Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Sydney

  • Elective cosmetic procedure
  • Possible medicare and health insurance rebates
  • Day procedure only

A breast lift, also called mastopexy surgery, is performed to alter the shape of the breasts and raise them higher up on the chest wall. This can address concerns about breast laxity, without reducing their size.

Laxity and loss of shape tend to occur when the skin loses its elasticity due to the effects of gravity, the normal ageing process, pregnancy and breast-feeding as well as significant weight loss.

Some women also choose to insert implants (augmentation mammoplasty) at the same time as the breast lift (mastopexy) to help achieve the patient’s desired shape, firmness and size.

Breast Lift (Mammoplasty) Photos

Breast lift before and after, patient 01, Form & Face photos, angle view

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Before and After – Patient 1

A patient before and after breast lift, gallery photo 02

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Before and After – Patient 2

Breast lift before and after 03

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Before and After – Patient 3

Breast lift before and after gallery 04, front view

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Before and After – Patient 4

What happens at the first breast lift (mastopexy) consultation?

During your first consultation with Dr Norris, he will focus on what you hope to achieve with this procedure and what you would like your breasts to look like. It may become apparent during this initial consultation that you have concerns not only about laxity of the breasts but also about the size or loss of volume due to the effects of pregnancy and age. If this is the case, you have the option to insert breast implants (augmentation mammoplasty) at the same time that your breasts are lifted with mastopexy surgery. Dr Norris will evaluate your breasts by taking measurements, assessing your skin tone and the condition of breast and fatty tissue, and noting the position and size of your nipple and areola on each side. Photographs will be taken for your medical records.

A graph to show the grade of lax breasts:

breast-lift-diagram-ptosis-550x300x

You can also expect to have a detailed discussion with Dr Norris about how the operation is performed and where the incisions will be placed. At the end of this initial consultation, you should have a clear idea of what will be possible for you. You will then be provided with a detailed quotation for surgery.

If you decide to proceed with surgery, you will need to schedule a second consultation with Dr Norris. During the second appointment, a surgery date will be scheduled and Dr Norris will explain how you should prepare for your procedure to ensure the best outcome.

How is a breast lift mastopexy performed?

Your breast lift mastopexy procedure will always be performed in a fully accredited hospital. Prior to your surgery, Dr Norris will pay you one last visit and introduce you to the anaesthetist who will be administering your general anaesthetic. The entire procedure will last anywhere from 2 – 3 hours and may require an overnight stay in hospital – Dr Norris will advise you whether this will be the case during your consultation.

There are several techniques that can be used to lift the breasts, which will affect where the scars will be present. Dr Norris has trained extensively in the use of short-scar techniques, which are aimed at minimising the amount and length of scars. However, not all women have breasts that are suitable for a short scar technique.

Breast-lift-techniquebreastlift

In most instances, the incision will encircle the areola (periareolar scar) and pass downwards from the areola to the fold beneath the breast (vertical scar). This is commonly called a lollipop lift as it resembles a lollipop. In some cases, it is possible to only use a periareolar incision. In other cases, Dr Norris might need to perform a lift using an incision called an anchor. The associated scar for this procedure also travels underneath the breast in the mammary fold as well as around the areolar and down the breast.

Once the necessary incisions have been made, the excess skin and breast tissue are removed. The nipple may also be re-positioned if necessary. Implants will now be inserted through the incision before they are closed using absorbable sutures.

Dr Norris will take you through the various implant options during your consultation. Each implant type has its own pros and cons. It’s also important to choose the right size for your body shape and desired outcomes.

At the end of the operation, a drain may be placed beneath each breast. If this is the case it will be removed the day after surgery. A dressing is also applied over the incisions and you will leave the hospital wearing your supportive surgical bra, which will help reduce swelling and aid in your recovery.

What happens after the surgery?

  • Most patients can go home on the same day as their surgery but in many instances, an overnight hospital stay will be necessary.
  • You will require a friend, family member or partner to drive you home from hospital due to your range of movement being restricted.
  • There is also a chance that you will still be slightly drowsy following the anaesthetic.
  • Dr Norris will send you home with aftercare instructions, including scar management techniques, as well as a prescription for pain medication and possibly an antibiotic.
  • You will not be able to drive for up to 1 week, so it’s best to make arrangements to get around during this period.
  • Daily short showers are permitted, provided your waterproof dressings are dried adequately.
  • Patients are encouraged to sleep on their backs, elevated by a few pillows for the first 6 weeks. This will help reduce your swelling and make your recovery more comfortable.
  • You will experience the most discomfort in the first 3 or 4 days after the surgery.
  • Your breasts and nipples will be bruised, swollen, tender, and sensitive to touch but this will subside during the first 2 weeks.
  • Most patients can return to work after 2 weeks, provided their job is not physically demanding. Additional recovery time is required in this instance.
  • Swelling can take up to 6 weeks to settle.
  • You can start light exercise such as walking after about 2 weeks. If Dr Norris clears you, you can resume your regular exercise routine after 6 weeks.
  • You will have a follow-up appointment on day 3 after the procedure to check and change the dressings. Dr Norris will also use this time to make sure you’re on track with your recovery.

Possible complications

  • Haematoma – This complication results in excess blood collecting in the breast pocket. This will either be absorbed by the body naturally or Dr Norris will need to drain it himself. Symptoms include swelling, pain, bruising, skin that is hot to the touch and itchy breasts.
  • Infection – Most breast lift infections will occur within the first 3 weeks after surgery. Any type of infection should be treated as soon as possible using antibiotics.
  • Keloid Scarring – In some instances, scars can begin to look raised, lumpy and even darker in colour. If you notice this, please inform Dr Norris so that he can look at treating the keloid scars with steroid injections. Wearing the supplied silicone gel strips after surgery 24/7 will help prevent this from occurring.
  • Numb Nipples – This is a common complication but it normally resolves itself after a short period of time. Sometimes it may take up to 6-12 months to regain full feeling in your nipples.
  • Asymmetry – Even natural breasts aren’t always completely symmetrical, which is why patients need to have realistic expectations before pursuing this procedure. Dr Norris will take every necessary step to help prevent asymmetrical breasts but there is no way to guarantee this. Most patients can expect to see some minor asymmetry a year after their procedure.
  • Breastfeeding Limitations – While breast lifts are not directly linked to any breastfeeding limitations, there is a chance that your ability to breastfeed could be affected. The possibility of this occurring is very much dependant on the technique that was used. It should also be noted that there’s no way to tell whether you will be able to breastfeed, regardless of whether you undergo surgery or not, something that should be kept in mind.
  • Implant Rupture – If patients decide to have implants inserted, rupture can be a possible complication. Implant rupturing occurs when the shell of the implant is weakened and tears. In most cases, ruptures are only more likely as the implant ages or if capsular contracture occurs. Capsular contracture is the body’s response to foreign material and results in a hard capsule forming around one or both implants. If one breast appears firmer and feels harder than the other, it might be a sign of capsular contracture.

How much does a breast lift mastopexy cost in Sydney?

The final cost of a breast lift mastopexy will vary between patients. This is because there are several different factors that need to be considered. From the amount of skin and tissue that needs to be removed and whether or not implants are required to hospital and anaesthetist fees, these are all factors that affect the cost. If certain criteria are met, there is a high chance that patients can apply for a Medicare rebate following their surgery. For one, the ptosis needs to be severe enough to warrant the surgery. Dr Norris will take you through the requirements for a rebate application during your consultation.

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