Breast Lifts For Women In Toowoomba & The Gold Coast
General skin laxity and major life events such as pregnancy and significant weight loss can all affect the appearance of the breasts. A breast lift aims to:
- Reposition the nipple so that it sits in the centre of the breast
- Reposition the nipple to look forward and not down
- Reduce the size of the areola
- Tighten the breast tissue to feel firmer
- Sit the breasts higher on the chest
- Reduce or eliminate the skin on skin contact between the breast and lower ribs
This surgery is also used commonly for developmental breast concerns, such as tuberous breasts, constricted breasts and breast asymmetry.
There are a number of approaches that can be used during a breast lift (mastopexy) procedure, all of which will be explained to you during your consultation with A/Prof Magnusson.
During your consultation, A/Prof Magnusson will also take your body shape and personal aesthetic goals into consideration when developing a breast surgery plan to meet your needs.
The Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift will take about two hours to complete and will require a general anaesthetic.
There are several types of incisions that can be used to access the breast tissue, with the lollipop and anchor incisions being the most common. Both of these incisions will be made around the areola and down towards the crease under the breast. The anchor technique is used when there is more excess skin and laxity and this incision will also travel sideways in the crease under the breast.
During surgery, on top of tightening and lifting the skin and the underlying tissue, the nipple and areola are also made to point forward from the body instead of pointing downwards.
There are frequent additions to a standard mastopexy procedure that A/Prof Magnusson utilises regularly. Implants can be incorporated into the surgery for an increase in size. The upper pole of the breast is a frequent area of concern following weight loss and pregnancy and implants or autologous fat grafting can help to increase the fullness of this area.
If a patient would prefer not to use implants, fat grafting can also be used to improve the emptiness in the upper pole or accentuate the cleavage and side breast lines. Fat won’t be able to increase the breast size as much as an implant, but is an excellent choice for shaping the breast, filling the upper pole and a moderate size increase when the breast is within a cup size of the goal. If this option is selected, fat will be removed from another area of the body such as the tummy and thighs. Once the fat has been processed, it will be injected into the breasts to add more volume.
Breast Lifts for Women in Toowoomba & The Gold Coast – 1 While a breast lift will not necessarily affect your ability to breastfeed, pregnancy may affect your results and further surgery may be considered later on.
Breast Lift Candidates
For women in Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and around Brisbane, a breast lift may be suitable if you are satisfied with the proportions of your breasts and cup size, but are unsatisfied with the shape or hang of your breasts.
A suitable candidate for breast lift surgery is usually someone who:
- Has breasts that are overhanging the crease under the breast but are satisfactory in size.
- Has developmental breast concerns, such as tuberous breast or significant asymmetry (surgery can be performed before the age of 18 in appropriate circumstances for these conditions) .
- Have areolars and nipples that point downward or sit low on the breast.
- Have enlarged areolars
- Has breasts that lack substance or firmness.
- Is in good overall health and at or near their goal weight.
- Has no serious medical issues.
- Is knowledgeable about how the procedure is administered.
Unless applied for these developmental or reconstructive problems, mastopexy surgery is a cosmetic procedure so patients will need to be 18 years or older.
Breast Lifts:
Undertaking cosmetic surgery (also known as aesthetic plastic surgery) is an intensely personal and private decision that can have very positive effects. Success comes from helping individual patients clarify their goals and then creating a bespoke plan to achieve them. With a combination of communication, experience and knowledge, A/Prof Mark Magnusson has helped many patients across Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast. Let A/Prof Magnusson help you with your aesthetic journey.
Breast Lift Before and After Gallery
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Discuss breast lift surgery at your consultation in Toowoomba
If you would like to learn more about breast lift surgery, including the risks and recovery period, please contact reception to arrange a consultation with A/Prof Magnusson at either his Toowoomba or Gold Coast clinic. He has assisted patients throughout Brisbane and surrounding areas with this procedure. He can also provide you with information on additional breast procedures, including breast augmentation or breast reduction.
Breast Lifts – Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a breast lift cost?
