Breast lift
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, breast lift or breast lift, is a solution for naturally firm and well-shaped breasts. Sagging breasts are a problem that affects many women. Some factors, such as pregnancy, changes in body weight, ageing, congenital deformities, late effects of breast implants.
Since breast lift surgery is not subject to a standard procedure, there are various techniques based on the findings, each of which requires a good feel and experience for a beautiful result.
This operation can be very demanding as it combines a wide range of variables and biological factors. A general recommendation for this aesthetic surgery is therefore: Only experts with a comprehensive understanding of this field achieve excellent long-term results.
The breast lift in detail
Designation
Mastopexy (synonym: breast lift, breast lift, breast lift)
Description
Breast lift for sagging breasts with surgical procedures. Small incisions on the breast, sometimes in conjunction with augmentation.
Operation
approx. 3 hours
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Miscellaneous
| This operation is not subject to any standard and is highly individualized to the patient. |
Stay
1-2 days inpatient, outpatient for minor procedures
Scars
Barely visible
Aftercare
Compression bra for 6 weeks day and night
Socially acceptable
approx. 5 days after the operation
Sport & Leisure
4 – 8 Wo. no heavy lifting or sport. Light exercises after 2 – 4 weeks. No sun on scars, normal movement possible, showers and baths after approx. 5 days
Contents
- Experience
- Introduction
- Costs
- Methods
- Procedure
- Questions and answers
Breast lift experience
To give you a feeling, I will briefly explain a few approaches to the complexity.
The breast lift allows me not only to lift the breast, but also to increase the projection of the breast – in other words, a less flat appearance. You can also move the nipple with the areola to any desired position. Overall, the breast can be completely reshaped to create a youthful, firm shape.
A breast lift can also be combined with a breast augmentation (mastopexy augmentation). This procedure allows the shape, size, projection and position of the nipple to be altered.
Whether you have good prerequisites or a combined approach is better must be discussed individually and in great detail during our consultation.
Introduction
Ptosis (sagging) of the female breast is typically caused by a reduction in mammary gland tissue combined with excess skin and a loss of skin elasticity. A breast augmentation solution with implants can have a lifting and firming effect to a certain extent.
The Regnault classification (1976) can be helpful in assessing the status of the sagging breast. This involves the relationship of the nipple to the underbust fold, which is used to classify sagging breasts (ptosis mamme) into 1 – 3 degrees.
Grade I: nipple at the same height or 1 cm below the underbust crease
Grade II: Position of the nipple 1-3 cm below the underbust crease
Grade III: nipple is more than 3 cm below the underbust crease
Tips and guides are often circulating on the Internet that relate to the pencil test. However, classification alone is not enough, because it must also be clarified whether one of the following findings is present.
- Glandular (mammary gland) ptosis
- True ptosis (true ptosis)
- Pseudoptosis, or a parenchymatous (tissue) maldistribution
There are now a number of studies and findings on what the“perfect bust” should look like. Whether these ideas apply or are relevant to you is one of the most important services I provide during my consultations with you.
In any case, there are visually beautiful solutions for tightening and shaping the breasts so that they look natural and aesthetically attractive. In particular, the modeling and shaping of the perfect breasts for you is one of my specialties.
Lifting the breasts without surgery is a less successful undertaking as you cannot reverse the loss of volume and elasticity.
Breast lift costs
Prices and costs for a breast lift vary depending on the complexity. Especially if the breast is enlarged with an implant or autologous fat.
In any case, with our estimate you will receive serious and comprehensive medical care with a top experienced plastic surgeon with the best ratings.
Methods
Various methods and techniques can be used for a breast lift. Both the incisions and the way in which the breast tissue is tightened and the nipple repositioned are very different for every woman. In the run-up to this operation, the starting point and the characteristics of the breast to be operated on can vary greatly from woman to woman.
