Breast lift (Mastopexy)

About mastopexy

What is a mastopexy?

A mastopexy, or breast lift, is an operation to lift and reshape sagging breasts. It’s usually done when you're happy with the size of your breasts, but want them to look firmer and more lifted. Breasts can sag after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or simply with age as the skin stretches and the breasts droop.

Who might be a good candidate for mastopexy?

A breast lift may be a good option for you if:

  • You are in good health.

  • You have realistic expectations of what can and cannot be achieved with surgery.

  • Your breasts are fully developed.

  • Your breasts are sagging and have lost their shape and firmness.

  • When unsupported, your nipples fall below the fold under your breast.

  • Your nipples and areolas point downward.

  • You have stretched skin and enlarged areola.

While a breast lift is carefully tailored to suit each patient’s unique body, lifestyle, and desired outcome, individual results will vary based on your specific anatomy and goals.

FAQs

  • In planning for your surgery:

    • Consultation
      You will meet Dr Law in consultation. The consultation will begin with a conversation about your goals and expectations. Please bring any questions you may have. The procedure will be explained in detail - covering what it can and cannot achieve. Dr Law will also discuss the surgical process, possible risks, and complications.

    • Imaging
      Before mastopexy, you will be referred for a mammogram or ultrasound.

    • Smoking
      Please stop smoking as soon as you are able to, as smoking increases the risk of complications from surgery. If possible, please stop smoking at least six weeks before your surgery.

    • You will be given instructions ahead of time regarding fasting, medications, and other practical information.

    On the day of surgery:

    • You’ll meet with a nurse, who will assess your health.

    • The anaesthetist will meet you and confirm your anaesthesia plan to make sure the procedure goes as smoothly and safely as possible.

    • Dr Law will see you to confirm the procedure again, take photographs, and draw markings on your skin to guide surgery.

  • A breast lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital.

  • There are different techniques of performing breast lift surgery, but the main steps involve:

    Making incisions

    Depending on the amount of lift required and your breast shape, Dr Law will choose one of several incision patterns. Common options are:

    • Around the areola (periareolar).

    • Around the areola and vertically down to the breast fold (lollipop).

    • Around the areola, down, and along the breast crease (anchor).

    Dr Law will recommend the best approach for your needs.

    Reshaping and lifting the breast

    • The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve contour and firmness.

    • The nipple and areola are repositioned to a more natural height.

    • If necessary, enlarged areolas can be reduced.

    • Stitches may be placed deep inside the breast to help shape it.

    • If you want bigger breasts as well as a lift, you may need both an implant and a lift. Sometimes this can be done in the single operation; other times, it's better to do them in two stages.

    Removing excess skin

    Sometimes excess breast skin may need to be removed to tighten the overall shape.

    Closing the incisions

    The incisions are closed with sutures, and the breasts are dressed with surgical bandages or a support bra.

    The surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Sometimes patients can go home the same day, or may need to stay overnight in hospital.

  • As you recover, you’ll need to wear a surgical bra for 6 weeks to support healing. You may also be advised to:

    • Avoid exercise and heavy lifting.

    • Refrain from smoking and alcohol.

    • Sleep on your back.

    • Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height, especially in the early stages.

    • Comply with wound care which may involve keeping incision sites clean, using specific ointments or creams, and refraining from swimming, etc.

    • Attend follow-up appointments to check your healing and results.

Risks & complications

  • All surgery carries risks and may include:

    • Drug reactions: You can have reactions to anaesthesia. However a fully qualified anaesthetist will look after you during the surgery to ensure your anaesthetic will be as safe and smooth as possible.

    • Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions are possible. We will ask you about any known allergies beforehand to help avoid exposure during surgery.

    • Infection: You will be given antibiotics at the start of your surgery (as you go to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics afterwards, to help minimise this risk. 

    • Bleeding and haematoma (blood clot): A bit of bleeding onto the dressing is common and usually stops on its own. There is a very small risk of blood clots, requiring drainage

    • Seroma (fluid collection): A pocket of fluid can occasionally collect in the breast after surgery. To help prevent this, a drain is sometimes inserted at the time of surgery, and  remains in place for a few days. If a seroma does develop, it can usually be treated with drainage in the rooms.

  • Risks specific to mastopexy will be discussed with you during your consultation and will also be provided in your consent paperwork. These include:

    • Nipple numbness: Temporary for most, but can be permanent in some patients.

    • Nipple healing problems: Very rarely, part or all of the nipple may not survive.

    • Fat necrosis (lumps in the breast): Some breast fat may harden after losing its blood supply. Usually this resolves in 3–6 months.

    • Wound healing issues.

    • Breast asymmetry: No two breasts are exactly the same, and perfect symmetry is rarely achievable. Some small differences in size or shape may remain after surgery. Minor corrections can be made later.

    • Poor scarring such as hypertrophic or keloid scars.

    • Breastfeeding: Some women are able to breastfeed after a mastopexy, but assume this is the exception rather than the rule. The ability to breastfeed depends on the remaining breast being connected to the nipple by the breast ducts and these ducts are usually cut during surgery.

Book your Appointment

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