Breast Uplift
Due to the reduction of skin elasticity (as a result of aging, weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding), breasts tend to sag and lose their beautiful shape and firmness.
A breast lift surgery (mastopexy) serves to reverse these changes, whether or not with adding an implant to give some extra volume and projection. For this we also refer to the information under breast augmentation.
WHEN IS A BREAST LIFT RECOMMENDED?
A frequently asked question we get from patients who come for a breast augmentation is:
Do I also need a Breast Lift?
A Breast Lift is required when:
- the nipple hangs too low and will be sagging even moren with the placement of an implant, or
- the own skin envelope is too large or too weak.
If the patient already has sagging breasts (in medical terms 'ptosis'), an implant may not be enough to "fill" the breast and enable proper lifting.
Even more, by placing an implant, the breasts will hang even more due to the additional weight ("gravity"). In these patients, breast lift should be considered and discussed.
A patient is eligible for a breast lift when the breast is sagging and the nipple is lower than the fold of the breast. See below an illustration of the different degrees of sagging/ptosis:
By doing a breast lift, we can:
- adjust your breast shape,
- improve the position of your breast tissue and
- reposition the nipple so that it is in the right place.
A breast lift is an important consideration that every breast augmentation patient should make. That is why it is also important that you ask this advice from a plastic surgeon who also has experience with breast lift operations and therefore does not propose a breast augmentation that will only be a temporary comfort solution.
BREAST LIFT: TECHNIQUE AND INCISION/SCAR
The appropriate technique and incision pattern is determined on the basis of the size, shape and degree of sagging of the breast, as well as the position of the areola (outer nipple).
The incision is usually done using one of the following methods:
- Around the nipple areola (peri-areolary): small lift with only a scar around the nipple areola
- Around the nipple areola and vertically down the breast (circumvertical scar)
- Around the areola, vertically down the breast and horizontally along the breast crease = classic lift with ‘anchor scar’.
Following a pre-operative signed pattern, the excess skin will be removed and the nipple with the areola will be placed higher (lifted). The sagging gland will be remodulated resulting in a natural-looking breast with more filling at the top. If necessary, extra volume will be added through an implant.
A breast lift is performed in day surgery under general anaesthesia.
We notice that some patients are afraid of the scar. However, the scar is usually very minimal. See here some pictures of the scar after a breast lift.
Breast lift without implants:
Breast lift with implants:
Before-and-After photos
Click here to see more before-and-after photos for breast uplifts.
HOW MUCH DOES A BREAST LIFT COST?
Click here for the prices of a breast lift.
A breast lift is already possible
- from 3.600 € without implants, and
- from 5.200 € with implants.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
Click here for patient testimonials about breast uplift in the Global Care Clinic.
Course of your treatment
We refer to the information mentioned under course of treatment. Please read this information very carefully.
Side-effects / postoperative complications
This surgery has the same risks as any other surgery. Please read more information on possible side effects here. The specific risks and possible complications are also explained during the interview with the plastic surgeon. Specific for breast uplift: when a breast uplift is combined with a breast implant, the chance for complications (wound dehiscence or nipple tissue necrosis) is higher, especially when big implants are used and/or if you are a smoker.