Your Mastopexy Questions Answered by Dr Jake Lim
If you’re considering a breast lift (mastopexy), you probably have many questions about the procedure, recovery, and results.
Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jake Lim has many years of experience performing breast lift- mastopexy surgery, as well as other breast procedures. Dr Lim will address some of the most frequently asked questions about breast lift – mastpexy to help you better understand the procedure and its implications.
Download Dr Lim’s Mastopexy – Breast Lift Surgery Guide
Breast Lift Guide
FAQs about Candidacy for Breast Lift Surgery
Who is a good candidate for a breast lift?
- A good candidate for a breast lift (mastopexy) is a woman who has breast ptosis caused by ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or genetics. You should be in good overall health, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations about the results. It’s important to note that a breast lift – mastopexy does not significantly change the size of your breasts. If you desire larger or smaller breasts, you may consider combining a breast lift with augmentation or reduction surgery.
Can I combine a breast lift – mastopexy with other procedures?
- Yes, you can combine a breast lift with other cosmetic procedures. Some women choose to have a breast lift along with breast augmentation (augmentation mastopexy) to increase breast volume. You can also combine a breast lift (mastopexy) with other body procedures, such as a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty or liposuction. During your consultation, you will discuss your goals with Dr Jake Lim and determine the best combination of procedures for you.
Is there an age limit for getting a breast lift – mastopexy?
- There is no specific age limit for getting a breast lift – mastopexy. However, it’s generally recommended to wait until your breasts have fully developed and you have completed childbearing. This is because pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the size and shape of your breasts, potentially compromising the results of your breast lift. If you are planning to have children in the future, it may be best to postpone your breast lift (mastopexy) until after you have completed your family.
Can I get a breast lift (mastopexy) if I have large breasts?
- Yes, you can get a breast lift (mastopexy) if you have large breasts. In fact, many women with large breasts experience more significant sagging due to the weight of their breasts. In these cases, a breast lift – mastopexy can be combined with a breast reduction to not only lift the breasts but also reduce their size, alleviating physical discomfort and improving overall proportions.
FAQs about Pre-operative Preparation
What should I do to prepare for my breast lift (mastopexy) surgery?
To ensure an optimal outcome and a smooth recovery, there are several steps you can take to prepare for your breast lift (mastopexy) surgery:
- Stop smoking at least 8 weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Avoid taking certain medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase bleeding risk. Your surgeon will provide you with a list of medications to avoid.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Prepare your recovery area at home with comfortable pillows, loose clothing, and any necessary supplies.
- Fill your prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics before surgery.
- Follow any specific pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include fasting guidelines and washing with an antimicrobial soap.
What tests or screenings are required before a breast lift – mastopexy?
Before your breast lift surgery, you will need to undergo certain tests and screenings to ensure your safety and eligibility for the procedure. These may include:
- Blood tests to assess your general health and rule out any underlying conditions that could affect surgery or healing.
- Mammogram or breast ultrasound to evaluate your breast tissue and rule out any suspicious lesions, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess your heart health, particularly if you have a history of heart problems or are over a certain age.
- Physical examination and review of your medical history to determine your overall fitness for surgery.
How should I adjust my diet and lifestyle before a breast lift?
In the weeks leading up to your breast lift surgery, you should make certain lifestyle adjustments to optimise your health and promote better healing. These may include:
- Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide your body with the nutrients needed for healing.
- Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate your body and affect healing.
- Engaging in regular exercise to maintain your fitness level and promote good circulation, but avoiding strenuous upper body activities in the days immediately before surgery.
- Getting enough sleep and managing stress levels to ensure your body is well-rested and prepared for surgery.
- Avoiding smoking and nicotine products, as they can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
FAQs about the Breast Lift – Mastopexy Procedure
What techniques are used for breast lift (mastopexy) surgery?
There are several techniques used for breast lift (mastopexy) surgery, depending on the extent of sagging and the desired outcome. The most common techniques include:
- Crescent lift: Recommended for minimal sagging, involves a small incision along the upper half of the areola.
- Peri-areolar lift (donut lift): Suitable for mild sagging, involves a circular incision around the areola.
- Vertical lift (lollipop lift): Recommended for moderate sagging, involves an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.
- Inverted T lift (anchor lift): Used for severe sagging, involves an incision around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease.
How long does the breast lift – mastopexy procedure take?
