Breast Lift Mastopexy Sydney & Wollongong NSW
Mastopexy Surgery to remove skin laxity around the breasts
The effects of pregnancy, weight loss, and ageing can have an impact on the appearance of the breasts. For this reason, breast lift or mastopexy surgery is performed. Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt has, over the years, performed hundreds of breast lift mastopexy surgeries.
In addition to removing excess skin to reshape the breasts, the surgery can be combined with breast augmentation mammoplasty if you’d also like to see an increase in size.
What is a Breast Lift Mastopexy?
A Sydney breast lift (mastopexy), is a cosmetic surgical procedure that helps treat breast laxity by removing excess breast skin. This may be sought by women who are concerned that their breasts sit low on the chest, or that their nipples are in a low position on the breasts.
What Can Breast Lift Mastopexy Surgery Do For Me?
Many women experience breast development at a different rate through puberty, thus resulting in one breast being larger than the other, which is completely normal. Bodyweight fluctuations, pregnancy, and ageing can cause the nipple and breast tissue to lose firmness and elasticity. Additionally, the ligaments and skin which hold the shape of your breasts stretch. This can impact the firmness of your breasts. A mastopexy can address these concerns and help you attain your desired breast shape.
Why Patients Might Consider Breast Lift Mastopexy Surgery
Generally, people may seek the procedure to:
- Alter the shape of the breasts
- Address deformities
- Improve nipple position
- Remove extra skin after pregnancy or weight loss
Mastopexy surgery does not change the shape of the breasts but instead repositions the existing breast tissue. If you wish for an increase or decrease in breast size, you may be more suited to a different procedure.
Breast Lift Mastopexy Incision Techniques
There are several incision techniques that can be used for breast lift mastopexy surgery procedures. Every technique comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here are the most common techniques used for mastopexy:
- Lollipop Lift – This popular technique involves making a circular incision around the entirety of the areola, followed by an incision down to the breast crease. This approach is offered to those with moderate laxity or to those not interested in the addition of implants.
- Anchor Lift – For women experiencing severe laxity, the anchor lift is used. The incisions are similar to the Lollipop lift, however, there is an additional incision placed horizontally along the breast crease making an inverted T or Anchor shape. This is used for those wanting a major combined breast lift mastopexy.
- Donut Lift or Peri-areolar Incision – This is a slightly less-invasive procedure that involves one singular incision around the areola. This incision allows repositioning the nipple whilst tightening the skin around the breasts. This procedure can be combined with breast implants.
- Crescent Lift – Perhaps the most minimally invasive procedure to lift the breasts, the crescent lift technique involves making a semi-circular incision along the top half of the areola. This procedure is rarely used in Australia and is suitable for patients who only want minor adjustments to the nipple and areola.
Adding Breast Implants for more Upper Pole Fullness
There are a variety of approaches Dr Hunt can take when performing a breast mastopexy. However, choosing the right approach for you depends solely on the current condition of your breasts and desired outcome. Your consultation with Dr Hunt will enable you to identify which breast lift mastopexy technique is suitable for you.
Breast Lift Mastopexy Without Implants
A breast lift mastopexy is designed to remove excess skin whilst preserving natural breast tissue. It does not change the size of the breasts but moves them to a higher position on the chest wall.
Breast Lift Mastopexy With Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty (Implants)
Combining mastopexy with implants can achieve a change in breast shape, position, and size. Essentially, it encompasses the use of two procedures in one. Those wanting both elevated and larger breasts can discuss their options with Dr Hunt.
How Is A Breast Lift Mastopexy Procedure Performed?
During your initial consultation with Dr Hunt, you’ll discuss what you’re hoping to achieve and he’ll answer any questions or concerns you may have. He’ll then evaluate your current situation, and discuss a suitable approach for achieving your desired results. This will be based on a combination of factors including your age, the size and shape of your breasts, the condition of your skin and the amount of ‘lift’ that is desired.
If you choose to go ahead with your surgery procedures, it will be performed in the hospital of your choice, under a general anesthetic administered by one of Dr Hunt’s hand-selected anesthetists.
The aim of surgery is to reposition your breast tissue to a more elevated position.
Several surgical techniques can be used. For example, if you have small breasts and minimal laxity, you may be a candidate for short-scar surgery such as the ‘doughnut’ (periareolar mastopexy), in which circular incisions are made around the areola only.
Although there are multiple approaches that can be taken to lift the breasts, they mostly follow the steps outlined below:
Breast Lift Mastopexy Procedure
Step one – marking up
Dr Hunt will first mark you whilst you are standing up. This will help determine the positioning of your nipple and breast following the completion of the procedure.