The surgical methods that give the breast a completely new shape (reshaping) are also very different. This is where the surgeon’s analytical ability, creativity and surgical skills are required time and again. This skill can then be safely and effectively transferred to the breast lift operation.
Breast lift surgery is not subject to any standard and varies greatly from woman to woman in order to achieve an individual and long-lasting optimal result.
Techniques
There are three relevant breast lift methods:
1. periareolar incision
A well-placed incision around the nipple, at the transition from pigmented to non-pigmented skin. The peri-areolar lift (crescent lift) is a suitable option if there is only minimal breast ptosis. This is the least invasive procedure. With this technique, the nipple and areola can only be moved slightly upwards.
2. vertical cut
This incision combines incisions around the nipple and vertically below the nipple. This technique is well suited for women with moderate breast ptosis. By removing loose skin in the lower half of the breast and around the areola, a breast lift with a short scar makes it possible to reduce the size of the areola and offers a greater opportunity to reshape the breasts.
3. wise pattern
This incision extends the vertical incision by a vertical component in the breast fold. The Wise Pattern is reserved for women with severe breast ptosis or as part of breast reduction surgery when there is a lot of loose skin that needs to be removed.
All three of these incisions are basically sensible decisions from a plastic surgery perspective. However, each incision has its own advantages and disadvantages, all of which must be discussed with you in detail during the surgical planning stage.
Method with breast augmentation
In order to achieve an optimal result, it is determined during the consultation and examination whether a pure breast lift can be performed or whether breast augmentation with breast implants should also be recommended during the operation.
After breastfeeding, with pronounced sagging breasts or after major weight loss, it is usually unavoidable to remove excess tissue and skin during breast augmentation as part of a breast lift in order to achieve an optimal aesthetic long-term result.
Breast lift procedure Munich
In the center of Munich, you can discuss your problems, wishes and possibilities with me in detail in a relaxed and discreet atmosphere. Using pictures and examples, we determine the possibilities and your questions are answered.
Surgeries are performed at the Iatros Clinic on Stiglmeierplatz. Both the clinic staff and the technical equipment are state-of-the-art. You also have the security of meeting medical standards and controls here in Bavaria, which serves patients from all over the world.
You can reach us 24 hours after the operation.
Before you leave the clinic, you will receive a complete post-operative consultation and a telephone number.
Follow-up examinations then take place again in the private practice in the center of Munich and a special feature of our service is that we are also happy to examine you 1 year later to monitor the healing process and to listen to your experiences.
Healing process
The healing process is determined by the methods and extent of the lift or whether a breast augmentation is also performed.
Behavior after surgery
State-of-the-art surgical techniques lead to a quick and easy recovery.
- No full bath or shower. In the first few days, the surgical wound must not get wet, only a sponge bath is possible.
- Special bra for 6 weeks day and night.
- No carrying of weights or one-sided loads (strictly adhere to)
- Do not sunbathe until the scar has completely healed. This can last a whole year or more.
Sport after breast lift
As the breast tissue still needs to firm up in position, you should avoid exercise – apart from walks in the fresh air – in the first month after the breast lift.
Light exercises can be started after 2 to 4 weeks. It is important to take it easy on the chest and upper body area and to avoid sweating until the incisions have completely healed.
Abrupt movements lead to traction on the implants and sweat has a negative effect on wound healing. In addition, heavy lifting (>5kg) should be avoided for a minimum of 6-8 weeks.
However, you can sleep on your back or on your side immediately after the operation. If possible, it is advisable to sleep with your upper body raised (30-45°) for the first 1-2 weeks.
A full body shower is possible after 3 – 4 days of the operation. You can also raise your arms above your shoulders immediately after the procedure. Independent hair washing, make-up etc. are possible.
Sports such as tennis, jogging or horse riding should only be resumed after 6 weeks to 3 months (with a special bra). As rehabilitation can vary greatly from person to person, we have prepared regular follow-up checks for you.
When sports and other activities can be resumed should always be discussed individually with the plastic surgeon during these follow-up checks.
