A breast lift surgery, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure that involves altering the breast shape by tightening the surrounding skin. Sometimes, breast lifts may involve removing tissue from the breasts in general to help with the reshaping process. Often, the position of the nipple will be changed to be more centred. Dr. Peter Randle is an experienced plastic surgeon who has helped many patients get the results they are looking for with breast lift procedures in Perth.
What does a breast lift procedure involve?
While breast lift procedures vary, they tend to follow some of the same general steps. Generally, they need to begin with an incision around the areola. This will follow the breast contour and be used to remove excess breast skin as well as reshape the breast. Once all of the tissue has been removed, the incision sites will be stitched up. While skilled plastic surgeons will minimise scarring, there will typically be visible scars around the areola and other areas of the breasts.
Types of breast lift procedures
There are different types of breast lifts depending on a patient’s specific goals and the amount of existing breast tissue and skin that needs to be removed. Your plastic surgeon will be able to choose the optimal procedure to help you achieve what you want with the surgery.
Crescent Lift
The crescent lift technique begins with making a small incision on the upper edge of the areola. This technique is typically more subtle and is used to create less significant changes to the shape of the breasts. Crescent lifts are frequently done in conjunction with breast augmentation procedures.
Peri-Areolar or “Donut” Lift
The peri-areolar lift is done by creating a circular incision that runs across the edge of the areola. This is also used in cases where someone is looking for more subtle results and is often utilised to reduce the size of the areola. Like the crescent lift, this is frequently performed along with a breast augmentation surgery.
Vertical or “Lollipop” Lift
For a vertical lift, a surgeon will generally make two incisions, one on the edge of the areola and one that runs from the bottom of the areola to the lower fold of the breast. This type of breast lift procedure is used to remove excess skin and allow the surgeon to reshape the entire breast with minimal scarring.
Inverted T or “Anchor” Lift
When removing excess skin and a higher amount of internal breast tissue is necessary, plastic surgeons may opt to do an Inverted T breast lift. This technique involves making three separate incisions. One is made around the inframammary fold hidden in the breast crease, one is made around the edge of the areola, and the third is made from the bottom part of the areola to the breast crease. This technique may result in more visible scarring than others, but the marks should fade and are fairly easy to hide. Breast reduction surgery is frequently paired with an inverted T breast lift.
How to prepare for a breast lift surgery
There are some main steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of a breast lift surgery that goes smoothly and provides you with good results. First, it is important to get a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are suitable for the procedure and the risk of complications is minimal. Part of this will include looking at your current medications and adjusting them as necessary before the procedure. Another important step is to take a baseline mammogram before the procedure and then one afterwards to detect potential changes to breast tissue in the future. In the lead-up to your procedure, you should also aim to stop smoking and avoid anti-inflammatory drugs since they may increase bleeding. Additionally, make sure you get someone to drive you home from the hospital following surgery. Your plastic surgeon will give you a detailed list of steps that outline how you should prepare.
Post-operative care for breast lift procedures
Once your breast lift procedure is complete, you need to make sure you follow the correct instructions to ensure you recover properly. In the immediate period after your surgery, you should make an effort to limit your movement and allow your scars to heal. This means forgoing strenuous exercise for a few weeks in favour of bed rest. You will likely be prescribed painkillers to help you manage your discomfort. Often, a surgical bra can also help with the pain. Taking care of your wounds by keeping them clean and dry is necessary in order to lower risk of infection. Additionally, taking care of your nutrition by avoiding alcohol, staying hydrated, and eating healthy will be important too.
Breast lift surgery recovery time
The immediate recovery time for a breast lift tends to be between 1-2 weeks to return to work and regular everyday activities. For a full recovery, it may take several weeks or months. It will take longer to return to exercise. Dr Randle will provide you with specific instructions as to how much time you should devote to your recovery.
Finding a qualified plastic surgeon for breast lift surgery in Perth
Dr. Peter Randle is a specialist plastic surgeon (FRACS) who has received comprehensive training to do both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Every breast lift procedure performed by Dr. Randle will be carried out in fully accredited surgical facilities. The process will begin with an initial consultation where your medical history, anatomical characteristics, and goals for the procedure will be reviewed.
Dr. Randle and his team provide personalised assessments to help determine whether patients are suitable to procedures such as breast lifts. Alternative options, such as non-surgical treatments. will also be explored when appropriate. Contact us today and book your first consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast lifts
How much does a breast lift cost in Perth?
The cost of a breast lift procedure in Perth may vary according to many different factors. The most relevant variables include the fee of your surgeon, how much your insurance is covering, the number of consultations you have, the specifics of your procedure, and the associated medical fees, like anaesthesia. Make sure to discuss what you should expect to pay with your surgeon.
How long does breast lift surgery take?
The exact duration for a breast lift procedure may vary depending on the patient and the amount of work that needs to be done. Typically, the surgery itself will take between 2-3 hours.
What are the potential risks of a breast lift procedure?
There is a range of risks that patients need to be aware of before they sign up for a breast lift surgery. Firstly, they should expect some level of scarring following their procedure. Typically, these scars will heal and mostly fade over a year or two. Another possible side effect is a change or loss of sensation within the breasts or nipples. Usually, this only lasts a few weeks before going back to normal. It is also possible for the size and shape of the breasts to become a bit uneven if there are issues with the healing process. In rare cases, blood supply to the nipples may be affected, potentially leading to partial or sometimes total loss of the nipple or areola. And while most women are fine to breastfeed after the procedure, some may have trouble producing milk.
Are breast lifts covered by Medicare?
Breast lifts will generally not be covered by Medicare. They are typically considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a necessary medical one. However, if the patient demonstrates an acceptable medical reason related to health, pain, or discomfort, the surgery may be covered.
How long do the results of a breast lift last?
The exact amount of time that a breast lift lasts will vary based on a number of factors, including skin elasticity, age, and the amount of breast tissue that was moved. Over time, changes to the body, including weight fluctuation, loss of skin elasticity, and the general effects of ageing, may result in stretched skin and affect the results of a breast lift.
What is the minimum age for breast lift surgery?
There is no official ‘minimum age’ for a breast lift procedure. However, it is generally advised for a patient to wait until their breasts are fully developed. Typically, this will be in the late teens or early twenties.
What other procedures are typically paired with breast lifts?
A variety of other surgical procedures can be used in tandem with breast lifts to help patients get the results they are looking for. The exact procedures will vary based on the type of breast lift being performed. Most often, you can expect either a breast reduction or a breast augmentation to be paired with a breast lift.
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