The best way to lift and restore volume to sagging and ageing breasts

Sometimes it does feel like our body, and the “us” that we feel and know on the inside don’t sync with each other. You feel young and confident and in your prime… but then you look in the mirror and see a pair of breasts that are letting you down… literally. Why can’t our external and internal just work together?

There are numerous reasons that a woman’s breasts will begin to droop and lose volume and skin elasticity over time, unfortunately for us many of these causes are unavoidable. Breastfeeding, pregnancy, genetics, fluctuations in weight, hormone balance and the contraceptive pill can all influence loss of volume, stretching of skin and result in a saggy, lacklustre appearance.

Once excess skin and droopiness are present unfortunately there isn’t much we can do to aid our naked appearance (thank goodness for bras that save us when we are clothed!). This is when breast lifts with implants swoop in to restore our nakedness. By removing excess skin and elevating the position of the breast, the lift procedure aims to make breasts appear perkier and firmer, restoring a more youthful appearance. This lift, combined with a moderate size implant (we find 300-350g most popular) not only supports perkiness and creates definition it also addresses a common concern of lack of volume.

What’s involved in a breast lift with implants?
When the nipple rests below the breast crease, this is medically referred to as ‘ptosis’ and is addressed with a two-hour operation called a mastopexy (commonly known as a ‘breast lift’). This procedure can be performed alone, which works well for women with natural fullness or larger natural cup size. Alternatively, a lift can be combined with implants for a rounder, fuller look; this is especially valuable for a smaller breast or those who have lost fullness. Adding an implant ensures the breasts don’t look lifted but flat; instead, they will be raised and full. In general, a mastopexy aims to boost shape without reducing size.

On the day of your procedure, small incisions are made around the areola (the brown disc around the nipple), and a vertical incision will be made from the bottom on the areola towards the crease on the underside of the breast. The is called a ‘vertical scar’ mastopexy and also has the name ‘lollipop scar’ breast lift.

All of these scars usually heal very well and fade to a pale, fine line over a year or so. Some patients do have dark, raised and wide scars – this is unpredictable in general but can often be revised and improved after a few months. The woman can go home a couple of hours after the operation if she’s feeling well enough to do so, after a period of observation.

As a standard rule pain is very manageable after a breast lift operation and controlled with a post-op recovery pack of medications. Drains are not routinely used for a breast lift procedure, and surgical dressing is minimal. Patients can shower on the day after surgery without complication. Sutures are dissolving so do not need to be removed and most women feel confident to return to work a week after the procedure.

Following the surgery, there will be swelling and bruising for the first few weeks as the tissue heals. Bruises and swelling settle gradually and are usually minimal within a month after the operation. For the first four weeks, a support bra is to be worn daily with no activities that bounce the breast (like aerobics or jogging) being avoided. Support garments are included as part of your surgery package. After approximately a month of healing, women are free to resume normal activities gradually.

Commonly asked questions:
Is a breast lift a risky operation?
In general, it is not a particularly risky operation, but as with any surgery, it does present potential complications. Possible complications include – bleeding, infection, scarring, reaction to the anaesthetic or medications, asymmetry, uncertain cosmetic result, and pain.

The vast majority of patients are thrilled with the result. Some need to have further operations to improve the outcome, a possible requirement with any service.

It is normal to have an imbalance between sides of the body – we are all asymmetrical and imperfect before any operation, and this will be the case afterwards. A natural degree of difference between the two sides is expected however if it is pronounced then a corrective procedure might be considered.

Who is this operation suitable for?
Mastopexy (lifting) is usually sought by women who have had children and feel that their breasts have sagged too much. For these women, the aim is to lift the breast and reshape it into a more youthful position.

Is there a Medicare rebate?
For some women there may be a Medicare rebate applicable, please discuss during your consultation with Dr Topchian.

What if I have more questions?
If you would like to make an appointment for a consultation, please get in touch at 1800 745 536 or click here to book a consultation – my team and I at The Doctors Studio will be happy to help.