Breast Lift Gold Coast
Having a baby, losing weight, or getting older can change the size and shape of your breasts. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a great option to restore the shape of breasts and lift the nipple position. Mastopexy works by removing extra skin to give the breasts a more lifted shape.
It can also be paired with a breast augmentation (implants) for a size increase. This is known as a single stage surgery.
Dr Hertess FRACS(Plas) is a Specialist Plastic surgeon with over 27 years of experience in breast lift surgery. She commonly performs this procedure in accredited facilities on the Gold Coast including John Flynn Private Hospital and Miami Private Hospital.
What is Mastopexy?
Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues to reshape and raise sagging breasts. This results in a more lifted appearance of the breasts.
The procedure can be performed with or without implants, depending on your desired outcome.
Breast Lift without Implants
Mastopexy without implants focuses solely on reshaping and lifting the breasts, without adding additional volume. This option is suitable for women who are happy with their current breast size but want to lift the position of the breast and nipple.
Breast Lift with Implants
For those looking for both a lift and an increase in size, a breast lift with implants may be the right choice. During this surgery, implants are placed over or under the chest muscle to provide more fullness and projection to the upper pole of the breast in addition to the lifted appearance.
Who is Breast Lift Surgery for?
Breast lift surgery is for women who are bothered by drooping breasts, often as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss or ageing. This procedure can help restore the breast shape and position. It may be right for you if:
- Your breast tissue sags below the breast crease
- Your nipples are pointing downwards rather than forward
- You have lost volume or fullness in your breasts
- Your breasts are asymmetrical or uneven, with one drooping down more than the other
Breast lift surgery is a popular procedure for women of all ages that are in good physical health.
If you already have breast implants, it is a popular option for women to combine breast lift with breast implant replacement or removal.
Breast Lift Incisions & Techniques
Lollipop technique
The preferred technique for breast lift surgery used by Dr. Hertess is the lollipop technique, also known as a vertical mastopexy. This approach involves making an incision around the areola and then vertically down to the breast crease, resembling a lollipop shape.
This technique allows for a more lifted appearance while minimising scarring.
Anchor technique
In cases where there is significant sagging, the anchor incision technique may be used. This involves an additional horizontal incision along the breast crease, creating an anchor shape. While this incision does result in a larger scar compared to the lollipop technique, it can effectively lift and reshape more severely sagging breasts. This technique is more commonly used in breast reduction surgery.
What Does Mastopexy Surgery Involve?
Consultation
Before your surgery, Dr. Hertess will discuss your desired outcome and perform a thorough examination to determine the best technique for you. She will also go over any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure.
Preoperative Preparation
Prior to your surgery, you will get your photos taken and discuss your desired results.
You may need to undergo a series of pre-operative tests and screenings to ensure your safety during the procedure.
The Procedure
The breast lift surgery itself is typically performed as a day surgery under general anaesthesia in an accredited facility on the Gold Coast. The surgery can take anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of your case.
Recovery
After the procedure, you will need to rest and recover for a few days. You may experience some bruising and swelling, but this will subside over time. Dr. Hertess will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing.
It can take 6 weeks to fully recover from your surgery. The breast lift mastopexy surgery recovery timeline is as follows:
- Day of mastopexy surgery - you will need a lift home after your procedure and will be wearing a compression bra. When you get home it's important that you rest and take it easy.
- Day 1 after mastopexy surgery - you will be the most sore for 1-3 after your surgery. Pain can be well-managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr Hertess.
- 1 week post-surgery - pain should be a lot less intense, though you will still be swollen and bruised. Light activities such as walking can be resumed. Driving can be resumed if your reflexes are not limited by pain.
- 4-6 weeks post-surgery - most normal activities can resume, including light exercise. You will continue to wear your compression bra until around 6 weeks.
- 6 months after mastopexy - full recovery and results are visible.
Breast Lift Before and After Photos
Before undergoing breast lift surgery, it's important to have realistic expectations of the potential results. It is also helpful to see before and after photos of previous patients who have had the procedure.
At Dr Hertess' practice on the Gold Coast, we have numerous before and after photos available for you to view during your consultation.
The following images are Dr Hertess' real patients, before and after breast lift surgery.
See full galleries for Breast Lift with Implants or Breast Lift without implants.
