Breast Lift FAQs – Questions about Breast Lift

Dr Scott Turner - FRACS (Plas)

Breast Lift Surgery can help lift and reposition drooping breasts. Dr Scott Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney NSW. Here are his answers to the Breast Lift FAQs – the common questions breast lift patients ask.

Breast Lift FAQs – General Questions about Breast Lift

How do I know if I need a breast lift?

Do I need a breast lift?

  • If your sagging breasts are causing physical or emotional discomfort, you might want to consider having a breast lift. You may be eligible for a Medicare subsidy and Private Health Fund contribution if you meet the strict criteria and have the right level of insurance coverage.

Why do people get a breast lift?

  • The breast lift procedure is popular because it can help you achieve youthful-looking contoured breasts, repositioning breasts higher on the chest wall and reinflating breasts. 

What is the difference between a breast lift surgery and having breast implants?

  • A breast lift involves surgery to lift and reposition breast tissue in order to achieve the desired appearance without increasing the breast size or volume. Breast augmentation with implants involves adding implants inside the breast to shape and add volume to the breasts.

Can you get a breast lift with implants?

  • Yes, many patients choose to have breast implants in addition to breast lifts. This makes their breasts bigger and younger-looking at the same time – particularly the upper breast.

Can you get a breast lift without getting implants?

  • Yes, this is recommended if you only want to address the sagging breast skin.

Can you get a breast lift without scars?

  • A breast lift surgery requires incisions so scars will develop. However, these scars fade with time and will be placed in less noticeable locations. A Lollipop LIft or Lejour Pattern Incision has smaller scars than an Anchor Pattern Incision.

Does a breast lift cost more than breast implant surgery?

  • Breast lifts are usually more expensive than just having breast implant surgery.

Does a breast lift reduce the size?

  • Only minimally – Dr Turner will remove the skin to make the breast envelope a better shape. For a breast size or weight reduction you may prefer a breast reduction surgery.

Does a breast lift make your breasts smaller?

  • A breast lift is more about repositioning than size reduction – It can make your breast look a bit smaller since it can involve removing a small amount of excess fat, skin and tissues. Your breast will still be about the same volume but in a different shape (A Breast Reduction Surgery reduces Volume and Weight)

Does a breast lift reduce your cup size?

  • Yes, it can reduce your cup size minimally as it removes excess fat, skin, and tissues.

Do you need a breast lift with implants?

  • If you want to increase the size of your breasts while making them look younger and perkier, you might want to consider having an implant. This is usually for upper pole fullness.

Questions about Qualifying & Suitability for Breast Lift

 Here are some questions to find out if you are suitable for a Breast Lift

Can I get a breastlift if I am overweight?

  • It is best if you undergo breast lift surgery when you are near your ideal weight. This is because weight changes after surgery can alter the appearance of your breasts – giving you extra sagging skin.

What is the Ideal BMI for breast lift?

  • It is recommended to have a BMI of 30 or below.

Do I need to lose weight before a breast Lift?

  • You should be near or within stable weight before the procedure.

Can you get a breast lift while pregnant?

  • No, it is not recommended to undergo a breast lift surgery while pregnant because there are significant breast changes during this time.

How old should I be for breast Lift surgery?

  • You should be at least 18 years old

Can a breast lift help with back pain?

  • A Breast Lift does not usually reduce breast weight, it is not guaranteed to help with back pain. However, elevating your breasts could help reduce pain. Back pain and shoulder pain can be eased by Breast Reduction Surgery which reduces the weight of heavy breasts.

Can I get a breast lift with existing implants?

  • Yes, performing breast lifts over existing implants can usually be done without causing damage to the implant. If the implants are over 10 years old you may wish to replace them.

Can you have a second breast lift surgery?

  • Yes, you will need a touch-up procedure after several years.

Do I need a breast lift or a reduction?

  • You can have breast reduction during breast lift because it involves removing the excess tissues of your breasts. The type of procedure you will need will be determined by your surgeon during your consultation.

