Breast Lift

What is Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

Breast lift surgery is a surgical procedure performed to give sagging breasts a more upright, firm and aesthetic appearance.
Aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding and excessive weight loss can cause sagging breasts.
Breast lift surgery shapes the breast tissue, removes excess skin and moves the nipple to a higher position.
In this way, the breasts gain a younger and more vibrant appearance.

Breast lift surgery can also be performed to correct the asymmetrical appearance of the breasts.
It can also be combined with breast augmentation or breast reduction surgeries if necessary.

Who is Breast Lift Surgery Suitable for?

Breast lift surgery is suitable for women who are uncomfortable with sagging breasts and want their breasts to have a more lifted and shaped appearance.
Sagging is usually caused by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes or genetic factors.
Breast lift surgery is an ideal solution for the following situations:

• Breast sagging The downward sagging of the breasts as the skin loses its elasticity.
• Lower positioning of the nipple: If the nipple has fallen below the inframammary line, breast lift surgery is required.
• Asymmetrical breasts: One breast has a different shape and size than the other.
• Reduced breast volume: Reduction in breast volume and sagging may occur after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.

The most suitable candidates for breast lift surgery are women in good general health, non-smokers and women with realistic expectations.
Before the surgery, the current condition of the breasts and the aesthetic expectations of the person should be evaluated in detail.

Before Breast Lift Surgery

A comprehensive interview with your surgeon before breast lift surgery is very important for the surgery to be successful and smooth.
In this meeting, you should clearly express your aesthetic expectations and complaints to your surgeon.
Your surgeon will also inform you about how the surgery will be performed, the healing process and possible risks.

Some important points to be considered before surgery are as follows:

• Health assessment: Your surgeon will assess your general health and examine the breast tissue.
  He or she may also ask for the results of a previous mammogram or ultrasound.
• Surgery planning: The surgeon plans the surgery by assessing the current size of your breasts and the degree of sagging.
  In addition, the new position of the nipple and the amount of skin to be removed are determined.
• Preoperative preparations: If you smoke, you must quit at least two weeks before surgery.
  It is also important to inform your surgeon if you are taking blood thinners.
  These medications can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.

How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?

Breast lift surgery is a surgical procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes 2 to 3 hours.
The duration of the operation may vary depending on the degree of sagging of the breasts and additional procedures to be performed during the surgery (e.g. breast augmentation or reduction).
The main stages of the surgery are as follows:

1. Making the incisions: The surgeon makes incisions to shape the breast and remove excess skin.
   The most commonly used incision techniques are:

   • Circumferential incision: A circular incision is made around the nipple.
   • Lollipop incision: A straight incision is made from the nipple downwards and does not extend into the inframammary fold.
   • Inverted “T” or anchor-shaped incision: An incision is made downward around the nipple and extending to the inframammary fold.
     This technique is preferred for larger breasts.

2. Repositioning of the nipple: The nipple is moved to a higher position and adjusted to accommodate the new shape of the breast.
   The aesthetic appearance of the nipple and areola (the dark area around the nipple) is preserved and placed in a natural position.

3. Removal of excess skin and tissue: The breast tissue is shaped and excess skin is removed.
   The amount of skin to be removed is determined depending on the degree of breast sagging.
   The surgeon ensures that the breasts gain a symmetrical and balanced appearance.

4. Closure of the incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures and the breast is reshaped.
   Since the sutures are hidden under the skin, postoperative scars become less obvious over time.
   After surgery, the breasts are bandaged and a surgical bra is worn.

Postoperative Recovery Process

The recovery process after breast lift surgery may vary from person to person.
Generally, patients can return to light daily activities after a few days of rest.
However, full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks.
Some points to be considered after surgery are as follows:

• Pain and swelling: Mild pain and swelling may be felt for the first few days after surgery.
  This is normal and your surgeon may prescribe medication to relieve the pain.
• Surgical bra You will need to wear a surgical bra during the healing process.
  This bra helps to maintain the shape of the breasts and speed up healing.
• Physical activities: Heavy lifting and intense physical activities should be avoided in the first weeks after surgery.
  It is important to avoid movements that strain the arms and chest area.
• Doctor check-ups: Regular medical check-ups during the recovery process are important to ensure that the healing is progressing in a healthy way.

Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions about postoperative care and recovery.
Following these instructions carefully will speed up your recovery.

Risks of Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery is generally a safe procedure, but as with any surgical intervention, there can be some risks and complications.
These risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Delayed wound healing
• Temporary or permanent decrease in nipple sensitivity
• Asymmetry (breasts of different sizes and shapes)
• Keloid or hypertrophic scar (abnormal scar formation)

In order to minimize these risks, the procedure performed by an experienced surgeon and careful care in the postoperative period are of great importance.

Results of Breast Lift Surgery

The results of breast lift surgery are usually noticeable immediately, but it may take several months for the breasts to take their final shape.
After the postoperative swelling subsides and the stitches heal, the breasts will have a more youthful, lifted and aesthetic appearance.
The long-term results of the surgery may vary depending on the person’s aging process and lifestyle.

Breast lift surgery can positively affect the quality of life by increasing self-confidence.
The discomfort caused by sagging breasts is eliminated and the breasts gain a younger appearance.