A breast lift is considered by women whose breasts have lost elasticity and tone over the years and now “droop”. The natural ageing process is assisted by pregnancy and weight loss, while a predisposition towards flabby skin also plays a role.
In a breast lift, the lowered nipple is returned to the normal height and the flabby skin removed. Unlike in a breast reduction, the gland tissue is reshaped and not removed. Women occasionally express a desire for a larger breast volume, in which case the breast lift can be combined with an implant. The procedure does not depend on age, although it is a requirement for the growth phase to have been completed and the breasts to be fully developed (generally from the age of 18).
The technical variants are similar to a breast reduction. In the event of a large excess of skin, the classic technique using what is known as an anchor scar (inverted T scar) is used; the scar-reducing technique involving a straight scar is suitable for younger women. A breast lift may occasionally be performed by making an incision near the nipple (known as periareolar mastopexy).
OP duration
2-3 hours.
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic.
Hospitalization
Out-patient or 1 night
Post-op
The first dressing is first changed and the drains removed after 1-2 days, after which the scars are covered with a plaster for one month. A sports bra needs to be worn day and night during this month, after which it only needs to be worm when doing sport. Dissolvable sutures are normally used, obviating the need for stitches to be removed.
Risks
Secondary bleeding, poor scar healing, infection, scar problems (overlapping scars, depending on personal predisposition) and loss of sensitivity in the nipple area, although most of this is reversible.
Recovery time
Work: 1-2 weeks (office). Physical exertion/sport: 4 weeks. Avoiding exposure to strong sunlight or extreme cold: 6-8 weeks. The final result can be expected after 6-12 months.
Outcome
At least 10 years, but generally permanent: the size and shape of the breasts are permanently altered by a breast lift. The natural ageing process, weight changes and gravity will, however, have an impact on the shape of the breasts over the course of time. In this case, a further procedure can help to rejuvenate the appearance of the breasts.
before / after
Your doctor
Dr. med. Andreas Tschopp
T: 031 970 30 70 Contact form
Dr. med. Hyunju Kim Haemmig
T: 031 970 30 84 Contact form
Prof. Dr. Daniel F. Kalbermatten
T: 031 333 33 10 Contact form
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In recent years, what is known as skin-sparing mastectomy has helped to achieve marked improvements in reconstruction outcomes.
