Why Consider a Breast Lift?
Breast lift surgery is a surgical procedure that reshapes the breast for women who wish to address issues such as sagging, loss of firmness, and asymmetry. This procedure is tailored to each individual’s body type, preferences, and desired outcomes, ensuring that the results look natural and proportionate.
Breast lift surgery can help address these concerns.
- Improve Symmetry: Breast lift can be correct breast asymmetry, where one breast is smaller or different shape to the other.
- Improve Firmness: Breast lift, especially when combined with a breast implant can reshape and lift the breast improving firmness in the upper of the breast and cleavage area.
- Improve Shape: Breast lift combined with fat transfer or breast implants can correct shape and volume concerns related to ageing, breastfeeding and weight loss.
Suitable Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery?
Suitable candidates for breast lift surgery should meet the following criteria:
- Physical Health: Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
- Emotional Well-being: Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of mastopexy surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
- Stable Weight: It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure, as weight fluctuations can affect the cosmetic results.
- Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before and after the surgery.
Before deciding on undergoing a breast lift or any cosmetic procedure, it is crucial to educate yourself and carefully consider all available options. One important aspect to contemplate is whether you plan on having more children. If you do or anticipate the possibility in the future, it is generally advisable to delay any cosmetic procedures.
Do I Need Breast Implants for Improved Shape?
While a breast lift reshapes the breast by removing excess skin and ptotic breast tissue, which inevitably results in a smaller bra cup size. So, for women who desire enhanced volume and fullness, particularly in the upper pole of the breast, they benefit from a breast lift combined with breast implants, known as augmentation mastopexy. Breast lift with implants is one of the most challenging areas of aesthetic breast surgery and requires an experienced Plastic Surgeon.
Alternatively, fat grafting in some women can provide a subtle increase in volume for patients preferring a more natural option to increase breast volume. It is an excellent option for women who are having a breast lift with an abdominoplasty or liposuction procedure where the fat harvested can be collected, purified and reinjected into the breast to add a small increase in breast by one cup size.
Do I need one or two operations for Breast Lift and Implants?
When considering a breast lift with implants—also known as augmentation mastopexy—the procedure can be performed either as a single surgery or staged over two separate surgeries spaced 6 to 12 months apart. The decision to combine or separate these procedures depends on individual patient goals, anatomical considerations, and the extent of correction required. Dr. Turner may recommend one of the following approaches:
Single-Stage Breast Lift and Implants
Suitable for patients with moderate breast ptosis with good skin quality who desire a balanced result with one surgery. This option offers the convenience of addressing both concerns in one operation and can be ideal for those seeking moderate size breast implant. However, it’s important to note:
- Potential Need for Revision: Approximately 25% of patients will benefit from additional surgery to “fine-tune” the results. If further adjustments are necessary, you’ll need to wait at least 1 year to allow the initial results to settle before planning another procedure.
- Increased Risks: Combining both procedures in one surgery may place patients at a greater risk of complications such as implant bottoming-out and overstretching of the breast tissue.
Two-Stage Breast Lift and Implants
Recommended in most cases for women who are seeking a significant lift and improvement in breast shape and cleavage. This is particularly important in women that have breastfeed or had significant weight loss, resulting in significant breast laxity, excess breast tissue and breast asymmetry.
In a two-stage approach:
- First Surgery – Breast Lift or Reduction: The initial procedure involves a breast lift (mastopexy) or breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) to reshape and elevate the breasts. This allows time for the breasts to heal, the skin to tighten, and scar tissue to form a strong foundation.
- Second Surgery – Implant Placement: After 6 to 12 months, once the breasts have settled into their new shape, breast implants are placed to achieve the desired volume and contour.
Reasons to Consider a Two-Stage Procedure:
- Enhanced Support: Breast implants add weight to the breasts, exerting pressure on the lower pole, which can lead to or worsen sagging (ptosis). Allowing the breast tissue to heal first creates a stable foundation, reducing the risk of future sagging.
- Improved Skin Quality: Time between surgeries enables the skin to strengthen and better support the implants.
- Reduced Complications: Staging the procedures minimizes the likelihood of complications associated with combining a lift and implants in one surgery.
Attempting to perform both a lift and implant placement simultaneously in patients with significant sagging or poor skin quality can increase the risk of complications and the likelihood of needing additional surgery. A two-stage approach, while requiring more time, often leads to more durable and aesthetically pleasing results.
Why Choose Dr Turner for Breast Lift in Sydney?
Selecting the right breast surgeon is one of the most crucial decisions you will make in your breast lift journey. Dr Turner will take the time to develop a customized treatment plan that reflects your specific goals, body shape, and lifestyle.
Dr. Turner offers expertise, safety, and patient care:
- Extensive Surgical Experience: Turner is a board-certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon with years of experience performing breast augmentation.
- Patient-Cantered Approach: Each patient’s needs, body type, and expectations are different. Dr. Turner’s consultations focus on understanding your goals, answering your questions, and ensuring you are well-informed about the procedure, including any potential risks.
- Accredited Hospitals: Our Sydney private hospitals are equipped with the latest surgical technology, ensuring your procedure is performed in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Focus on Safety and Excellence: We use high-quality, FDA-approved breast implants and follow strict infection control protocols. Dr. Turner stays updated on the latest advancements in cosmetic breast surgery to offer the best outcomes.
Breast Lift Surgery: What to Expect
Breast lift or mastopexy surgery is always performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it may take 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and generally you are discharged the same day.
There are several important considerations to be made during the planning of your breast lift surgery with Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Breast lift incision?
To perform a breast lift or mastopexy, incisions on the breast are required to remove excess skin, reshape the glandular tissue and reposition the nipple areolar complex. Dr Turner will recommend the most appropriate incision pattern for you to achieve your goals.
