Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that aims to modify the shape and position of the breasts. This procedure involves removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue.
Why might you consider a breast lift?
Individuals considering a breast lift may have concerns about changes in breast shape over time. Some factors that may lead to considering this procedure include:
If you’re considering this procedure, it’s important that you are:
What’s the first step if you’re considering a breast lift?
Step 1 is a consultation with an experienced Specialist plastic surgeon, such as Dr Drew Cronin.
Our Specialist Plastic surgeons will take the time to listen to your concerns and goals and explain the potential benefits and risks of a breast lift so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
How is a breast lift performed?
Your Specialist Plastic surgeon performs the breast lift while you’re under a general anaesthetic. The approach taken depends on your goals and the degree of breast change.
Common surgical techniques include:
A mastopexy does not change the overall volume of the breasts – for that, you need breast augmentation, fat grafting or breast reduction surgery.
What are the expected outcomes?
A breast lift aims to adjust the position and shape of the breasts. The exact result varies from one person to another depending on individual factors such as skin elasticity, healing response and anatomy.
As with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks, including:
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Before and After Gallery
Individual results will vary from patient to patient and according to factors including genetics, age, diet, exercise. All invasive surgery carries risk and requires a recovery period and care regime. Be sure you do your research and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before proceeding. Any details are general in nature and are not intended to be medical advice or constitute a doctor-patient relationship.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery following a breast lift varies between individuals – your surgeon will provide detailed, personalised guidance tailored to your needs.
General post-procedure guidelines include:
Pain management
Some discomfort and swelling can be expected in the first few days, which may be managed with appropriate pain relief.
Support garments
A surgical support bra is recommended during the healing period.
Activity restrictions
Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided until your surgeon advises otherwise.
Healing process
Initial recovery may take a few weeks, and final results may take longer to become apparent as swelling subsides and skin relaxes.
At The Coastal Clinic, our care for you continues after your operation is over.
We ensure you are well informed and supported during your recovery and are here to help you if any complications arise.
Next steps
If you’re considering a breast lift, please request a consultation. We can discuss your goals, examine you and assess your suitability for the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Informed financial consent is an important part of your treatment. After your consultation, we will provide a detailed quote covering:
- Dr Cronin’s surgical fees
- Hospital fees (estimate only)
- Devices and implants
- Two surgical garments
- All post-operative appointments with our Nurse
- All post-operative follow-up appointments with Dr Cronin.
We will also provide you with contact details for the anaesthetist who will provide you with a separate quote for their role in your surgery.
Sometimes. To qualify for the Medicare rebate you must have a referral from your GP and you must meet the criteria. If you are eligible, Medicare will cover some of your surgical fees but you will still incur some out-of-pocket expenses. Dr Cronin will discuss this during your consultation.
Both are breast surgeries, but they’re done for different reasons. Typically a mastopexy is performed to lift your breasts higher on your chest. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size and volume of the breasts. It involves the use of breast implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and projection.
The recovery period for a breast lift can vary from person to person, depending on several factors such as the individual’s healing ability and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
As with all surgical procedures, it is normal to have scars after a mastopexy where the incisions are made to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. The surgical technique applied by Dr Drew Cronin is a Wise pattern. A Wise pattern technique involves an incision around the areola, a vertical incision extending from the areola to the breast crease, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease.
At The Coastal Clinic, all surgical patients are offered a surgical treatment plan.
Yes. During a breast lift, Dr Cronin will reposition the nipples and areolas to a more elevated position on the breasts.
A breast lift focuses on reshaping and lifting the breasts. It does not aim to increase or decrease breast size. Sometimes, though, it can make the breasts appear slightly smaller due to the removal of excess skin.
Good preparation involves both health aspects and personal organisation.
On the health side, it is important to:
- Be at your goal weight – and have maintained a stable weight for at least 3 months
- Stop smoking or vaping at least 6 weeks before and after your surgery – continuing these habits can significantly affect your post-operative recovery and compromise your surgical outcome.
- Stop certain medications if advised by Dr Cronin.
In regards to organising your surgery, you will need to:
- Ensure you have obtained a referral from your GP and emailed it to admin@thecoastalclinic.com.au if you intend to claim a Medicare rebate. Arrange 1-2 weeks off work following your surgery.
- Ensure you have good support at home so that you can rest and recover – this is especially important if you have children.
- Arrange someone to drive you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours after surgery – a requirement after a general anaesthetic.
While a breast lift can create a lifted appearance, it cannot halt the natural ageing process or prevent the ongoing effects on your breasts of factors like ageing, weight changes, gravity, genetics or pregnancy.
While a breast lift can impact breastfeeding, many women are still able to breastfeed successfully after the procedure. Open communication with your surgeon about your future breastfeeding plans is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome.