearing dental prosthesis or contact lenses.
• For smokers, please stop smoking for two weeks before the surgery and avoid smoking for at least two weeks after the surgery;
• Avoid extra exposure to the sun before and after the surgery.
• Do not keep a strict diet before the surgery, because it may delay the healing procedure.
• Should you catch a cold or have any kind infection, the surgery must be postponed.

How is breast lifting performed?

A breast lift is done under general anesthesia. Depending on the case complexity, it takes between two and three hours. The most used technique is when an anchor shaped incision is done following the natural breast curves. The extra skin is removed and the nipple and areola are moved higher following a pre-made drawing. At the same time, the breast tissue is separated from the pectoral muscle and the breast is locked into the new position with stitches. A circular scar around the areola, a vertical scar from the areola to the breast crease and there will be one scar in the crease. The patients with small breasts and minimal ptosis (sagging breasts) can be candidates for modified procedures that require smaller incisions. If it has been decided that a silicone implant will also be used, this will be inserted into a pocket under the mammary tissue or the pectoral muscle. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for 24 hours.

What happens after the surgery?

After the surgery, if there aren’t any complications, you need to spend one or two nights in one of the hospital’s well equipped, comfortable, air-conditioned private rooms. During this time, antibiotics are given to the patient. The patient will get an elastic garment. During the first few days after the surgery the breasts will be swollen and painful. You can expect to wear a surgical bra for two to three months.

Heavy lifting and straining should be avoided after the surgery because this can cause the breasts to swell and increase pressure. After the surgery, your doctor may suggest that you wear an athletic or support bra for six weeks until the swelling has subsided. You can typically return to work and to full activity, step by step, within a few weeks. You have to visit your plastic surgeon for a checkup and for removal of the stitches in 10-14 days. This can also be done by your general practitioner or family doctor.
The scars will swell and turn red in the first six months, only after 9-12 months they will begin to flatten and fade away. You should avoid exposure to sun for at least one year in order to prevent pigmentation of the scars. You should know that scars will never disappear completely.

Complications and Risks

As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications that may include infection, bleeding, or reaction to anesthesia. Immediately, after surgery, there may be some pain, which can be treated with prescription medication from the plastic surgeon. If the pain is more severe, additional follow-up visits may be scheduled.
List of complications may include: infections, bleeding, skin and tissue necrosis, permanent loss of breast and nipple sensation, breastfeeding will not be possible after surgery, permanent unaesthetic scarring, breast asymmetry, etc.

Breast Lift Cost

Cosmetic Surgery Prices: Breast Lift