Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy) - Treatment for Sagging Breasts

Mastopexy Incisions (Types of Breast Lift Incisions)

Here are the four typical incisions made during breast lift surgery. The most suitable incision is decided by the plastic surgeon based on your breast size and shape, the size and position of the areola, the extent of breast sagging, skin elasticity and more.

1. Crescent Incision – The incision is made along the upper edge of the areola, creating a crescent shape. It’s suitable for patients requiring minor lifting and nipple repositioning. However, it’s less commonly used due to its limited effectiveness in addressing moderate to severe ptosis (sagging).
2. Donut Incision – Also known as a periareolar incision, this circular incision is made around the outer edge of the areola. It’s suitable for mild to moderate breast ptosis and allows for nipple repositioning. However, it’s associated with a higher risk of complications such as tissue distortion and widened scars.
3. Vertical or Lollipop Incision – This incision combines a periareolar incision with a vertical line extending downward from the areola to the breast crease. It’s effective for moderate ptosis and allows for significant reshaping and lifting of the breast tissue. The vertical incision reduces the risk of lower breast distortion compared to the anchor incision.
4. Inverted-T or Anchor Incision: Considered the most comprehensive approach, this incision combines a periareolar incision, a vertical line extending downward, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease. It’s suitable for severe breast ptosis and provides extensive access for reshaping and lifting. While it offers optimal results, it may result in more visible scarring and longer recovery compared to other techniques.

Mastopexy Scars

A skillfully performed mastopexy scars can be a testament to your physical transformation. 

Mastopexy scars, though initially visible, undergo a gradual transformation akin to a fine piece of art. With time and proper care, they soften and fade. Your surgeon can conceal some scars in natural breast contours, but others will be visible on the breast surface.

The expertise of your plastic surgeon, coupled with your diligent postoperative care, ensures that these scars diminish gracefully.

What To Expect After Breast Reshaping Surgery?

After breast lift suregry, it is normal to expect some temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising, and numbness in the breast area. 

You may notice changes in breast sensation, including temporary numbness and hypersensitivity, which are likely to improve over time.

Your surgeon may recommend wearing a supportive surgical bra or compression garment to help minimize swelling and support the breasts during healing.

You should expect to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for several weeks following surgery.

Your surgeon will provide specific postoperative instructions tailored to your individual needs, including guidance on showering, wound care, and when to resume normal activities.

While initial results will be visible soon after surgery, it may take several months for swelling to fully resolve and for the final results of the breast lift to become apparent. 

Your surgeon will advise you on when it’s safe to return to work and resume more strenuous activities based on your recovery.

Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery

Here’s an overview of what to expect during the recovery process, along with some helpful tips:

Immediate After Breast Lift Surgery:

• You’ll spend some time in the recovery room immediately after surgery to ensure you’re stable and comfortable.
• Pain and discomfort are common during this time, and your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort.
• It’s essential to have someone available to drive you home and assist you with daily activities during the initial recovery period.

One Week After Breast Lift Surgery:

• Swelling and bruising will be most pronounced during the first week, gradually improving over time.
• Follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions for wound care, including keeping the incision sites clean and dry.
• Wear a supportive surgical bra or compression garment as instructed to help minimize swelling and provide support to the breasts.
• Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise during this time to allow for proper healing.

2-3 Weeks After Breast Lift Surgery:

• You may start to feel more comfortable and experience a reduction in pain and swelling.
• Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will allow them to monitor your progress and remove any stitches or sutures as needed.
• Continue wearing the supportive bra or compression garment as instructed, especially during physical activity.
• Gradually ease back into light activities, but still avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon.

4-6 Weeks After Breast Lift Surgery:

• Most swelling and bruising should have subsided by this point, although some residual swelling may persist.
• You may begin to notice improvements in breast shape and position as the tissues continue to settle.
• Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will continue to monitor your progress and address any concerns or questions you may have.
• You can gradually resume more normal activities and exercise routines but still avoid activities that put strain on the chest muscles or incision sites.
• It’s essential to continue following your surgeon’s instructions for wound care and activity restrictions to ensure optimal healing.

Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery

Here are the benefits that make breast lift surgery a much coveted cosmetic procedure:

• Breast lift surgery helps restore a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing breast shape by lifting sagging breast tissue and repositioning the nipples to a higher, more youthful position on the chest.
• Breast lift surgery can address asymmetry and unevenness in breast size and position, resulting in a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
• Breast lift surgery can restore firmness and resilience to the breasts, reducing sagging and enhancing overall breast tone.
• For many individuals, breast lift surgery can significantly improve self-esteem and body image by restoring a more youthful and uplifted breast appearance, leading to increased confidence in both clothing and intimate settings.
• With lifted and reshaped breasts, clothing tends to fit better and more comfortably, allowing individuals to enjoy a wider range of clothing styles and feel more confident in their appearance.
• Breast lift surgery can alleviate physical discomfort associated with sagging breasts, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, by lifting and redistributing breast weight for improved posture and comfort.
• While individual results may vary, the benefits of breast lift surgery are typically long-lasting, providing patients with enduring improvements in breast shape, position, and overall appearance.

Risks and Complications of Breast Reshaping

Breast lift or mastopexy is a very safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. However, the possibility of complications remains. Some of these are mentioned below:

• Infection at the surgical site, which may require antibiotics or additional treatment.
• Potential for bleeding during or after surgery, leading to hematoma or seroma formation.
• Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation, including numbness or hypersensitivity.
• Formation of visible scars at the incision sites, which may vary in severity depending on surgical technique and individual healing.
• Delayed wound healing or skin necrosis (tissue death) at the incision sites, particularly in smokers or individuals with poor circulation.
• Uneven or asymmetrical results in breast shape, position, or nipple placement.
• Risk of partial or total loss of breast tissue or nipple necrosis due to compromised blood supply.
• Formation of scar tissue around breast implants (if used), leading to firmness, distortion, or discomfort.
• Potential adverse reactions to anesthesia, including respiratory issues or allergic reactions.
• Need for additional surgical procedures to address complications or achieve desired results, such as scar revision or implant removal.

Cost and Insurance Coverage of Breast Lift Surgery

The cost of breast lift surgery can vary significantly depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the geographic location of the healthcare facility, the facility fees, and the extent of the procedure required for each individual. Patients should consult with their plastic surgeon or the medical staff to learn more about the cost estimate.

Breast lift is considered a cosmetic procedure and hence the scope of insurance coverage is very limited. However, in cases where the sagginess of the breast is severe and causes physical discomfort for the patient or functional impairment, insurance coverage may be available for certain portions of the surgery. Patients need to check with their insurance provider and understand the clauses of their policy in detail.