What are Breast Lift Methods?

When the breast, which has an aesthetic appearance and is considered normal, is viewed from the side, it should be seen that the nipple and the lower pole of the breast are located above the inframammary fold. Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is the surgical technique of achieving the ideal aesthetic appearance of sagging, i.e. deformed breasts where the nipple descends below the inframammary fold for any reason.

Why Does Breast Sagging Occur?

Since breast tissue and skin are not static structures, their size and shape may change over time due to many environmental and structural factors. Some women have genetically and structurally looser and sagging breasts. In addition, the breasts may sag due to factors such as large breasts, pregnancy, excessive weight gain and loss, breastfeeding, aging, smoking, obesity, excessive sun exposure, decrease and loosening in breast tissue during menopause, etc. 

Before deciding on breast lift surgery, the patient is examined in detail and the examination is performed while the patient is standing. During the examination, the location of the nipple and the amount of the mammary gland are evaluated. If there is a slight sagging and the amount of the mammary gland is at an acceptable level, a silicone breast prosthesis can be placed under the mammary gland to obtain more upright and fuller breasts. If the sagging is too much and the amount of mammary gland is sufficient, the breast is recovered with techniques similar to those applied in breast reduction surgery. In cases where the sagging is excessive and the amount of mammary gland is insufficient, a silicone prosthesis is placed in addition to the recovery of the breast. The recovery rate of the breast skin and the dimensions of the prosthesis to be placed are finalized during the surgery.

How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?

Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Although it varies depending on personal characteristics such as the patient’s height and breast structure, a distance of 19 – 22 cm between the nipple and the collarbone is generally considered normal. Patient-specific plans are made and the technique to be applied is determined.

The method to be used is determined depending on factors such as the size and shape of the breasts that the patient wants to have, the position of the nipple area, its hardness, and the level of elasticity of the skin. As is the case with all surgical operations, scars may remain after breast lift surgery. The place of the scar may vary depending on the incision made. For some patients, a vertical incision is made between the nipple and the inframammary fold line, while for some patients, it may be necessary to use a horizontal scar along the inframammary fold line. The extent of the incision scar made during the operation may vary depending on factors such as the technique applied, the genetic structure of the person, and environmental factors. Not smoking, and having a diet rich in vitamin C and protein are considered to be effective factors in reducing the scar’s precision.

Depending on the preferred technique in breast lift surgery, the incision is made, the underlying breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple is repositioned when necessary. By removing the excess skin, the sagging skin is provided with a more beautiful and young appearance. 

During standard breast lift surgery, the breast is given a more aesthetic appearance. However, there is no change in the size of the breast. If there is serious volume loss with sagging of the breast, breast augmentation with a silicone implant is also performed with breast lift surgery. Thus, both the sagging of the breast is removed and larger breasts are obtained. 

As is the case with all surgical operations, undesirable situations such as bleeding, opening in the suture lines, change in sensation or loss of sensation in the nipple, poor healing of incision scars, infection, deterioration in the blood circulation of the nipple or tissue loss, asymmetry or unsatisfactory aesthetic results may be experienced. These complications, whose incidence is very rare, can be minimized through patient-specific planning.

Mothers who want to have breast lift surgery should wait at least 3 – 6 months for the milk production of the mammary glands to stop completely and to return to the state before pregnancy. Breast lift surgery does not generally prevent the lactation function of the breast. It is possible to perform breast lift surgery and breast augmentation surgery at the same time. In order to perform breast lift surgery, the patient’s breast development must be completed. Although there is no upper age limit for patients who do not have general health problems, the evaluation should be made on an individual basis. It is recommended that women who plan to have a baby have breast lift surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The reason for this is the possibility of experiencing sagging and volume changes in the breasts along with pregnancy and breastfeeding processes.  Depending on the techniques applied in breast lift surgery, change in sensation or loss of sensation may rarely occur. After breast lift surgery, some sagging may occur due to factors such as the effect of gravity, aging, excessive weight gain and loss, and pregnancy. 

It is normal to feel some pain after breast lift surgery. If necessary, pain can be controlled with painkillers prescribed by the doctor. A sports bra should be used to provide the necessary support to the breasts and accelerate the healing process.