Breast lift i.e. mastopexy is a surgical procedure performed to lift saggy breasts for enabling them to look aesthetically beautiful, make body sizes harmonious with each other, and provide natural-looking symmetrical breasts. Breast lift is a surgical procedure that can be performed on all women, who have saggy breasts, regardless of whether or not they have given birth. Sagging breasts can be due to structural reasons but can also be seen in case of weight gain and loss, in postpartum period, and due to the effect of aging and gravity. For being able to understand whether or not you have sagging breasts, you first need to stand in front of a mirror, and then evaluate the positions of your nipples and inframammary folds. The sagging of the breasts called breast ptosis is usually classified into 4 groups. These 4 groups are mild ptosis, moderate ptosis, advanced ptosis, and pseudoptosis. If the nipple is at the level of the infra-mammary fold or about 1 cm below it, the condition is called mild ptosis. If the nipple is located 1-3 cm below the infra-mammary fold, the condition is called moderate ptosis. If the nipple is located more than 3 cm below the infra-mammary fold, the condition is called advanced ptosis. If the nipple is located above the infra-mammary fold, while the lower half of the breast sags below the fold, the condition is called pseudoptosis.
When should I prefer breast lift surgery?
If sagging of the breasts is seen due to certain factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, instant weight change, and aging; if the position of the nipple and areola (the tissue surrounding it) is too low on the breast; and if your doctor thinks that the breasts can be shaped as desired by only using implants, you can prefer breast lift.
How is a breast lift surgery performed?
Breast lift surgery can be performed with many different techniques. In our first technique, an “inverted T-shaped” incision is made around the areola. This incision extends downwards vertically from the areola, and continues horizontally throughout the infra-mammary fold. This technique is usually used in patients with advanced breast ptosis. In our second technique, a “Lollipop-shaped” incision is made, which extends vertically from the areola to the infra-mammary fold. This technique is usually used in patients with moderate breast ptosis. In our patients with mild breast ptosis, an incision is made only around the areola. In all techniques, first the tissues around the nipple are liberated. Then the excess part of the surrounding breast tissue is removed, and the breast is reshaped. After the shaping process, the nipples can be sutured in its ideal position.
How long does my recovery take after breast lift surgery?
When the bandages on the body are removed after breast lift surgery, the breasts may appear swollen. Puckers or deformities may be observed in the incision sites under the breasts. These effects of the surgery disappear within a month. You will not feel severe pain after surgery. However, sometimes swellings and bruises may occur in the breasts. They spontaneously disappear after a short time. You are advised to use the bandage placed on your breasts for a period of 3 days after surgery. At the end of this period, you can wear an athletic bra, in the form of half singlet. One month after surgery, you can begin to do swimming activities and exercises that engage your arms. Since self-dissolving sutures are used in breast lift surgeries, there will be no need to remove sutures after surgery. A period of 6 months to 1 year is needed for the recovery of all effects, completion of the reshaping process, and improvement of loss of sensation after breast lift surgery.
Can I get pregnant and breastfeed my child after breast lift surgery?
Milk glands and milk ducts are protected during breast lift surgery. Technically, your ability to breastfeed and breast sensation are extremely well protected in line with the procedures.
How long after giving birth can I have breast lift surgery?
You can have breast lift surgery at the end of the breastfeeding period, i.e. about 6 months after your breasts becomes completely dry. If you cannot wait until the end of this period, you may experience inflammation and your sutures may come loose. Such a case causes scar formation on your breasts.