- The length of a breast lift procedure depends on the extent of sagging and the technique used. On average, a breast lift surgery takes about 3 hours. However, if you are combining your breast lift with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or reduction, the surgery time will be longer. Dr Lim will provide you with a more accurate estimate of the surgery duration during your consultation.
Is breast lift – mastopexy surgery painful?
- During the breast lift (mastopexy) procedure, you will be under general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. After the surgery, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which is normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. In most cases, the pain is tolerable and subsides within a few days. Dr Lim and his team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to reduce discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.
Can a breast lift (mastopexy) be performed without implants?
- Yes, a breast lift (mastopexy) can be performed without implants. The primary goal of a breast lift is to raise and reshape sagging breasts, not to increase their size. If you are satisfied with your current breast volume and simply wish to address breast ptosis, a standalone breast lift can effectively restore a more uplifted breast shape. However, if you desire both lifting and an increase in breast size, a combination of breast lift (mastopexy) and augmentation with implants may be recommended.
FAQs about Recovery and Aftercare
What can I expect during the recovery period?
- After your breast lift – mastopexy surgery, you will need to wear a supportive surgical bra to reduce swelling and support your breasts as they heal. You will experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which will gradually subside over the first few weeks. It’s important to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities during this time. Most patients can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the nature of their job. Dr Lim and his team will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can resume normal activities.
How long does it take to recover from a breast lift (mastopexy)?
- The recovery time for a breast lift (mastopexy) varies from patient to patient, but most women can return to their normal daily routines within 2 to 4 weeks. However, it’s important to note that complete healing and settling of the breasts can take several months. You should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Dr Lim will closely monitor your progress during follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing properly.
Will I need to take time off work after my breast lift (mastopexy)?
- Yes, you will need to take some time off work to allow your body to heal properly after your breast lift – mastopexy surgery. The amount of time you will need to take off will depend on the nature of your job and the physical demands it entails. Most patients require approximately 1 to 2 weeks off work, especially if their job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activities. If your work is more sedentary, you may be able to return sooner. It’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard during the recovery process. Dr Lim will provide you with specific guidelines on when you can safely return to work based on your individual circumstances and the progress of your healing.
What aftercare instructions should I follow?
To ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results, you should follow the aftercare instructions provided by Dr Jake Lim and his team. These may include:
- Wearing a supportive surgical bra as directed
- Keeping your incisions clean and dry
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated
- Avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting
- Attending all follow-up appointments
- Contacting your surgeon if you experience any unusual symptoms or concerns
When can I resume exercising after a breast lift – mastopexy?
- It’s important to give your body sufficient time to heal after a breast lift before resuming exercise. Most patients can begin light, low-impact exercises, such as walking, about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous activities, particularly those that involve the upper body, for at least 4 to 6 weeks. High-impact exercises, such as running or jumping, should be avoided for at least 8 weeks.
FAQs about Results and Longevity
How long will I need to wait before I can see the final outcome of my breast lift – mastopexy?
- While you will see an immediate change in your breast shape and position after surgery, it’s important to be patient as your breasts settle into their new form. Swelling and some degree of asymmetry are normal in the first few weeks. Most patients can appreciate the final results of their breast lift around 3 to 6 months after surgery, once the swelling has fully subsided and the breasts have adapted to their new contours.
Will my breast lift – mastopexy results be permanent?
- A breast lift (mastopexy) can provide long-lasting results, but you should have realistic expectations. While the surgery can significantly change breast shape and position, it cannot stop the natural ageing process or the effects of gravity. Over time, your breasts will continue to change gradually, especially if you experience significant weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, or pregnancy. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras can help prolong the results of your breast lift.
How visible will the scars be after a breast lift?
- Scarring is a part of any surgical procedure, including a breast lift – mastopexy. However, Dr Jake Lim will try to place the incisions in less visible areas and use specific techniques to reduce scarring. Scars can fade over time, becoming less noticeable. Make sure to follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions for scar care, which may include using silicone sheets or gels and protecting the scars from sun exposure. Keep in mind that individual factors such as skin type and healing capacity can also influence the appearance of scars.
Further Reading about Breast Lift- Mastopexy with Dr Jake Lim
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Breast Lift Techniques – Which One Is Right for You
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Breast Lift and Tuberous Breasts
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Can a Breast Lift – Mastopexy Improve Nipple Position?
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Potential Breast lift Complications
- Read Dr Jake Lim’s Blog about Will Medicare Cover Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
