Breast Lift: A Return to Youthfulness
Breast lift (mastopexy) elevates and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipples to the appropriate height. Factors such as childbirth, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging cause breast sagging, negatively impacting their appearance.
A breast lift is performed when the size is satisfactory but the breasts have “sagged and are completely empty.” The result is the restoration of breast firmness, leading to a more attractive appearance and improved daily life for the woman.
Modern Breast Lift Technique with Autoimplants
Most traditional breast lift techniques relied solely on skin removal. This resulted in short-lived outcomes and large “anchor” scars that were difficult to accept. With the new breast lift technique using autoimplants, plastic surgeon Aris Damagas reshapes the part of the breast responsible for sagging and elevates it like implants. The result is a naturally lifted breast with an ideal shape, a full upper pole, lasting effects, and only vertical scars.
This technique is ideal for sagging breasts with an empty upper pole but satisfactory size. It can also be applied in cases of breast reduction or breast surgery with autologous fat.
The breast lift is almost painless, lasts up to 2 hours, uses general anesthesia, and usually allows same-day discharge (day surgery). Return to work occurs in 1 week, and full activity, such as gym workouts, resumes in 3-4 weeks. The final scar appearance forms in 3-10 months.
Η ανόρθωση στήθους είναι σχεδόν ανώδυνη, διαρκεί το πολύ 2 ώρες, χρησιμοποιείται γενική αναισθησία και συνήθως δίδεται εξιτήριο την ίδια ημέρα (ημερήσια νοσηλεία). Η επάνοδος στην εργασία γίνεται σε 1 εβδομάδα και σε πλήρη δραστηριότητα, όπως το γυμναστήριο, σε 3-4 εβδομάδες. Η τελική μορφή των ουλών διαμορφώνεται σε 3-10 μήνες.
Breast Lift Cost
The cost of a breast lift largely depends on the technique chosen, whether performed with or without implants (breast lift with autoimplants). An accurate cost estimate can only be provided during the preoperative session.
Results of the Procedure
The duration of breast lift results varies. Pregnancy, weight changes, and aging may cause new sagging. The results of a breast lift can be more long-lasting or even better if combined with small silicone implants, which, however, affect the surgery’s cost. Combining a lift with breast augmentation achieves firmer, lifted breasts with long-lasting results.
Breast Lift FAQs
Addressing Common Queries About One of the Most Popular Breast Plastic Surgeries
When is it considered that the breast has “sagged,” and when can I consider a breast lift?
Theoretically, a breast lift is indicated when the nipple is below the inframammary fold (the fold separating the breast from the chest wall). Candidates for a lift are women with sufficient breast tissue but inadequate support. Women often realize when it’s time for a lift because they feel uncomfortable in their clothes, do not enjoy clothing choices, and experience shyness in personal moments.
Should I wait to undergo a breast lift until after having children?
Pregnancy naturally changes breast size. The breast enlarges during pregnancy and then contracts; this fluctuation affects the lift result if it precedes pregnancy. If you plan to become a mother soon, it is advisable to postpone the lift until after childbirth. Often, a breast lift is part of the mommy makeover process.
I am trying to lose weight. How long should I wait to undergo a breast lift?
Plastic surgery generally offers better and more permanent results when weight fluctuations have ceased. It is beneficial to stabilize your weight to avoid future breast sagging.
Can a breast lift be combined with other breast surgeries?
If your breasts are disproportionately large or very small, you can discuss with your plastic surgeon the possibility of breast reduction or augmentation, respectively, at the same time as the lift. Additionally, nipple inversion problems can be corrected simultaneously with a breast lift.
I underwent breast augmentation a decade ago. Can I proceed with a breast lift without replacing the implants?
If there are no issues such as pain or discomfort, implant replacement is generally unnecessary. However, the implant position may need adjustment during the lift, which could lead to either implant replacement (if the patient wishes to change size or shape) or repositioning the existing implants.
Can I achieve a breast lift without surgery? Do breast lifting exercises help delay the surgery?
Chest exercises can improve the appearance of the chest area by strengthening the underlying muscle groups (pectoral muscles), which can make the breasts appear more toned. However, no exercise can reduce breast sagging and return them “to their place” since breasts consist of fat and glandular tissue, not muscle mass. Therefore, the desired breast lift is achieved only surgically.