Are you troubled by sagging breasts caused by breastfeeding, weight loss, health problems, or aging? A breast lift (mastopexy) can restore your breasts to a firm, youthful shape, often without the need for implants.
What’s the difference between breast surgery and breast lift?
Breast surgery and breast lift are both surgical procedures aimed at altering the appearance of the breasts, but they differ in purpose and technique.
Breast surgery (augmentation): Also known as breast implants, this procedure involves enlarging the breasts using implants made of various materials like silicone, polyurethane, or saline solutions. It is typically used for correcting breast asymmetry or for women who are dissatisfied with their breast size.
In contrast, breast lifting, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to reshape or firm the breasts without changing their size (and often without the use of implants). This type of procedure is commonly used for women with sagging or deflated breasts:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Aging
- Weight loss
- Illness or injury
A breast lift may involve removing excess tissue, lifting the breasts, or using fat transfer (occasionally combined with implants for a hybrid procedure).
Types of breast lift procedures
Breast lift techniques vary based on the individual case and the surgeon’s assessment of the breast’s current condition.
1. Reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction): This procedure removes excess tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts, reducing their size and improving shape and symmetry. It can be done alone or in combination with a breast lift.
2. Mastopexy: This technique involves lifting the breasts by repositioning the nipples, removing excess skin, and tightening the surrounding tissue. The incision method may vary:
- Periareolar mastopexy: The incision is made around the edge of the areola in a crescent or circular shape (it can be combined with a horizontal incision beneath the areola). This is typically performed on patients with mildly sagging smaller breasts and allows for a slight lift of the breasts. This procedure is not very invasive.
- Vertical mastopexy: In this procedure, an incision is made in a “V” shape around the upper part of the areola and then extending down. This technique is more invasive but provides a more noticeable effect.
- Breast lift with an anchor-shaped scar is typically used for women with larger breasts who want to firm up sagging. In this procedure, the scar is created around the edge of the areola, vertically down from the nipple, and horizontally along the breast fold. The scar thus resembles an anchor or the letter “L” or “J.” This type of mastopexy is the most effective.
3. Lipofilling is a technique in which fat cells are taken from the patient’s body and injected into the breasts to restore lost tissue. This method is also used for breast augmentation and can be combined with mastopexy.
Factors to consider
Most of these factors are typically assessed by the doctor, but you should also consider a few things in advance. Or at least know what the doctor will take into account.
- The condition and size of the breasts – depending on the current state and size of the breasts, one or more methods of breast modeling may be more suitable. For example, in women with significantly sagging breasts, a vertical scar mastopexy or reduction mammoplasty may be more appropriate.
- Your age can play a role in the result you can expect after surgery. In older patients, the skin tends to be more saggy and less elastic, which can affect the outcome.
- Your expectations – it is important to think about what you expect from the surgery. Do you just want to lift your breasts, or do you also want to slightly enlarge them and undergo a combined procedure?
- Your health condition may influence the method the surgeon chooses. For example, in patients with bleeding disorders or blood clotting issues, a gentler technique may be more appropriate.
- The duration and complexity of recovery – each method involves a different healing process. It is important to consider whether you can take time off work after the surgery, how much you will be able to care for your breasts, etc. The surgeon will explain the healing process during your consultation.
Preparation for breast lift surgery
The doctor will always tell you how to prepare for the procedure (this may vary depending on the type of surgery and your health condition). However, it is generally recommended to stop smoking a few weeks before the surgery and refrain from smoking for two weeks after the surgery to reduce the risk of complications and accelerate the healing process.
You should be in good health and not recovering from any illness, so your body can fully focus on healing after the procedure.
It is important to carefully follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon and inform them of any health issues or changes in your condition during the recovery process.
Boosting self-esteem
After healing and complete recovery from the procedure, women who have undergone breast augmentation describe an increase in self-esteem, greater satisfaction, and harmony with themselves and their appearance. This has a positive impact on their mental well-being and their relationships with others.
Especially for women who undergo breast modeling due to a previous surgical procedure or other health issues, the return to the original appearance of their breasts is a great relief.
Consult breast modeling with our experts
If you are still considering breast modeling and would like to discuss it directly with a doctor, schedule a no-obligation consultation where our specialists will explain
In the meantime, you can read more about the procedure and take a look at reviews from our clients.