Breast lift surgery involves repositioning the nipple to a higher anatomical location and removing excess skin to lift sagging breasts caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging.
Planning is paramount in breast lift surgeries. The patient's skin structure, measurements, weight changes, the degree of sagging, and the patient’s desires should all be considered when planning the surgery.
In some cases, breast reduction surgery is necessary for sagging large breasts, while breast augmentation surgery may be necessary for sagging small breasts. If the breast volume is proportional to body measurements, breast lift surgery may correct sagging without changing the breast size.
Breast reduction and breast lift
When there is considerable sagging due to excessive skin and breast tissue below the breast, a breast reduction is also done together with a breast lift. The procedure involves making an incision around the nipple to reposition it higher, a vertical incision to narrow the breast, and a horizontal incision underneath the crease to remove the excess skin and tissue. These result in a scar around the nipple and an inverted T-shaped scar on the breast. While wound healing and scarring depend on numerous factors, proper incision placement and meticulous surgical technique can minimize scarring, resulting in a gradually fading and less noticeable mark.
Some post-surgery applications that can be done 3-6 months after the procedure may improve the appearance of the scars. Although, when done with careful attention to detail and incision placement, scarring does not actually significantly affect the patients. Instead, firm, full, and uplifted breasts can dramatically improve patients' self-confidence.
Breast augmentation and breast lift
Breast augmentation may be necessary in addition to breast lift surgery when there is sagging and volume loss in the breasts. While this is sometimes done in line with the patient's desire to have fuller and larger breasts, often it is surgically necessary for best results.
Breast implants are the gold standard when the patient's own tissue is inadequate to provide volume. Depending on the thickness of the breast tissue, the implant can be placed under the pectoral muscle or the muscle membrane.
Using implants that exceed the skin's carrying capacity can lead to excessive sagging. Therefore, placing the smallest possible implant to achieve the desired fullness is much more beneficial. In individuals with poor skin elasticity, secondary interventions may be required to address skin sagging.
Furthermore, repositioning the nipple higher during the lift procedure also creates some tightness in the skin, which is another reason large implants may not be viable for all patients. Patients should communicate their expectations and follow their surgeon's recommendations for the best outcomes.
Breast surgery after weight loss
Weight loss surgeries like bariatric surgery can result in massive weight loss and sagging and volume loss of breast tissue, leading to an increased frequency of breast lift surgeries with implants.
This issue was once more common in women post-pregnancy due to weight fluctuations, but the rise in weight loss surgeries has led to an increase in breast lift surgeries before pregnancy.
Breast lifts and implant surgeries do not harm the nipples or the milk ducts, meaning patients can safely breastfeed following a breast augmentation or breast lift.
For patients who experience sagging in various parts of their bodies post-weight loss, body lift surgeries like 360-degree body lift, tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift, and liposuction can address stubborn fat tissue that does not respond to diet or exercise.
Sagging after a breast lift
In some patients, skin sagging may recur over time due to weight loss or excessive skin laxity, although it will be less pronounced than the sagging prior to surgery. Minor skin lift procedures may be necessary in such cases, which can be completed quickly and have a fast healing process if they only involve a small area of skin. While it's challenging to determine precisely how much weight loss may cause sagging after breast lift surgery, a weight loss of up to 5 percent of body weight is generally well-tolerated.
Mommy makeover
Breast sagging is a common complaint after pregnancy and breastfeeding. In this period, weight fluctuations and other physical changes may lead to various abdominal and breast deformities. A mommy makeover can address these issues, providing a youthful and firm appearance by eliminating sagging in the breast, abdomen, thighs, and arms.
It is safe to get pregnant or breastfeed after the procedure. Still, it may be advisable to postpone the operation if there is a plan to have children again, as the process will likely cause deformities.
Breast lift using person's own tissue (Auto-augmentation breast lift)
For some patients who desire a fuller breast appearance along with a breast lift, breast augmentation without silicone implants may be an option. This can be achieved by reshaping the patient's own breast tissue to create an implant-like form, resulting in a more voluminous and firmer breast.
The procedure involves narrowing the base width of the breast and shifting the breast tissue at the bottom of the breast behind the nipple to enhance fullness. By optimizing the distribution of existing tissue, this technique yields excellent outcomes without the need for implants.
What is the healing process like after a breast lift?
- Breast lift surgery typically lasts about three hours, and patients can get up four hours after the procedure.
- They can shower on the second day and resume daily activities with caution, avoiding overexertion. After one week, patients can usually return to work.
- Patients are advised to wear a sports bra for the first three weeks and refrain from exercising. After three weeks, light exercise can be resumed under the surgeon's guidance, but exercises involving the arms and chest should be avoided.
- Mild bruising, swelling, and discomfort may occur after the surgery but can be easily managed with typical painkillers and will resolve quickly.
- It typically takes around three months for the breasts to achieve their final shape.
What is the cost of a breast lift in Turkey?
During your consultation, your surgeon will determine the most appropriate breast lift method and whether breast augmentation or reduction is necessary. Dr. Bora Ok is a highly skilled surgeon with superior surgical technique who recognizes the significant physical and emotional effects of breast surgery on patients. If you are searching for a top breast surgeon in Istanbul, Dr. Ok is available to address any questions you may have. To learn the cost of a breast lift in Istanbul, please schedule a consultation with us on Whatsapp +90 552 822 23 21