As women age, or after breastfeeding or weight loss, they can experience what is medically referred to as “ptosis.” Younger women can also experience ptosis as a result of significant weight loss or due to heredity. A breast lift or mastopexy can alter the position and shape of the breasts without decreasing their size. Dr Vlad Milovic—our specialist plastic surgeon—customises each breast lift surgery to suit the unique needs and goals of each individual.
Quick Facts about Breast Lift Procedures
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
- Inpatient/Outpatient: Variable
- Potential Benefits: A more supported bustline; reduction of ptosis
- Potential Side Effects: Discolouration, swelling, tenderness and various risks associated with all surgical procedures (see below)
- Recovery Time: Approximately two to four weeks
- Breast Lift Risks
- What Is Breast Lift Surgery?
- Breast Lift Candidates
- Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction
- Breast Lift Types
- Breast Lift Procedure
- Breast Lift Recovery
- Breast Lift Scars
- Breast Lift Result Longevity
- Choosing a Breast Lift Surgeon
- Breast Lift Alternatives
- More Information About Breast Lift Surgery
Risks of Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilises advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain/discomfort
- Nerve damage
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Complications relating to anaesthesia
- Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
- Poor healing
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Death
- Blood clots
- Long-term changes in breast shape
- Numbness in the breasts and/or nipples that may be temporary or permanent
- The possibility of an additional surgery
- Changes in breast sensation
- Thrombosed veins
- Tissue necrosis
- Skin rippling
- Capsular contracture
- Implant failure
- Permanent, irreversible changes in breast appearance
- Total or partial loss of areola and/or nipple
- Inability to breastfeed
- BIA-ALCL – Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or other rare cancers that can affect the capsule surrounding the breast implant
What Is Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a plastic surgery procedure designed to elevate the breasts. The procedure can address breast ptosis by removing excess skin and reforming the remaining tissue. The surgeon can also perform nipple repositioning and areola reduction, which can raise the position of downward-pointing nipples and areolas.
Breast lift surgery alone cannot significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast (i.e. create upper pole fullness). In order for lifted breasts to achieve enhanced fullness, breast lift surgery can include fat grafting.
Are You a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
As a highly qualified plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dr Milovic will determine whether you are a good candidate for breast lift surgery. If you suffer from ptosis, are a non-smoker (or are prepared to give up smoking at least six weeks prior to and after your surgery), are mentally and physically healthy and understand the breast lift surgical procedure, you may qualify. Dr Milovic will discuss all these factors, and other relevant information including risks and complications of the surgery, with you prior to your decision on breast lift surgery.
A breast lift may be a good option for you if:
- You are physically healthy
- You have realistic expectations
- You wish to alter the appearance of your breasts, nipples or areolas
Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction
While mastopexy and breast reduction surgery are both procedures that can address the appearance of the breasts, they are not interchangeable. Specifically, the “lift” that mastopexy can provide is pursued for cosmetic purposes, whereas a breast reduction can be performed either for medical purposes, aesthetic reasons or some combination of these goals. In fact, many undergo breast reduction primarily to combat back, neck or shoulder pain.
If you are unsure which of these options is best for you, Dr Milovic would be glad to provide further details during your consultation.
What Types of Breast Lift Surgery Are Available?
There are several state-of-the-art breast lift techniques Dr Milovic can use to perform your breast lift surgery. The location of the incisions will depend on the size and shape of your breasts, the amount of skin and tissue that may need to be removed and your unique preferences.
Dr Milovic uses these techniques to achieve a breast lift for suitable patients:
Lejour or “Lollypop” Method
The Lejour method, also known as the “lollypop” or “vertical scar lift,” has two incisions: one around the areola and another vertically down from the lower edge of the areola to the crease under the breast (infra-mammary fold).
Periareolar Sampaio-Goes Method
This technique was pioneered by Dr Jaio Sampaio Goes, a Brazilian surgeon. The procedure involves only one incision around the areola and can be suitable in selected cases, depending on your anatomy and goals.
The Inverted “T” Or “Anchor” Method
For women with very large breasts, the inverted “T” or “anchor” method may be more appropriate, although Dr Milovic uses this procedure more rarely than his modified vertical scar method for large breasts. With this technique, the nipple-areolar complex can be suspended on the superior medial pedicle, and the skin and gland is re-draped with an anchor type closure. This technique typically results in a vertical and horizontal scar.
The Crescent Lift Technique
For a minor breast lift—best suited for women with smaller breasts and minimal ptosis—a crescent mastopexy may be appropriate. With this technique, the skin from the upper area of the areola is removed.
The above breast lift techniques—Lejour, periareolar, inverted “T” and crescent lift—are preferred by Dr Milovic when performing breast lift procedures. With that in mind, these results can vary considerably, and not all patients will be suitable candidates for limited scarring techniques.
