Breast Lift
Breasts can change over time, as events like pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight fluctuations take their toll. Even the natural process of ageing can result in sagging and drooping of the breasts, changing your body profile and affecting your self-confidence and even the way your clothes fit. While you cannot do much to prevent these changes from occurring, you can address these concerns after they arise with surgical procedures that offer dramatic, long-lasting results.
A breast lift or mastopexy surgically restores sagging breasts to a more youthful position on the chest for a more aesthetically pleasing body contour. The procedure is popular among women who have lost their shapely curves due to any of the factors listed above. In addition to adjusting the breast profile, this surgery can also be used to remove loose skin that may be exacerbating the drooping effect and negatively changing the appearance of the breasts overall. The nipples and areola may also be repositioned to create a natural and symmetrically beautiful breast proportion.
Dr Damon Thomas performs breast lifts for his patients in Melbourne. He may recommend a breast lift alone or in conjunction with other types of breast enhancement surgery to create the most beautiful results for his female patients. If you are unhappy with changes that have occurred to your breasts, Dr Thomas can help you restore the curves and body profile of your younger days with results that last for many years.
Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery
Women who are good candidates for breast lift surgery may have one or more of these concerns:
- Breasts that have lost their perky appearance due to pregnancy or ageing
- Significant ptosis (breast sagging) that is causing skin discomfort and embarrassment
- Breasts that appear deflated after pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Breasts that have lost their shape after massive weight loss
- Development of loose skin that exacerbates the drooping and creates an aged appearance
- Nipples and areolas that point downward instead of forward
- Breasts that are asymmetrical or in different positions
A breast lift tends to work best on medium-sized breasts. If the breasts are too large and heavy, a breast reduction may be recommended in combination with the breast lift to achieve the best possible results. Women with smaller breasts may benefit from augmentation using implants at the same time as their lift, to add fullness to enhance their upper body profile. The combination of a lift and augmentation may also be a good option for women who think their breasts begin to look “deflated” over time due to loose skin and loss of tissue.
Options in a Breast Lift
There are different techniques used for a breast lift, which tend to vary based on the amount of correction required. The most common incision options include:
Lollipop Incision
This incision encircles the areola and extends down the lower portion of the breast, resembling a lollipop. This incision formation is the most common technique used for breast lifts and can be effective in all but the most severe cases of ptosis. While there is some visible scarring after a lollipop lift, the incision made around the areola is created within the pigmented area, minimising noticeable signs of surgery after the fact.
Anchor Incision
When more correction is needed, Dr Thomas may combine the lollipop incision with a third opening across the lower breast crease. This technique is known as the anchor incision since the formation is similar to a ship’s anchor. The incision underneath the breast is placed into the natural folds of skin, which further minimises noticeable scarring after surgery.
The right incision for you will depend on how much lift you require, whether the nipple and areola need to be repositioned, and whether other breast enhancement procedures will be performed at the same time. Dr Thomas will carefully evaluate your situation and desired results to help you determine the best surgical technique for your precise needs. You can also rest assured that he will use advanced surgical techniques and meticulous sutures to prevent excessive scarring from developing after your procedure.
About the Procedure
Dr Thomas performs breast lift surgery under general anaesthesia, in one of the accredited hospitals near his office. The procedure should take about one to two hours, depending on the amount of correction that will be done and whether other enhancements will be performed at the same time. During the surgery, Dr Thomas will remove excess loose skin, while repositioning the breasts at a slightly higher profile on the chest wall. While the surgery does not change the position of the base of the breast, it has a dramatic impact on the overall contour. Excess skin is also removed to create a smoother, more youthful contour.
Dr Thomas performs many of his breast lifts as day procedures, which means you will be allowed to return home after a short time in recovery. Some patients may opt for an overnight stay in the hospital, providing them the additional opportunity for rest and monitoring before heading home. An overnight stay is particularly helpful for patients who are in need of more correction or are choosing to have more than one procedure performed at one time. Because general anaesthesia is nearly always used, you will need to have someone drive you home and remain with you for the first day or two after your surgery.
See Before and Afters