The final cost of a breast lift will depend on several factors, including hospital and anaesthetist fees, as well as whether or not implants and fat grafting will be included. A/Prof Magnusson’s team will provide you with an accurate quotation following your consultation. In certain circumstances, some of the costs associated with a breast lift may be covered by Medicare or private health insurers for developmental concerns, significant asymmetry and occasionally after significant weight loss.
Do I need to include implants in my breast lift surgery?
There is no need to insert implants during your breast lift procedure if you are happy with the size of your breasts. For a mild to moderate increase in size or to improve upper pole fill out of a bra, fat grafting or breast implants will need to be considered. If you only want to address the overhang and improve the shape, implants or fat grafting will not be necessary.
How long will the results of my breast lift last?
Following surgery, there are significant changes in the first 9 months as the body adjusts to the new tension in the breast. After this changes are at a normal speed in response to normal ageing, just from a new starting point. While the breast won’t suddenly lose the benefits of surgery, there will be some ongoing gradual changes due to ageing that may be impacted by pregnancy and weight fluctuations. Age, genetics, health and diet will all play a role in how long your results will last. Even the surgical techniques that are used can make a difference.
How will my nipples be affected by a breast lift?
It’s not uncommon for there to be a change in nipple sensation following a breast lift but less commonly than with breast reduction. In most instances, sensation will return to normal again after six to 12 months. While an incision will need to be made near the nipple to reposition it, it isn’t removed from the breast and remains attached to nerves and blood supply throughout your surgery. Although any breast surgery can impact breast feeding, there are many women who have breastfed after this surgery.
What can I expect during my recovery period?
Mastopexy surgery is usually less painful than women expect. While every patient is different, almost all women will have recovered and be able to return to all activities after six weeks including exercise. During this time, mild pain, bruising and swelling is common, but these effects should subside within two weeks. Prescription pain medication will help alleviate any pain and discomfort during your early recovery but aren’t usually required after the first few days. Patients are encouraged to sleep on their backs for the first week or two to avoid putting pressure on the breasts. Light exercise such as walking can be resumed after a week, but a regular exercise routine, especially one that includes the upper body, will only be permitted after six weeks. A surgical bra will also need to be worn for six weeks as this will reduce swelling and provide your breasts with the necessary support.
Are there any risks associated with a breast lift?
All surgery has risks even if uncommon. There are generally two reasons for reoperation after mastopexy although reoperation is uncommon. The early risk is due to fluid (blood, haematoma) collecting and will generally occur in the first week. We will also occasionally see a contour change with scars and reoperation to improve scars may be considered after about 9 months when the final outcome is achieved. Other complications are usually minor such as suture related infections or minor wound healing concerns that may need dressings or antibiotics for a short period. Change or loss of nipple and breast sensation can occur, but this is usually gradually improves over 12 months. Lastly, size irregularities and asymmetry are normal in all breasts. While obvious differences are addressed with surgery, minor residual differences are a realistic expectation to have. Again, remember that even natural breasts are never perfectly symmetrical. At surgery the breast is tightened as much as possible. If it is tightened too much it may lead to contour changes or healing problems. Over time, the tightening achieved with surgery relaxes. When the natural breast is large, tissues are affected by previous significant weight loss and the skin impacted with lots of stretch marks, a recurrence of ptosis is more problematic and this is not fully predictable. All of the benefits of surgery are not lost however and it is not common to have further surgery. If mastopexy is combined with breast implants in the setting of loose tissue and significant pre-existing breast volume, recurrent ptosis is more likely.
Will there be scarring after a breast lift?
Scarring is inevitable after surgery, including a breast lift. Scars will be good for the first 2 months, increase in pinkness due to increased blood supply and then begin to fade four to six months after surgery. It may take 12 to 18 months for the scar to fade to its final, pale state. The incisions will be made in areas that can be covered by underwear or swimwear. A/Prof Magnusson routinely uses scar management tools to maximise the outcomes and actively intervenes to improve scar outcomes if needed. Scarring is not fully predictable and is an important consideration.