Breast lift surgery is an aesthetic surgical intervention that allows sagging breasts to regain a youthful and shaped appearance due to age, pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. This surgery helps women feel better both physically and psychologically.
What is Breast Lift and Who is it Suitable for?
Breast lift is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to restore sagging or volume loss breasts to a more youthful, shaped and fuller appearance. This procedure is especially ideal for women who want to restore their breasts to their former shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing or major weight changes. A breast lift involves not only lifting the breast, but also removing excess skin and tissue to restore the natural shape of the breast.
This surgical procedure allows women to feel better both physically and psychologically. Breast lift can correct sagging as well as deformities such as asymmetry.
Who is it suitable for?
- Women who experience sagging after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- People experiencing volume loss as a result of weight loss
- Women whose breasts change shape as a result of ageing
- Those with asymmetrical breast structure
- Women who want a younger look
If you are experiencing one of these situations, breast lift surgery may be suitable for you. A good plastic surgeon will determine the best solution to suit your individual needs.
How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Breast lift surgery is a surgical procedure that usually takes 1-3 hours and can be performed under local or general anaesthesia. The surgeon uses different techniques depending on the severity of sagging and the current condition of the breast. The basic steps of the surgery are as follows:
- Placement of the incision: The surgeon makes incisions around the nipple, underneath it and sometimes in the armpit area. These incisions usually leave scars after healing, but a good surgeon uses techniques to minimise scars.
- Reshaping of Breast Tissue: The excess skin of the breast is removed and the breast tissue is pulled upwards, resulting in a more youthful and erect form.
- Repositioning the nipple: The nipple is repositioned according to the lifted breast. Thus, the nipple is in a natural position.
- Closure and tightening of scars: At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed and the healing process begins.
After the operation, some patients may feel mild pain and swelling. However, this usually resolves within 1-2 weeks. The healing process after breast lift may vary for each individual, but most patients can return to their daily activities within 1 week.
Is There Loss of Sensation After Breast Lift Surgery?
After breast lift surgery, most women may experience temporary loss of sensation. Especially in the areas around the nipple, loss of sensation may occur for the first few weeks due to the effect of anaesthesia. However, this loss is usually temporary and improves over time.
Severe loss of sensation is very rare. This may vary depending on the surgeon's techniques and the individual healing process. A good surgeon will perform the procedure with minimal impact on the nerves and reduce the chance of loss of sensation.
However, some patients may experience minimal loss of sensation, while others may experience a complete return of lost sensation. If you are concerned about loss of sensation, you can determine the best approach by discussing this with your surgeon in advance.
What are Breast Lift Prices?
Prices may vary depending on the surgeon's experience, hospital and clinic conditions, type of anaesthesia used and additional services.
Another important factor determining the price range is the degree of sagging in the breast and the surgical technique to be selected accordingly. If breast augmentation (implant placement) is added to the breast lift procedure, prices may be higher.
It is important to determine the exact procedure you need by making a preliminary interview to find out the price of the operation. It will also be useful to clarify your budget by making financial planning before plastic surgery.
Recovery Process and Care Recommendations After Breast Lift
The recovery process after breast lift surgery may be different for each patient, but in general, the following stages are followed:
- First 24 hours: You will be kept under observation in the hospital for a few hours after the operation. There may be swelling and bruising in the first 24 hours.
- First Week In the first week, you should avoid putting pressure on your breasts. It is important to wear the supportive bra or corset recommended by your surgeon.
- Week 2 Swelling begins to decrease, but you should remember that the healing process continues. You can take light walks.
- Third Week and After: You can start to return to your normal activities within a few weeks after surgery, but you should avoid heavy exercise.
During the healing process, your surgeon will give you care instructions and tell you how to care for the wound. To avoid the risk of infection, you should move in sterile areas and do not neglect your regular check-ups.
Differences Between Breast Lift and Breast Aesthetics
Breast aesthetics generally includes surgical procedures that aim to change the shape and size of the breast. Breast lift only aims to recover sagging breasts and give them a more aesthetic form. On the other hand, breast augmentation or reduction procedures also fall under the category of breast aesthetics.
Breast lift and breast augmentation can often be combined. In this case, patients can achieve a more youthful appearance by removing volume loss and recovering sagging tissue.
How Prominent Are Scars After Breast Lift?
As with any surgical procedure, scars may remain after breast lift surgery. However, scars may differ according to the techniques used by the surgeon and the incision sites.
It usually follows:
- Around the areola (around the nipple)
- In the plan under the breast
- It can extend vertically upwards under the breast.
The scars are expected to fade and become less prominent over time. Many patients appreciate the aesthetic results and are satisfied with the procedure despite these scars. In addition, some surgeons may use special techniques to make the scars less prominent.
Is it possible to breastfeed after breast lift surgery?
Many women can continue breastfeeding after a breast lift. During surgery, the milk ducts, which are necessary for milk production, are minimally damaged. However, every woman's anatomy is different and it is important to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon.
If you plan to breastfeed in the future, you should speak openly with your surgeon about this so that your breast lift is performed in a way that does not interfere with breastfeeding.
