Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

About the Procedure

Similar to a breast augmentation, a breast lift does not require the use of implants. Instead, the surgery lifts, shapes and provides body contouring to the breast area with the existing tissue. The patient is unconscious during the entire procedure. The actual surgical technique varies depending on how much the breast needs to be lifted and the additional procedures that may need to be performed. Breast lift is often performed with breast reduction or breast augmentation.

What to Know Before the Procedure

Previous to the breast lift, the patient has a preoperative consultation with the surgeon to obtain a detailed medical and family history. The surgeon assesses previous medical histories and breast surgeries. In addition to a complete examination, measurements and photographs of the breasts are taken to determine the best way to achieve the desired appearance.

Slight breast sagging is also identified as moderate ptosis. It is usually treated by removing a small amount of tissue. The nipple is then sutured into place. Slight sagging can also be taken care of with an incision around the nipple. The breast tissue is then pulled together with the nipple surgically repositioned proportionately. Both procedures have a minimal amount of scarring.

Severe cases of sagging can be treated with a longer incision done around the nipple and another vertical incision done just below it. Once sutured, the incision can leave a small vertical scar below the nipple. It can also be treated with an anchor incision, which usually results in a scar around the nipple, below the nipple and beneath the breast.

What to Know After the Procedure

Patients can travel within a few days of the surgery but should refrain from strenuous activity for 2 to 4 weeks. Patients usually need a week off from work but swelling could remain for up to 3 weeks.

In general, breast augmentation does not interfere with future breast feeding.

Fatigue after surgery is expected. Patients may also experience swelling, tenderness and bruising in the breasts. Oral painkillers are prescribed for comfort. A drain is inserted into the incision and is usually removed on the first follow-up visit. Medical observation is needed for the first 24 to 72 hours after surgery.

A compression garment or form-fitting sports bra is worn to ease stress on the incisions. The doctor will provide instructions for care of the sutures, drains, tips for bathing and sleeping positions. The doctor removes the suture 7-10 days following surgery; in general, the sutures self-dissolve.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Breast procedures are the most widely elected plastic surgery procedures done by women. The average cost of a breast enhancement with a US surgeon is around $5,000. Usually there are no financing options for a breast surgery, which is why many patients go overseas for this procedure.

Medical travel for plastic surgery has become more accessible and affordable to everyone. However, patients can obtain quality breast enhancement surgeries both domestically and abroad. Breast augmentation, breast enhancement and body contouring procedures are state-of-the-art, highly personalized and successful when done by qualified doctors which can be found both domestically and abroad.