Is a breast lift included in a breast reduction?

How long after breastfeeding can I get a breast lift?

  • In most cases, it is recommended to wait 3-6 months after breastfeeding before undergoing breast surgery.

Should I get a breast lift before or after pregnancy?

  • The ideal time to get a breast lift surgery is after having enough children. It is also best if you don’t plan on having future pregnancies after the surgery. The reason for this is that pregnancy causes significant changes in your breasts’ appearance.

Breast Lift FAQs about funding your surgery

Is breast lift surgery covered by insurance?

  • Most health insurance companies usually don’t cover breast lifts unless they are part of breast reconstruction.

Who qualifies for Breast Lift with Medicare?

Breast Lift FAQs about Types of Breast Lift

What is a Benelli breast lift?

  • This breast lift technique involves incisions around the outside of the areola. With this technique, the incision lines won’t be visible in swimwear.

What is a lollipop lift?

  • This type of breast lift requires incisions around the areola and a vertical incision from the areola to the middle of the breast crease.

What is a natural breast lift?

  • Natural breast lifts can be done by performing chest exercises. By toning up your pectoral muscles (chest muscles), you can give your breasts a natural lift.

How long is surgery for a breast lift?

  • It usually takes 3 hours under general anesthesia.

Breast Lift Recovery Questions

See our pages and articles on Recovery after Surgery for more information

How long is recovery after a breast lift?

  • You should be off work for a week or 2 . It commonly takes 6-12 weeks for the breasts to fully recover and achieve the final results. Learn more about Recovery after Breast Lift Surgery.

How long does swelling last after a breast lift?

  • Most of the swelling will subside after 7-10 days.

How tight should a sports bra be after a breast lift?

  • Post-surgery bras should be snug but not too tight. This is important to provide support while preventing too much pressure on the breasts.

When can you sleep on your side after a breast lift?

  • Most patients need to wait at least a couple of weeks before sleeping on their side.

How long for breast lift incisions to heal?

  • In most cases, the incision sites will heal after 2 weeks.

How do I sleep after breast lift surgery?

  • Surgeons advise sleeping on your back to prevent excessive pressure on the breasts.

How long after a breast lift can I take a bath?

  • You can start taking a bath after the incisions have healed. This usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

How long after a breast lift can you exercise?

How long after a breast lift can I wear an underwire bra?

  • You should avoid wearing underwire bras for 6 weeks.

Why is my stomach so bloated after a breast lift?

  • Prescribed pain medications can cause decreased intestinal function or constipation that may result in bloating. Drinking more fluids and taking probiotics may help.

When can I run after a breast lift?

  • Most surgeons would recommend waiting 4-6 weeks after a breast lift before engaging in any strenuous exercise like running. Gentle movement and exercise helps healing.

When can I swim after a breast lift?

  • Patients should only engage in swimming 2 months after the surgery.

How long after a breast lift can I have sex?

  • You can resume sexual intercourse after two weeks.

When can you lift weights after a breast lift?

  • You should avoid heavy lifting for the first 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.

How long do I wear a sports bra after a breast lift?

  • You will need to wear a sports bra with no underwire for 6 weeks, or until your surgeon says so.

What bra should I wear after a breast lift?

  • During the recovery period, the best choice is to wear a sports bra. You may also wear normal bras (not under-wired) but make sure that they are snug fit and not too tight.

Longer Term Breast Lift FAQs

 Are breast lifts permanent?

  • Due to ageing, the results of breast lift might not be permanent. However, they are long-lasting.

How long do breast lifts last?

  • Most patients experience long-lasting results. However, minor revisions might be needed after several years.

Can I go without a bra after a breast lift?

  • No, you must take off your bra only when you are taking a shower. Your new breasts need support.

Do breasts sag after a breast lift?

  • Yes, various factors such as aging can still cause significant changes in the appearance of your breasts even after the treatment. This is the reason why you will need another breast lift in the future.

Breast Lift Risks and Concerns Questions

Does breast lift affect breastfeeding?