The three commonly performed incision patters for breast lift surgery are:
Circumareolar (Areolar Lift): The incision is placed only around the areolar edge, with no scar on the lower aspect of the breast or breast crease. While this type of incision is appealing, it has limited success in adequate lifting the areolar or reshaping the breast, with a high risk of poor scarring and areolar widening. It is generally limited to reshaping the areolar complex (areolar reconstruction) in breast asymmetry patients undergoing tuberous breast correction.
Circumvertical (Lollipop Lift): The incision is placed around the areolar edge and vertically down to the breast crease. This is recommended in patients with firm breast tissue and good skin elasticity who only require a small breast lift.
Inverted T (Anchor Lift): The incision is placed around the areola edge, vertically down to the breast crease and horizontally along the inframammary fold. This incision type is required in those patients with significant breast ptosis that require more significant lifting and reshaping as it allows more skin removal and control over breast shape.
The anchor lift is Dr Turner’s most commonly performed method for breast lift and breast reduction surgeries. It provides the greatest level of control over the shape and size of the breast. While scarring is more extensive in the anchor incision; this method generally produces the best mastopexy results and is necessary for patients that are having a breast implant alongside their breast lift.
Recovery after Breast Lift Surgery
Recovering from a breast lift with or without a breast implant involves several stages and requires careful attention to the post-operative instructions provided by Dr Turner to ensure the best results.
- Rest & Elevation: Rest is crucial. It is important for the first 2 weeks after your procedure to keeping your head and back elevated on a few pillows while sleeping. Most patients can sleep on their sides after 3 weeks comfortably.
- Post-Operative Dressings: The sutures for all breast incisions are self-dissolving, eliminating the need for suture removal. Specialised dressings will be applied to support the wound during the first week, this will be changed by Dr Turner at your follow up appointment.
- Cold Compresses: Bruising, swelling and discomfort in your breast region is expected, especially with breast lift with implants. The use of cold compress to your cleavage area in the first few days is a simple and effective measure to assist your healing.
- Compression Garments: You will be provided a surgical compression bra to wear full time for the first month post-surgery. This assists with settling of the breast shape and assists with postoperative breast discomfort. After this time, Dr Turner recommends sleeping in the surgical garment at night for 6 months and wearing a supportive sports bra during the day.
- Incision Care: Scar management is an important part of any plastic surgery procedure. Scars on breast naturally will mature over 3 years before they look their best. During this time, we recommend a protocol of scar management, which includes silicone scar therapy and laser treatments.
- Medications: The anaesthetist will provide you with antibiotics and prescription pain medication that you can take at home over the first week.
- Normal Activities & Exercise: Most women can gradually return to normal activities over the first 2 weeks. However, more high intensity exercise needs to be avoided in the first 6 weeks, with strong upper body / chest exercise should be avoided for 3 months.
- Follow Up Appointments: Dr Turner recommends frequent follow up during the first 1 year after breast lift surgery. It is highly advisable that these reviews are in person at our Sydney clinic at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.
Risks and Complications of Breast Lift Surgery
As with any surgery, it is important that you are fully informed of the potential risks associated with breast lift surgery. While all care is taken to minimize these complications, they may and do occur despite the best medical care.
It is important that you carefully read and understand the potential risks and they will be discussed in further detail when you have your consultation with Dr Turner.
- Scarring: Visible scarring is common, though it typically fades over time. In some cases, scars may remain more prominent or raised (hypertrophic scars or keloids).
- Infection: Infections can occur at the incision sites or around a breast implant, which may require antibiotic treatment or, in rare cases, additional surgery.
- Sensation: Some patients may experience a loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts. This may be temporary or permanent.
- Asymmetry: Breast size, shape, or nipple position may differ slightly after surgery. Revision surgery may be required to correct significant asymmetry.
- Delayed Wound Healing: Delayed wound healing can happen, especially along incision lines. This is more likely in smokers (vaping) or individuals with certain health conditions (e.g., diabetes).
- Breastfeeding Issues: In some cases, the ability to breastfeed may be affected, especially if significant tissue is removed. Some people can breastfeed after the surgery, but it’s not guaranteed.
- Nipple Necrosis: Rarely, the blood supply to the nipple can be affected, leading to necrosis (tissue death).
- Blood Clots: There is a risk of blood clots, particularly in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), after surgery.
- Bleeding or Hematoma: Some patients may experience excessive bleeding during or after surgery, leading to the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin). In rare cases, this may require additional surgery.
- Fat Necrosis: In rare instances, fat tissue in the breast may die and form firm lumps.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, distorting the breast shape. Additional surgery may be required to address this complication.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Implants can rupture or leak over time, which may necessitate removal or replacement of the implant.
- Seroma: Seroma is a collection of fluid that forms around the implant, causing swelling, pain, and discomfort.
- Anaesthesia Risks: General anaesthesia carries its own set of potential risks, such as adverse reactions or complications.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Despite the best efforts of the surgeon, breast reduction surgery may not result in the patient’s desired outcome.
What is the Cost of Breast Lift in Sydney?
The costs associated with Breast Lift Surgery in Sydney can vary depending on many factors, such as the complexity of the procedure and time required in the operating theatre. Your total cost will include surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, breast implants, hospital fees and surgical aftercare & support.
Dr Turner Breast Lift Prices
Breast Lift
- Insured: $8,500
- Cosmetic: $13,000
Breast Lift and Implants
- One Stage: $20,000
- Two Stage: $19,500-$24,000
Price is inclusive of plastic surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees, breast implant, garments, hospital fees and all postoperative follow up visits with Dr Turner for 1 year.