Traditional Breast Lift Technique
The Inferior Pedicle Method
The inferior pedicle method is considered a traditional breast lift method; however, Dr Milovic typically would only use this approach in breast revisional reductions/lifts where this technique was used in the original surgery. This method involves three incisions—around the areola, vertically down from the lower edge of the areola to the crease under the breast (or infra-mammary fold) and horizontally along the natural curve of the breast crease. A downside of this technique is that it can result in a thickening of the skin at the bottom of the breast.
To find out which technique is most suitable for you, book a consultation with Dr Milovic at his Melbourne office.
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What Happens During the Breast Lift Procedure?
Depending upon your general health and the extent of the procedure, breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia as a day procedure or alternatively with an overnight hospital stay. Dr Milovic will only perform your breast lift surgery in an accredited operating facility.
While you are under anaesthesia, Dr Milovic will perform your breast lift surgery according to the plan he has developed using the techniques he has described during previous appointments. For patients who choose to combine breast lift with breast augmentation, Dr Milovic can also place breast implants or perform fat transfer procedures to enhance the volume of your breasts. Once the procedure is complete, your breasts will be carefully bandaged.
What Can I Expect During Breast Lift Recovery?
After your breast lift procedure is completed, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You’ll need to wear a compressive bra to minimise swelling and support your breasts as they heal. You may experience some discomfort for a few days after surgery; however, pain medication can help to reduce the discomfort if you need it.
Discolouration and swelling of the breasts are to be expected for a few weeks after surgery. Dr Milovic recommends that you take at least two weeks off post-surgery and avoid physical activity that requires lifting or raising the arms. Gentle stretching can prove beneficial and exercise, such as walking, can commence within seven days. Most patients return to work within ten days—unless their occupation involves strenuous movements, in which case a period of at least three to four weeks is recommended. You will be given post-surgery instructions to follow, and if you have any doubts, please speak to Dr Milovic.
What Do Breast Lift Scars Look Like?
The scarring after breast lift surgery will depend on which incision option is chosen. As with any surgery, there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome. If scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Milovic can provide you with a scar treatment plan to possibly expedite the healing of your scars. There are several treatment options, including silicone gel (or tape) and laser skin therapy.
How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?
The length of time that breast lift results last varies from woman to woman and depends upon several factors. The results of the surgery can be long-lasting, but please be aware that this is not always the case. The size of the breasts, the type of breast lift performed, genetics, health and ageing can all impact the quality of results over time. As the years pass, your breasts will likely continue to change due to ageing and gravity.
Why Choose Dr Milovic for Breast Lift Surgery?
Choosing a surgeon for a breast lift or any cosmetic procedure requires a great deal of thought and preparation. Be sure to do your research and meet with at least two specialist plastic surgeons before deciding on a provider so that you can determine your own priorities for treatment in the process. We also recommend that you ask prospective surgeons any questions that may arise to help you make an informed decision.
Furthermore, we would advise you to seek your care from a specialist plastic surgeon. This type of surgeon will have undergone the proper training and gained certification from the Commonwealth government to perform this type of procedure. Dr Milovic is not only a specialist plastic surgeon with decades of experience, but a Fellow of the Royal Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons (FRACS). He is a trusted medical professional who has successfully treated a number of patients around the world.
Is a Non-Surgical Breast Lift Possible?
As of today, there is no non-surgical equivalent for breast lift surgery. If you come across a procedure, system or exercise that claims to produce a non-surgical breast lift, please use caution, as such a phenomenon has yet to be medically recognised.
More Information About Breast Lift Surgery
Does breast lift surgery require anaesthesia?
Breast lift surgery is most often performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep during the procedure. Dr Milovic engages the services of a qualified anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation or general anaesthesia.
For your safety, Dr Milovic and/or your anaesthetist will ask you about your general health, all the medications you are taking or have taken and any allergies you may have prior to surgery. Please make sure you bring an up-to-date list.
Will I be able to breastfeed after breast lift surgery?
Breast lift patients are often unable to breastfeed after surgery. If you plan to have more children after breast lift surgery and want to be able to maintain the ability to breastfeed, it is important to mention this to Dr Milovic during your consultation. Please also note that Dr Milovic usually advises women to wait to undergo breast lift surgery until they are done having children.
Will breast lift surgery change the size of my breasts?
Breast lift surgery was not designed to increase or decrease the breasts; rather, it can change their positioning and address unwanted ptosis. Those who wish to enhance their breast size may be better suited for a breast augmentation, whereas those who desire a smaller bustline may qualify for breast reduction surgery.
Are breast lift surgery results permanent?
While a professionally performed breast lift procedure can produce long-lasting results, the effects are not considered permanent. This is because the natural courses of ageing and gravity cannot be stopped.
Which breast lift technique is right for me?
The most appropriate breast lift technique will be discussed with you once Dr Milovic has assessed the shape and volume of your breasts, the position of your nipples and the condition of the skin on your breasts. He will also ascertain your desires and aesthetic goals.