Step two – anaesthesia
You will then be put under general anaesthesia to help relax you and alleviate any pain felt throughout the procedure.
Step three – incisions
Once under, Dr Hunt will make an incision around the marked areas on your areola. Depending on the procedure of choice, the incision may either be made only around the areola or extend down the front of your breast up to the natural crease of your breast.
Step four – reshape and lift
Dr Hunt will then tighten the supporting structures of the breasts and reshape the natural breast tissue. Depending on where your breasts sit below the level of the lower breast fold, Dr Hunt may move the breasts higher up on the chest wall and reposition your nipple higher on the breast mound. If you are unhappy with the size of your areola, Dr Hunt can excise the perimeter, depending on the availability of suitable breast tissue.
Step five – removing excess skin
Dr Hunt will remove any excess skin around the breast mound, allowing the remaining breast tissue to settle into its new shape and position.
Step six – suturing and bandaging
Once the breast lift (mastopexy) is complete, Dr Hunt will close the incisions shut using sutures or surgical adhesives.
Breast Lift Mastopexy Surgery Recovery Timeline
As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, breast mastopexy surgery requires a certain amount of downtime before true results can be seen. It can take as long as 6 weeks to fully recover from your surgery. From what you wear to what you can and can’t do, you will need to be aware of the precautions to take at every stage of recovery. The timeline below will help give you an idea of what to expect following your surgery.
Surgery Day
These procedures are commonly performed as outpatient surgeries meaning that patients can go home on the same day. However, you will not be able to drive as you recover from the anesthesia, and so we recommend you arrange a means of transportation back home. Your breasts will be dressed with gauze and you will be given a surgical support bra to wear. Depending on the incisions used, you may have some drains placed at the incisions to prevent the build-up of excess fluid.
Day After Surgery
Pain will be the most intense days 1 to 3 following surgery. Make sure to talk to your doctor about pain relief and have a course of painkillers prescribed just in case. You may feel slightly sick as the anesthesia wears off which is completely normal. You may be required to follow up with Dr Hunt for the removal of any drains or bandages.
Next Week
Pain should have significantly decreased although there will still be evident bruising and swelling. You will be able to return to light activities such as walking or shopping but should continue to avoid heavy lifting, bending over, and raising your arms above your head. You will be able to return to work if you work in an office or have a desk-based job.
The First Month and On-Wards
After one month you should be able to return to your regular daily routine with the exception of weight lifting and chest-demanding activities. You should be able to stop wearing your surgical bra and start wearing an underwire bra around 6 weeks after surgery. At 6 months your breasts should have taken their new shape.
BREAST LIFT MASTOPEXY PATIENT RESULTS
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Risks and Complications
You should understand the risks and complications of breast lift (mastopexy) surgery before you go ahead. You can discuss these with Dr Hunt, who will explain the potential complications and how to reduce them. The possible risks of this procedure include:
- Poor wound healing and scarring
- Wound infection
- Bleeding and bruising
- Anaesthesia reactions
- Inability to breastfeed
- Changes in sensation
- Asymmetry
- Poor results
- Further surgery
Download Dr Hunt's Guide
Cosmetic Breast Surgery Guide
A Cosmetic Breast Surgery Guide has been created by Dr Hunt and his team as a useful tool to help you plan and consider breast surgery.
Throughout the guide, we will discuss the ins and outs of different types of Breast Surgery, from what makes a good candidate, to pre-surgery planning answers to the most frequently asked questions received from real-life patients.
Prices & Fees – How Much Does a Breast Lift Mastopexy Cost in Sydney?
There are several different elements to take into consideration when determining the final cost of your procedure. Your surgeon, hospital and anaesthetist fees all need to be taken into account. Surgical costs start to differ between patients when specific requirements are involved.
Not all patients only require a breast lift mastopexy. Some also choose to insert implants to achieve their desired outcome. In other instances, patients choose to incorporate their procedure into a more comprehensive surgical plan, which would also alter the costs.
In terms of whether your Medicare or your health fund will cover some of the costs of this procedure, this would depend on your specific circumstances. You may need to get approval from Medicare before any of the costs will be covered. Find out more about Medicare & Private Health Fund for Breast lift Surgery or a breast lift mastopexy surgery or a payment plan for surgery
To get an estimated range of what you can expect to pay for this surgery, you can call Dr Hunt’s team on 1300 157 200 or book a consultation and fill out the enquiry form.
5 Breast Lift Mastopexy Top Tips
Below are 5 of the most common mistakes relating to this procedure:
ONE – Do the appropriate research.
