Breast Lift / Reduction
Why do my breasts sag?
Sagging breasts are a real concern for many women. Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as pregnancy and nursing can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness.
How can I firm up my breasts?
A breast lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to lift and reshape the sagging breasts. Mastopexy may also involve repositioning the areola and nipple.
Women who have small breasts or those that have lost a significant amount of breast volume after pregnancy may also get breast implants at the same time of their breast lift.
How are breast lifts performed? What are the steps involved?
Breast lifts are usually performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure generally takes 1 and a half to 2 and a half hours to perform. Your surgeon will make an appropriate incision that follows the natural contour of the breast. Next, excess skin is removed, and your nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. After completion of the procedure, dissolvable stitches are placed around the areola and nipple area, in a vertical line beneath the nipple and maybe along the lower crease of the breast as well.
Another technique especially for those with small breasts and minimal sagging is the doughnut or concentric mastopexy, where circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin or areola is removed.
What can I expect after breast lift surgery?
Following the surgery your breast will be slightly bruised and swollen. An elastic bandage or surgical bra will be wrapped around your breasts over dressings. These will be removed within few days and replaced with a support bra.
You may expect loss of sensation around your nipple and areola areas. This is usually temporary and may take six weeks or more to return to normal.
What is breast reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is designed for women with very large breasts causing them medical or psychological problems. This procedure removes breast tissue and skin from the breasts, making them smaller and firmer.