Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift or mastopexy can improve the shape and position of the breasts and areola/nipple complex.  It can improve breasts that sag but are not large.  Sagging can occur with normal development or as part of aging.  Pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight loss are also major causes of breast ptosis (sagging).

Breast lift surgery is designed to return the breast to a more youthful appearance by moving the position, shape and size of the nipple/areola complex, remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue.

Although mastopexy does not alter the amount of breast tissue a woman has, it can change the shape dramatically. Breasts normally have some degree of asymmetry between them and this may be addressed at the time of operation if the degree is particularly apparent.

On occasions a breast reduction may need to be performed if there is a concern as to size of the breast.  This procedure will alter the size of the breast by removing varying degrees of breast tissue as well as improving shape and lifting the nipple/areola complex.  Some times a breast implant is required to increase volume in the breast.

There are three types of breast lift/reduction performed depending on the amount of lift needed. The Bennelli (scar around areola only), LeJour (scar around areola and down to underneath the breast) and traditional Wise pattern (anchor shaped scar around areola, down to underneath the breast and continuing under breast fold).

Breast lift surgery is performed in a private hospital as a day surgery patient.  A supportive garment is worn for up to six weeks post operatively.

Risks and Complications:

All medical procedures carry some risks as well as potential benefits. There are general surgical risks such as bruising, bleeding, blood clots, infection.

Bruising is common and resolves well, usually in a matter of days. Bleeding at the time of operation is well controlled but sometimes bleeding occurs after the operation and may collect as a haematoma. If a haematoma is large enough it may need to be drained.

Drains are commonly used in conjunction with mastopexy and this helps to minimize the risks of collections.
Infection is uncommon but if it occurs it can be serious and so it needs to be treated seriously. All patients are treated with antibiotics to try to prevent infection. Severe infections may cause skin necrosis and loss of tissue which will need to be repaired.

Unevenness of the breasts after surgery may occur.

There may be changes to the sensitivity of nipples.

General anaesthetics are a safe procedure but they too carry potential serious risks, including blood clots, lung problems, and even death.

Combined procedures

Mastopexy can be performed as a single operation as a lift or as part of a breast reduction operation. Less commonly breast implants may be done in conjunction with a lift.