Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lift surgery is an option for women who, although happy with the size of their breasts, are unhappy about sagging and loss of firmness. The procedure is called mastopexy.

Healthy women of any age can have a mastopexy but it is recommended to wait until changes that occur after child birth and breast feeding have stopped. A breast lift and or breast reduction can also be used to help balance significantly unequal breasts.

A breast lift can also help raise the position of of downward pointing nipples and aerolas.

A Breast lift may be a option to match the breast size of a healthy breast to the reconstructed breast following a mastectomy.

Breast Lift Performed by Dr David Gillett

Breast Lift Procedure Animation

After the Surgery

You will awaken after the operation with dressings and a small drainage tube will be in each breast. These drainage tubes will usually be removed the next day and the dressing checked. You will usually go home 3 days after the operation.

Showering

You must not get the dressings wet until 24 hours after the drains are removed. You may then shower; pat the dressings dry/use a hairdryer on cool setting.

Should I Purchase a New Bra?

We do not recommend purchasing new bra’s for the first six weeks after the operation, as it generally takes this time for the swelling to subside and your new size to take shape. No under wire bras are to be worn during this period.

Pain Management

Quite often discomfort is felt with movement and your anaesthetist will provide you with instructions regarding pain medication and a prescription if necessary.

Appointments

First Post Operative Appointment

We will see you in the rooms 4 – 7 days post op. Do not be concerned about slight ooze under the dressings, this is quite common. The dressings will be changed at your first post operative appointment in the rooms approximately 1 week after your surgery.

Second Post Operative Appointment

Your next post operative visit will then be scheduled for removal of remaining suture/staples. Nipple sensation is often different, numbness is common but sensation usually returns within six to twelve weeks.

When Can I Resume Activities?

We recommend you slowly recommence normal exercise after the surgery. We suggest however, no heavy lifting or strenuous exercising for 6 weeks after the surgery. Most people can resume driving approximately 1 week after surgery. You will need to take approximately 1-3 weeks off work, depending on how physical your daily activities at work are.

Report the Following Post Operative Concerns

  • Fever (with a temperature of more than 38 C) or chills.
  • Heavy oozing or bleeding from a wound.
  • Increased swelling around a wound site.
  • Increased pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Difficulty in passing urine.
  • Spreading redness around the wound.
  • A foul odour from a wound