Breast lift operation is a procedure performed with the aim of recovering sagging tissues. Breast lift surgery is also known as mastopexy.
Reasons such as genetic factors, frequent weight changes, aging, wrong bra use, pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to lose their upright and lively appearance.
It empties, the skin becomes abundant and the problem of sagging occurs. In mild breast sagging, the nipple has reached the level of the fold under the breast. In advanced sagging, it goes below this line. No tool, cream or massage can raise the nipple. In this case breast lift aesthetic surgery is a must.
In the surgery, the skin causing sagging is removed and the breast tissue is recovered and hung up.
How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
This operation, which is performed under general anesthesia, takes 2-4 hours depending on the method to be used. If there is a slight sagging, an upright and fuller appearance can be obtained by placing a silicone mammary gland under the mammary gland. In case of slight sagging, it is sufficient to recover the nipple. The operation is completed with a circular incision made on the nipple.
If the sagging is at a moderate level, lollipop shaped recovery is done. In cases of severe sagging, inverted T-shaped incisions will be made.
During the operation, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped. Thus, breast firmness is increased and the breast contour is corrected. This operation, which brings the nipple and areola to their natural height; It can be performed in combination with breast augmentation.
If necessary, the enlarged nipple is cut around the skin and reduced. The loss of elasticity is compensated by removing the excess part of the chest skin.
Before Breast Lift Surgery
- Before the operation, the breast structure of the patient is evaluated by mammography and breast ultrasound.
- Eating and drinking is stopped 6 hours before the operation.
- Taking a shower with a disinfectant soap on the night of the operation; When coming to the surgery, it is requested to be without make-up.
- Smoking should be stopped 2-3 weeks before the operation.
- If diabetes is present, blood sugar should be controlled before surgery. Otherwise, there will be problems in wound healing.
- Aspirin and similar blood thinners should be discontinued 1 week before.
After Breast Lift Surgery
- It is necessary to make ice compresses for a while and wear a sports bra. A sports bra should be worn for 4 weeks.
- Thin tapes are adhered on the seams, no further dressing is needed.
- The drains placed during the operation are removed after 24-48 hours.
- You can start taking a shower after 3-4 days. Stitches are removed after 10-15 days.
- There may be pain and tingling for a few days. It is possible to overcome this problem with simple painkillers.
- No smoking for several weeks.
- The patient can return to work after 3-7 days, and after 3-4 days, with the decrease in sensitivity in arm movements, she can start driving.
- Lifting weights should be avoided for the first few weeks. The patient with a small child should not hold the child on his lap while standing.
- After 2 weeks, long walks can be started. It is necessary to wait 3-4 weeks for running. It takes 4-5 weeks to start sports such as tennis and fitness.
- Moderate bruising and edema (swelling) are observed for 5-10 days. These are also normal. The breasts will take their final shape in a few months.
- Conditions such as excessive weight change or pregnancy after breast lift surgery may cause the breasts to sag again. Therefore, it is more appropriate to perform breast lift surgery on patients whose basal body weight does not fluctuate and who are no longer considering children.
Does Breast Lift Surgery Leave Scars?
The breast lift leaves a small scar of 3.5 cm. This scar that can be hidden under the breast is not disturbing.
T, L or I shaped scars are left under the nipple of patients who have undergone skin rejuvenation. The form of the permit varies according to the preferred technique.
This trace will not be too obvious due to the tonal difference. The vertical line descending from the nipple heals faster. One year after the operation, the scar becomes too light to be noticed.
Breast Lift Surgery Risks
As with any surgery, some side effects can be seen in breast lift surgery. These are not common complications:
- Significant scarring (keloid-hypertrophic scar), delayed wound healing (These conditions are more likely to occur in individuals genetically predisposed to poor scarring, regular smokers and diabetics.)
- Blood accumulation in the tissue (hematoma) may develop.
- Stitching, wound opening, inflammation, infection can be observed. These are problems that can be corrected by timely intervention.
- Fragmentation and melting of adipose tissue (fat necrosis) may occur. Depending on this, there may be discharge between the sutures or from the wound edge.
- Temporary stinging sensation and pain in the breasts are also possible.
Can Those Who Have Breast Lift Surgery Breastfeed?
The answer to this question depends on the technique applied. If the mammary glands, milk ducts and nipple are not damaged, breastfeeding function will not be affected. Lifting and carrying the nipple from one place to another may prevent the person from breastfeeding again.
However, in the technique called ‘central pedicle’, there is no problem in breastfeeding as the glands, ducts and nipple will be kept in one piece.