The results of your procedure depend heavily on the surgical ability of your doctor. Therefore, you need to carry out extensive research on all of the surgeons around your area before making a decision. Things to consider when researching your surgeon of choice are how many surgeries your doctor has performed, what is their patient satisfaction rate, whether or not they are competitively priced, and if they are accredited by the appropriate boards.
TWO – Prepare for the Consult and Take your Time
During your consultation, it is essential that you tell your surgeon all relevant information, from your social history to your family history and underlying medical conditions. Any information that is missed can either delay your surgery or lead you to develop complications.
THREE – Look at Patient Photos to decide what you want
In order to get a true feel as to what your results might look like following your surgery, it is recommended that you browse through your selected surgeons before and after images. Although breasts are unique, the before and after photos reflect your surgeon’s attention to detail and allow you to understand Dr Hunt’s skills. Bear in mind, however, that every patient’s results will differ, and what you see in photos is not necessarily a reflection of the results you will achieve.
FOUR – Follow the Recovery Instructions closely
One of the essential aspects of mastopexy surgery is following your surgeon’s advice following your procedure. Dr Hunt’s efforts and skills may be diminished if you neglect the advice given to you. Rest, follow appropriate incision care, and slowly ease yourself back into your fitness routine. Make sure to wear any garments given to you that will help speed up your recovery.
FIVE – Decide for Yourself
Ask yourself this before you book a consultation – did you really want the surgery in the first place or have you been pressured into getting one to please somebody else?
It is wrong to get any kind of body modification or enhancement solely due to the preferences of anybody else. It is not recommended to get any kind of surgery, including breast mastopexy, to please another person.
5 Myths About Breast Lift Mastopexy
Myth 1 – You can enhance the look of your breasts using supplements.
There is no supplement, oral or topical, that can give you similar effects to surgical intervention. Although there are creams that can improve skin elasticity, it is not enough for a person who desires a dramatic change to their breast shape or position.
Myth 2 – Exercise can change the shape or firmness of your breasts
Exercise is undoubtedly vital to a healthier lifestyle. And yes, weight lifting and regular exercise can significantly improve our physique. However, there is no workout regime that can alter the shape of our breasts. Weight gain can cause an enlargement of the breasts. When this weight is lost, the result sometimes is excess or lax skin. And this, often, can only be changed with surgery.
Myth 3 – You don’t need a breast lift mastopexy; implants will fix it
A breast augmentation mammoplasty will not change the shape or position of the breasts in the same way that a lift (mastopexy) will. While for some, implants are enough to achieve their desired result, others may benefit more from mastopexy or a combined procedure. The type of procedure you require is decided based on your goals and the recommendations of a surgeon such as Dr Hunt.
Myth 4 – Patients always get good results from breast lift (mastopexy) surgery
Although it is common to get satisfying results, especially when the surgery is performed by a qualified surgeon such as Dr Hunt, there are always risks. If you are thinking about getting this procedure, you should thoroughly discuss your expectations with us so that we can properly cater to you and your needs. This will minimise the risk of unhappy results.
Myth 5 – Breast lift mastopexies last forever
Surgery will not stop the inevitable process of ageing. As you age, so does your breast tissue. This means that your breasts can display further ageing symptoms later on in your life even if you have had a cosmetic enhancement.
Breast Lift Mastopexy FAQs
What should I do before breast lift mastopexy surgery?
Dr Hunt will give you a list of instructions to follow prior to your surgery, such as stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and being in good general and mental health.
When will I see the end result of a breast lift mastopexy?
It can take anything from a few months to a year to see the final results following your procedure.
What are the benefits of a breast lift mastopexy?
A breast lift mastopexy can have a variety of benefits, which patients should weigh against the risks. The surgery is mainly designed for people who desire to reshape or reposition their breasts to sit higher on the chest.
Can a breast lift mastopexy be done without implants?
Yes. Breast lift mastopexy can be done with or without breast implants. The choice of whether or not you should get implants (augmentation mammoplasty) depends on many factors such as your natural anatomy, breast size, severity of breast ptosis, and remaining healthy breast tissue.
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PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY
About Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.
PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi has recently joined Dr Hunt’s practice in Edgecliff and is now available for consultations on a range of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery for breast, body and face.
She is just one of the very few dually qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons, completing both medical and dental degrees. This gives her a unique skillset and ability for face surgery, orthognathic & jaw surgery.
As a Sydney Female Plastic Surgeon, Dr Maryam offers surgery by women for women. She is supported in clinic & theatre by a completely female surgical team for those who prefer being operated on in a women-only or more female-friendly private hospital environment.
