Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

What is breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery is a procedure performed in sagging and deflated breasts, in which the nipple and milk ducts are preserved, the breast tissue is reshaped to the extent required to meet the patient’s expectations, and the nipple is moved to a more appropriate position to give the breast a better form.

What is the purpose of breast lift surgery?
The purpose of breast lift surgery is to achieve a more appropriately sized and aesthetically pleasing breast appearance instead of sagging breast tissue.

Is breast lift surgery a difficult operation, and how long does it take?
Breast lift surgery is not a difficult or painful operation. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2 hours.

How is breast lift surgery performed?
In breast lift surgery, according to the preoperative markings, the nipple and areola are moved to their new anatomical position while preserving their blood supply. The tissues are then reshaped and closed with hidden subcutaneous sutures, leaving an inverted T-shaped scar. Drains are placed to remove excess fluid that may collect in the area, and a compression garment is applied.

What are the possible risks and complications of breast lift surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, bruising-swelling, asymmetry and scarring after breast lift surgery. These risks will be minimized as much as possible with the appropriate approach of your surgeon and by the patient strictly following the recommendations.

Are there any side effects of breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery does not have any specific side effects, and the surgical risk is not higher than that of other aesthetic surgeries.

Will there be scars after breast lift surgery?
After breast lift surgery, a circular scar forms around the nipple, a straight scar extends downward from the nipple, and a line-shaped scar forms along the breast fold, creating an inverted T-shaped surgical scar. However, the scars fade over time and become much less noticeable. In the long term, the scars become barely visible.

How long do the effects of breast lift surgery last, and will I need another operation in the future?
Normally, depending on the shape given to the breast tissue, patients remain satisfied with the results of breast lift surgery for many years. However, due to hormonal changes, excessive weight loss, aging and pregnancy, the breast tissue may lose its shape over time, and breast lift surgery may need to be repeated.

What should be done before breast lift surgery?
Before breast lift surgery, our doctor evaluates the patient and a plan is made regarding the procedure to be performed. The surgery date is decided. As with all other surgeries, smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should not be used starting 1 week before surgery. Only medications that the patient needs to use because of existing diseases should be taken with the doctor’s knowledge. You will be informed about how many hours you need to fast on the day of surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before breast lift surgery?
Since smoking significantly affects wound healing and may cause risks including nipple loss, it is strongly recommended that you do not smoke for 15 days before and 15 days after surgery. The patient should be aware that smoking is one of the main causes of poor healing.

How should we sleep after breast lift surgery?
In order to prevent swelling from increasing and to allow it to decrease over time, you should sleep with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows. After 2 months, the patient may sleep in any position.

How is dressing performed after breast lift surgery?
As long as the tapes applied during surgery are not removed, no additional dressing is required. There may be minimal leakage in the dressing area. Your doctor will check the wounds through the tapes at certain intervals, and the tapes are removed after 20 days. After that, no dressing is required. Your doctor may recommend creams for the wound line.

When can I return to work after breast lift surgery?
After breast lift surgery, your tissues will have healed sufficiently within 7 days. However, in most cases, completing 10 days is sufficient before going out in public and returning to work.

When can I start exercising after breast lift surgery?
For the first 3 days after breast lift surgery, you are generally advised to rest, walk around the house and perform simple daily activities. After 3 days, you may take short and careful walks outside. However, lifting weights and strenuous exercise are not recommended during the first weeks. Generally, all types of sports activities are allowed after 2 months.

Will I need to wear a breast compression garment after breast lift surgery?
After breast lift surgery, a breast compression garment will be applied over the dressing to provide pressure to the area. You should wear the breast compression garment continuously for as long as your doctor recommends. Generally, it is no longer needed after 3-4 weeks.

Will drains be used in breast lift surgery?
After breast lift surgery, your doctor may sometimes use drains to prevent blood from accumulating in the area. This closed vacuum system removes blood and fluid accumulated under the tissues. The drain is generally removed easily on the third day, so please do not worry.

Will the stitches be removed after breast lift surgery?
Since the sutures used in breast lift surgery are completely hidden, there is no need for stitch removal.

Is breast lift surgery very painful?
Most patients state that they do not experience any pain after breast lift surgery. However, mild tightness and pain may still be expected in the surgical area. Regular use of the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers is generally sufficient.

When can I take a shower after breast lift surgery?
During the first days after surgery, the wound areas should not be wet. However, since the appropriate time for showering varies according to the condition of the wound, you may take a shower when your doctor gives approval. Generally, showering is allowed after 9 days. Extremely hot or extremely cold water is not recommended during the early period.

When can I swim in the pool or sea after breast lift surgery?
It is recommended to wait 2 months before swimming in the pool or sea.

When can I travel after breast lift surgery?
After breast lift surgery, short-distance road travel can be made after 3 days. For a 1-2 hour flight, it is appropriate to wait until 7 days have passed.

How long should sexual intercourse be avoided after breast lift surgery?
During sexual intercourse, blood pressure increases, which may cause unwanted bleeding after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to wait 3 weeks before sexual intercourse.

When can I start sunbathing or use a solarium after breast lift surgery?
After breast lift surgery, sunbathing and solarium use are not appropriate for the first 3-4 months because the surgical areas may be affected and the scars may become darker.

How much does breast lift surgery cost?
In order to provide clear information about the cost of breast lift surgery, the patient’s complaints and aesthetic expectations need to be evaluated objectively, and the procedures required need to be determined. Pricing information will be provided after the examination.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.