As a result of pregnancies, breast feeding, weight loss or advancing age, breast tissue loses its elasticity causing drooping or a change in shape. This results in an imbalance between the outer skin and the internal gland and adipose tissue. The loss of youthful fullness and volume in breasts can be a source of distress for many women. When a breast lift procedure is performed, the skin beneath the areola is reduced and tightened to achieve the desired shape and positiopn. In principle a breast lift can be combined with a breast augmentation.

METHOD

The breast lift procedure involves an incision around the areola with a vertical incision down to the breast fold. During surgery, generally only the covering skin is reduced.

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

As with every surgical procedure, the health of the patient is paramount. Therefore, a clinical examination and an ultrasound scan are required. Both must be normal. In certain cases, an MRI scan or mammogram may be requested to clarify results. Two weeks prior to the procedure, the patient must stop smoking in order to reduce the risk of impairment of wound healing.

Normally breast lift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure usually takes two hours. Because of the larger area of scarring, follow-up care is more intense compared to breast augmentation surgery. Dressings need to be changed frequently and sutures generally are removed after ten to fourteen days. During the first weeks after the operation, the patient has to wear a special sports bra. Definitive results can only be expected after twelve months.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Due to a broader operating surface area there may be secondary bleeding, infections, unsightly scars and wound-healing impairments. During the healing process there may be slight alterations to the shape of the breast due to change in the skin and the tissue area.

In most cases, breast lift surgery affects the sensitivity of the breast.