What is a breast lift?
Age, weight changes, pregnancy and breastfeeding have a major impact on the elasticity of the skin and the structure of the breast and often lead to sagging breasts. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy , is a procedure in which the breasts are lifted and reshaped. In addition, the size of the areola can be reduced and sagging tissue can be corrected by repositioning it in a more attractive position on the chest. For small breasts or loss of volume, breast implants can be combined with a breast lift to improve firmness and shape.
Indication
We will thoroughly examine your indication for the operation. Factors such as good physical and mental health, as well as realistic expectations, are of crucial importance. Optimal results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Although breasts of any size and shape can be lifted, the permanence of the results can vary, especially for heavy breasts. In such cases, a breast reduction may be suggested, which involves the removal of fat and breast tissue. If pregnancy and breastfeeding are planned in the near future, it is advisable to postpone the breast lift as this may affect the results of the surgery. Before making a decision, you should carefully consider your expectations and discuss them with me.
Consultation
During the consultation, your breast size preferences and other aesthetic concerns will be discussed. Your breasts will be examined, taking into account factors such as size, shape, skin quality and position of the nipples and areola. Measurements will be taken to assist with surgical planning. Based on the condition of your breasts and skin quality, as well as the possible need for implants or autologous fat grafting , the appropriate surgical techniques will be explained.
5 aspects you should consider when undergoing a breast lift
Quality of skin and mammary glands
Over time, the effects of gravity on your breasts become visible. The skin sags and the mammary gland volume and firmness of the breast decrease, leading to sagging of the breast.
Position of the nipples and areola
If the breasts are severely sagging, the nipples may sink below the breast fold and point downwards, or the majority of the breast volume may sink below the breast fold, resulting in a void in the upper pole of the breast and upward pointing nipples.
Consequences of pregnancy
Pregnancy places considerable strain on the breasts, especially during milk production and breastfeeding. The repeated stretching and shrinking of the breasts during breastfeeding affects both the breast tissue and the elasticity of the skin.
Use of bras
Unsupported breasts, especially during strenuous physical activity such as jogging, tend to sag and age faster.
Combination method
Breast lifts can be combined with other operations such as tummy tucks (mommy makeover) or liposuction .
Treatment
Breast lifts are usually performed on an outpatient basis. A customised plan is developed to lift the breast and improve its shape.
Breast lift with anchor incision
In this technique, an incision is made around the areola, extending vertically from the nipple to the inframammary crease and then in a crescent shape along the breast crease. This technique is particularly suitable for pronounced sagging breasts, as more tissue is removed with this technique and the breast can be tightened more. The skin around the areola is removed so that the nipple and areola can be positioned higher on the breast.
Lollipop breast lift
With this method, only two incisions are made: around the areola and vertically downwards along the breast. No incision is made along the breast crease. The lollipop breast lift is best suited to women with moderate excess skin, especially in combination with breast implants. Sometimes a small lateral lift (L) or a horizontal lift (mini-anchor) is required to avoid any remaining vertical excess skin, which unfortunately does not always disappear completely without this measure.
Periareolar breast lift
For those with small breasts and minimal sagging, this minimally invasive approach with less extensive scarring may be suitable. In the periareolar technique, a circular incision is made around the areola and a small area of skin is removed. This technique increases the risk of wide scars, usually when larger amounts of skin are removed or implants are added.
Augmentation mastopexy
In a breast lift with implants (augmentation mastopexy), the implant is positioned in a pocket either directly under the breast tissue or one layer deeper under the breast muscle if there is not enough breast tissue. Alternatively, I can also use your own body fat to improve the shape of the breast and replace volume.
Superior pedicle technique
The purpose of a pedicled technique is to maintain blood supply and sensation to the nipple and areola (nipple-areolar complex, NAC) while repositioning it in a more aesthetically pleasing location. A pedicle is a bridge of tissue containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue that remains connected to the areola during procedures such as breast lifts and breast reductions (mammoplasty). The superior pedicle technique offers several advantages in breast lifts and is frequently used in my patients. It is particularly effective when the NAC needs to be lifted to a higher position, which is often necessary in breast lifts. This elevation achieves a natural breast contour by reshaping the surrounding breast tissue. In addition, when performed carefully, the superior pedicle ensures a reliable blood supply to the NAC, reducing the risk of complications due to circulatory disorders.
Superomedial pedicle
A superomedial pedicle, which has a very robust blood supply, is used for severe sagging breasts. Even with the most robust pedicles, active smoking jeopardises the blood supply and impairs wound healing. You must therefore refrain from consuming nicotine products for at least six weeks before and after the operation
Recovery and result
As this is an outpatient procedure, it is important that you have someone drive you home after the breast lift. I do not place any drains and the pain is usually minimal. You can shower the next day and clean the wounds with soap and water or leave the steristrips, which provide additional support, on the wound for the first two weeks. You will notice changes in the shape of your breasts immediately after the procedure, and further changes will occur over the next few months as your breasts take on their final shape during the recovery period. It is normal for the breasts to feel smaller after a breast lift, even if no breast reduction has been performed. Over time, the volume in the upper breast area will decrease as the swelling decreases and the tissue adapts to gravity. By adding implants or fat, the volume in the upper breast area can be increased and the cleavage improved. Factors that can affect the results of a breast lift over time include the natural effects of aging and gravity, as well as possible changes associated with pregnancy. To maintain the positive results of surgery in the long term, it is also advisable to maintain a stable weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Contact me to book a consultation!