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Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Pregnancy, age, and weight loss can all cause noticeable changes to the appearance of your breasts. There can be loss of firmness and volume, resulting in breasts that are less full and more likely to droop.

Is breast lift surgery (mastopexy) for me?

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery in Perth if you are in good health (including not smoking), and have:

  • Sagging breasts.
  • Loss of breast firmness and volume.
  • Nipple position change (nipples pointing downwards).
  • Stretching of breast skin.
  • Uneven or abnormally asymmetric breasts.

A breast lift procedure aims to improve these changes by elevating the nipple position, reducing the areola size, tightening the breast skin and reshaping the breast tissue.

What does breast lift (mastopexy) surgery involve?

During your consultation Dr Colbert will discuss each part of your breast lift procedure with you in detail, but some important points to note include:

  • Breast lift is performed under general anaesthesia (with you asleep), and usually takes between two and three hours.
  • It can be performed as either day surgery, or overnight surgery.
  • Incisions are used to elevate the nipple position and reshape the breast. The exact location of the incisions depends on your breast shape and size, but are usually around the areola, down the front of your breast, and then in the crease (also known as an inverted T pattern).
  • The breast tissue is tightened, sometimes liposuction is used, and the overlying breast skin is reshaped. All incisions are closed with multiple layers of dissolving sutures. A Surgical bra is applied.
  • Dr Colbert pays particular attention that your breast measurements are symmetric at the end of the operation, such as the distance from the top of your chest to your nipple, the distance from your nipple to your crease, and the width and size of your breast.

What is the recovery after breast lift (mastopexy) surgery?

Recovery after breast lift surgery typically involves the following stages:

  • Immediate Post-Surgery
    • You will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
  • First Week:
    • Swelling and bruising will begin to subside. You should rest and avoid strenuous activities.
  • 2-4 Weeks:
    • You can usually return to work and light activities after 2 weeks, but avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting.
  • 6-8 Weeks:
    • Most patients can resume more normal activities, including exercise. Final results are still settling, and full healing may take a few months.
  • Long-Term Recovery:
    • It can take several months for all swelling to subside and the final breast shape to emerge.

What are the risks of breast lift (mastopexy) surgery?

  • Breast lift surgery is associated with the following risks:
    • Infection: as with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site, which can affect healing and results.
    • Bleeding: bleeding may require a return to the operating theatre to remove any collections of blood.
    • Scarring: scarring is a normal part of the healing process, but in some cases, scars may be more noticeable or wider than expected. Keloid or hypertrophic scars can form in rare instances.
    • Changes in Nipple Sensation: temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation can occur, including numbness or heightened sensitivity.
    • Poor wound healing: incisions may take longer to heal in some areas and require dressings or sometimes further surgery.
    • Asymmetry: despite Dr Colbert’s best efforts, there may be differences in breast size or shape after surgery, leading to asymmetry.
    • Partial or total nipple loss: in rare cases, there is a risk of partial or complete loss of the nipple or areola due to reduced blood flow, particularly if there is significant tissue removal or repositioning.
    • Changes in Breast Appearance: there is a risk that the results may not meet expectations, such as the breasts sagging again over time or the lift not achieving the desired contour.
    • Need for Revision Surgery: Sometimes, further surgery may be necessary to correct issues such as asymmetry or unsatisfactory results.
    • Breast surgery is like any surgical procedures in that it carries risks – therefore before having any operation you should always speak to an appropriately qualified health practitioner about these potential risks.
What scars can I expect?

Your final scar position depends on your breast size, breast shape, and nipple position. Generally speaking, these scars will usually be around the areola and down towards the breast crease, and sometimes along the breast crease. Dr Colbert will discuss and show you the location of the scars during the consultation.

Like all scars the incision lines take months to settle. They are initially very thin, then can temporarily become thicker, then settle again to become paler and finer. It is important to recognise that you are swapping the scars for an improvement in breast shape.

Why should you see Dr Colbert for your breast lift surgery?

Perth women see Dr Colbert for breast lift surgery because they want expert care by a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

  • Dr Colbert MBBS FRACS (Plastic Surgery) is an Australian trained and fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
  • Dr Colbert is one of only a few Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Australia who focuses exclusively on breast and body surgery.
  • Dr Colbert personally performs all surgery and aftercare himself, and doesn’t get surgical assistants or nurses to treat you during or after your operation.
  • Dr Colbert and his staff are renowned for their amazing patient care, delivered in a comfortable and stress-free environment.

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How much does breast lift surgery cost in Perth?

Costs associated with surgery can be confusing, so to help make things clearer we have listed the the following fees that make up the final cost.

  • Surgical fee: the surgical cost for breast lift surgery will vary from case to case, but an indicative range is $5000 to $8,000 excluding GST.  Your procedure may be partly subsidised by Medicare and your private health fund, provided you meet specific eligibility criteria set by Medicare. Please note that there are often an out of pocket costs to pay, and the exact amount of these costs are always provided before surgery.
  • Anaesthetic fee: the anaesthetic fee may be partly covered by Medicare and your private health fund, however there are often an out of pocket costs to pay. These costs are provided before surgery.
  • Hospital fee (this includes operation room fee, bed costs, surgical or medication fees, and any other hospital extras): Medicare does not cover this fee. If you have private health insurance then this may be covered by your insurance fund, but you should check with your fund if there is any out of pocket expenses. If you have no private insurance then you will have to pay this fee on discharge from the hospital.
Will a breast lift increase breast size?

While a breast lift can improve the shape and firmness of the breasts, it doesn’t significantly increase their size. However, if you desire larger breasts, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation (implants) for added volume.

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?

Most women are able to breastfeed after a breast lift. However, depending on the type of incision and extent of the surgery, there could be a slight risk of affecting the ability to breastfeed, so it’s important to discuss this with Dr Colbert.

What happens if I gain or lose weight after a breast lift?

Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of a breast lift. It may lead to some sagging or changes in breast shape. Maintaining a stable weight after surgery helps to preserve the results.

When can I return to exercise after a breast lift?

It’s typically advised to avoid strenuous physical activity for about 4-6 weeks after surgery to allow the tissues to heal properly. Light walking can usually be resumed after 1-2 weeks, but more intense exercises like lifting, running, or weightlifting should be postponed until at least 6 weeks – but always be guided by your discomfort, and by advice from Dr Colbert.

Where can I find out more?

To find out more about breast lift surgery in Perth please contact our friendly office staff.

Alternatively you can leave a message by filling out our contact form.

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