Risks and side effects
In addition to the risk of anesthesia, which exists with every operation, other short-term risks include secondary bleeding or infections. The occurrence is extremely rare, but to be on the safe side, regular follow-up examinations should be carried out by a doctor.
As these operations generate a fairly large wound area in both breasts, it is possible that fluid accumulations (seroma) may occur after the operation despite wound drainage. If the body cannot compensate for this fluid, it may be necessary to remove this fluid during the follow-up check via a puncture in the area of the scars (without pain).
Other side effects (extremely rare!) include circulatory disorders, temporary or permanent numbness, scarring, wound separation, injury to adjacent structures, loss of the ability to breastfeed and others.
Pain after breast lift
The sensation of pain is a completely individual variable. While sensitive women complain of pain, others can easily tolerate pain. However, as this is a surgical procedure, post-operative pain and soreness must be controlled with medication.
Nowadays there are a variety of very intelligent pain medications that allow a quick return to normal daily activities.
Dr. Thomas Scholz - Your expert for breast lift surgery
Questions and answers (FAQ)
In the following, we will go into a few more questions. However, we are happy to discuss any questions and concerns with you personally.
Why is a breast lift performed?
- Techniques of operations have improved significantly within the last few years
- Aesthetic goals are more achievable than ever before
- Increasing self-confidence
- Underlining your own femininity
- Look perfect at work and at home
- Finally being able to wear the clothes, underwear and swimwear you’ve always wanted to wear
- Changes in the size, shape, position and/or firmness of the breasts after pregnancy, weight loss or due to the natural ageing process
- The desire for symmetrical breasts
- Desire for a curvier overall appearance
How long does the operation take?
Allow approx. 2 to 4 hours. Depending on the extent of the operation, it may be necessary to insert a drain into the wound cavity on each side. In almost all cases, this drain is removed on the first day after the operation.
After the operation, you will receive individual and very personal care until it is guaranteed that you have tolerated the operation well. An overnight stay is not necessary.
Is a breast lift performed on an outpatient basis?
Yes, this operation does not normally require an overnight stay in hospital. However, you have a free choice when it comes to the assumption of costs.
Can I breastfeed after this operation?
Yes, absolutely. It is advisable to inform the plastic surgeon if you are planning to have children and are breastfeeding. This is an important topic that should be discussed in detail.
How old for a breast lift?
In general, we only operate on patients who are over 18 years old and in good health. In addition, the body and chest must be fully developed.
How long does it take to heal?
Usually a full recovery and return to all normal activities about six to eight weeks after surgery. Most people return to work one to two weeks after the procedure.
When does a breast lift make sense?
In my experience over the last few years, the typical reasons are:
Sagging breasts, asymmetrical breasts, changes in volume and/or shape due to weight loss, pregnancy or ageing, asymmetrical nipple position that cannot be corrected by augmentation.
Pregnancy
After giving birth, breastfeeding and happiness, women often have a rude awakening when they realize that their breasts are suddenly no longer as firm and full as they were before. More and more women do not want to accept this situation and are looking for help in creams and gymnastics.
If these do not achieve the desired results, women are increasingly opting for breast surgery after pregnancy. After pregnancy, the aesthetic requirements for the breast shape vary greatly from patient to patient.
A certain tightening effect can already be achieved with breast augmentation, but a formal breast lift with or without breast augmentation is often advisable in these cases.
Conclusion
Hanging breasts, uneven breasts and sagging breasts are not necessary. You can consider yourself lucky, because today we have reliable procedures that achieve the best aesthetic results.
Dr. Scholz has excellent reviews and many years of surgical experience in the USA, Germany and Switzerland in this aesthetic operation. We will be happy to show you pictures, methods and treatment plans safely and reliably in a personal consultation.
Dr. Scholz Munich
- Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon, University of California, USA
- German specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery
- Swiss specialist certification for plastic and aesthetic surgery
Picture credits © Christof Arnold
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