  • The ability to breastfeed is not usualy affected by a breast lift. Any woman who was able to breastfeed before the surgery is expected to still be able to do it even after the procedure. As the milk ducts are near the surgical site, be sure to choose an experienced plastic surgeon.

Is breast lift safe?

Is breast lift safer than implants?

  • Yes, a breast lift is safer than breast implants because the procedure does not make use of foreign objects like implants.

Will pregnancy ruin a breast lift?

  • There is a high chance that pregnancy will cause significant changes in the results of your breast lift and a further skin reduction (lipectomy) may be necessary

Do breast lifts leave scars?

  • A breast lift will leave scars. However, there are various ways to reduce the appearance of the scars like creating the incisions in the natural folds of your skin.

Do breast lift scars go away?

  • The scar should lighten and flatten after several months or years. There are many things that can be done to minimise breast lift scars.

How do I reduce breast lift scars?

  • Here are some techniques to minimise and reduce scars after a breast lift:
    • Avoid exercise until the breasts have fully healed
    • Avoid exposing the scar to direct sunlight
    • Avoid hot showers
    • Drink plenty of water
    • Eat healthily
    • Gently massage the area once fully healed
    • Keep the wound dry
    • Monitor yourself to make sure your scar is healing as expected
    • Stop smoking
    • Take care of your wound
    • Use prescribed post-op scar treatments – silicon tapes, gels or creams
    • Wear a support bra

Do nipples still get hard after a breast lift?

  • Changes in nipple sensation can happen after a breast lift.

Do I get feeling back in my nipples after a breast lift?

  • In most cases, changes in nipple sensations are only temporary and will improve within 2 months.

Can you feel your nipples after a breast lift?

  • Nipple sensitivity is normally reduced after a breast lift. This will only be temporary and you will regain your nipple’s natural sensation over time.

What does a hematoma look like after breast lift?

  • Hematoma after a breast lift is characterized by significant bruising and progressive pain. Typically caused by internal bleeding. It may require drainage or re-operation if significant.

Do you lose sensation in your nipples after a breast lift?

  • Patients commonly experience numbness, decreased sensation, and increased sensitivity in their nipple area after the treatment. Total loss of nipple sensation is very rare.

Breast Lift FAQs about Funding and Payment

Does Medicare cover a Breast Lift?

  • Breast lifts may be covered by Australian Medicare and Private Health if you meet the strict medicare criteria for medical necessity and have the right level of cover. You will need to qualifiy for MBS Item Number 45558 Breast Lift Mastopexy – Bilateral  (both breasts) or MBS Item Number 45556 Breast Lift Mastopexy – Unilateral  (one breast only)

Will my health insurance cover breast lift?

  • Since breast lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, most health insurances won’t cover it unless you meet the strict medicare criteria (Above). 

Can a breast lift be covered by Medicare?

  • No, the procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is not medically necessary.

When is a breast lift medically necessary?

  • A breast lift is medically necessary if your breasts cause you pain, discomfort, or disability. If you want to be eligible for Medicare rebate and Health Insurance – you must meet the strict Medicare criteria.

Breast Lift & Celebrities

 

Who are the Celebrities who are believed to have had a Breast Lift?

  • Amber Rose
  • Ariel Winter
  • Kelly Dodd
  • Marie Osmond
  • Patricia Heaton
  • Patti Stanger
  • Queen Latifah
  • Rose Ann Barr
  • Soleil Moon Frye
  • Star Jones
  • Stassi Schroeder

Next Steps

Always Do Your Research

  • Enquire to find out more about your surgery
  • Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure

Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?

  • A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations)
  • Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
  • Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral

Making The Most Of Your Consultation

  • Please arrive slightly early for your in-person consultation
  • You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options
  • Please be aware you may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothes
  • Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

How to Book Your Consultation

  • You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment

BOOK A PHONE CALL FOR MORE INFO

  • To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly- Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2

Contact us or call on  1300 437 758  to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.

Email us for more information:  enquiries@drturner.com.au