What is Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift allows women to achieve contours by elevating sagging breasts and giving them a perkier, more youthful projection. Many women choose to have a breast lift along with a breast augmentation to achieve a fully youthful look.
There are 3 types of surgical techniques used in a breast lift, all dependant on the patient and the desired results. These techniques are:
- Standard Lift – Standard anchor shape incisions are used in this technique. This technique leaves permanent scarring.
- Doughnut Mastopexy – This techniques requires one incision and has less scarring and downtime than the other options. This technique is used when a small amount of tissue and skin are removed.
- Lollipop Lift – This lift is a combination of both techniques.
- Breast Lift with Augmentation (Implants) – Your surgeon will carefully help you choose your implant type, which will be placed during the augmentation part of your breast lift.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate would be in generally good health and have realistic expectations of the outcome. A breast lift is an excellent option for any woman whose breasts have begun to droop, however, it is also popular among mothers who wish to regain their pre-pregnancy figures. An ideal candidate should:
- Be over the age of 18 years.
- Have saggy, drooping breasts
- Be in general good health, mentally and physically
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
- Not planning on falling pregnant
- Be at a stable, good weight
How Much Does Breast Lift Surgery Cost?
Before any surgery can be scheduled a consultation must take place, here the surgeon will assess the patients needs and suggest the best procedure to achieve the required results.
- Duration of procedure
- Duration of your hospitalisation recovery
- Additional procedures required
Consultation Fee: R1000
(Estimated Price: email us)
This number includes anesthesia and operating room fees. However, the total cost of your treatment will depend on your individual needs and goals. A number of factors will influence the final total of your procedure.
Breast Lift Surgery Before & After
Breast Lift Surgery Recovery
The recovery period varies for each patient. During your first few weeks, you should also avoid bending, and lifting anything; vigorous exercise is completely off-limits within the first 3 to 4 weeks.
If dissolvable stitches were not used, regular stitches are removed in various stages. To minimize swelling, a compression garment is worn post surgery. Drainage tubes are placed and will remove excess fluid during the first few days.
The total healing time can be anything from 7 weeks to 10 weeks dependant on the type of surgery performed.
Complications | Risks | Side Effects | Scars
Although the surgery is generally a safe procedure, patients should be aware of the potential problems associated with the surgery. Breast lift risks and complications include the chance of infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and uneven nipple height.
Minimizing Scarring
Although scarring is unavoidable, there are several steps the patient can take to minimize the appearance of scars. These things include:
- Wearing your compression garment or bra, as directed
- Avoiding smoking
- Gently massaging the breasts
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
- Eating a healthy diet, high in lean protein
- Using a topical ointment or silicone sheets
Scarring during a lift is totally dependant on the type of procedure performed, as a standard lift leaves more visible scars than the doughnut mastopexy.
Normal Side Effects
After undergoing the surgery, the patient may feel all or none of these very normal and common side effects:
- Sore breasts
- Scars
- Bruising and swelling
- General discomfort
- Altered sensation
- Itching
Other Side Effects
Like all medical procedures, the risk of complications increase when proper aftercare treatment is not followed. These complications include:
- Developing of lumps in or around the breasts
- Loss of nipple sensitivity
- Uneven shapely breast (A great surgeon will avoid this)
- Progressive pain that cannot be addressed with your pain medications
- A high fever
- Strange discolouration, and or leaking
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Bleeding
- Unable to breastfeed in future
These risks will be fully disclosed and explained by the surgeon, if at any point post surgery a patient suffers from any serious side effects – please consult your surgeon immediately.
