A breast lift, also referred to as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to elevate and reshape sagging breasts. Over time, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations, ageing, and gravity can take their toll on the shape and firmness of the breasts. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more uplifted.
The procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola, which can become enlarged over time. It’s important to note that a breast lift does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller, consider breast lift and augmentation surgery.
Good candidates for a breast lift are women who are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight. They should not smoke and should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. You might be a candidate for a breast lift if your breasts droop or have lost their shape and fullness. Without support, your nipples might sit below the crease of your breast. Your nipples and areolas may be oriented downwards. There could be stretched skin and enlarged areolas present. Additionally, one breast might be positioned lower than the other.
It’s also important for candidates to understand that while a breast lift can be a long-lasting solution, the results are not permanent. Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and ageing can affect the outcomes of the surgery over time.
The type of incision will vary depending on the degree of lifting required. The incision may be limited to just around the areolar, extend down the breast below the areolar (vertical lift) or may include an extension along the breast crease. Short scar vertical techniques are used for the majority of breast lift procedures as this technique provides the best balance between long lasting results, improved breast shape and scar minimisation. The fundamental concept behind a breast lift is that a significant improvement in shape, symmetry and contour is achieved at the expense of necessary scars. Dr Watts and his team have many techniques available to help minimise this and will guide you through their postoperative protocol for scar management.
• Restore breasts to a more elevated position
• Correct sagging and drooping breasts
• Improve breast shape and contour
• Reposition the nipple
• Reduce areola size
• Enhance effects of breast augmentation
• Improve breast asymmetry
A breast lift can also be combined with a breast augmentation to further enhance upper pole fullness and shape. Alternatively, it may be combined with a breast reduction in those women with larger breasts. We recommend delaying breast lift procedures until there are no future plans for pregnancy to ensure a longer lasting result. The long-term duration of the lift will depend on a number of factors including age, skin quality, genetics and breast size.
Breast lift surgery is a complex procedure that takes two to three hours and is performed under general anaesthesia. The specific steps can vary depending on the degree of lift required and the patient’s individual anatomy, but generally include:
Dr. Watts performs breast lifts on an outpatient basis using general or twilight anaesthesia. The length of your procedure will depend on a number of factors but on average will take 2-3 hours to complete. Comfortable dressings will be placed over the breasts and a firm supportive bra applied. After the procedure you will be observed for a few hours to ensure your initial recovery is progressing well before you are allowed to return home with a friend or family member.
Written procedure specific information sheets will be given to you in order for you to prepare for your surgery and the recovery period. You may experience mild to moderate discomfort after the procedure and so a postoperative analgesia regime will be tailored to meet your specific needs. In general, you can expect the possible bruising, swelling and tenderness of the breasts to have settled within 1-2 weeks.
Recovery from a breast lift varies from person to person, but here’s a general guideline:
Dr Watts and his team are dedicated to providing ongoing care, support and guidance throughout your entire journey. They will be readily available to answer any further questions you may have to ensure a safe and smooth recovery. For more information please call our office to schedule a personal consultation with Dr Watts to discuss how a breast lift may benefit you.
Plastic surgery comes with inherent risks. While modern techniques and advancements have made these procedures safer than ever, it’s crucial for patients to be aware of potential complications and make informed decisions. Anaesthesia is used in most surgical procedures to ensure the patient’s comfort. However, in rare cases, it can lead to complications such as allergic reactions, lung infections, stroke, and even heart complications.
Also, keep in mind that all surgeries result in some form of scarring. While Dr. Watts often uses techniques to minimise and strategically place these scars, some patients might experience hypertrophic or keloid scarring, which is raised and more prominent. It’s essential for anyone considering plastic surgery to thoroughly research and understand these risks. Read more about risks and potential complications of plastic surgery.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Dr. Guy Watts (AHPRA Medical Reg. MED0001539378) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with an extensive career that spans across renowned plastic surgery clinics worldwide. His exceptional expertise has been honed through invaluable experiences at esteemed establishments such as the prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the renowned Pitanguy Clinic in Brazil.
Having collaborated with the foremost cosmetic plastic surgeons on a global scale, Dr. Watts has chosen to return to Perth after a remarkable 17-year journey of intensive training and invaluable professional experience to bring the latest practices and technology in cosmetic plastic surgery to his patients.
Dr. Watts is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a Member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS).