Breast lift (mastopexy)
A breast lift, also referred to as mastopexy, can bring about a marked improvement in your self-esteem and the way you feel about life. Particularly after more than one pregnancy, major weight loss as a result of dieting, or simply because you have grown older, there is often a slackening of the tissue. Since the capacity of connective tissue to recover is limited, your breasts begin to sag over time.
A reasonable amount of time before the operation, it is obligatory to have your breasts screened by your gynaecologist with medical imaging (as recommended by your specialist, e.g. by ultrasound).
Procedure in a breast lift
After a detailed anamnesis, in which we also ask you about your clinical history and your wishes, we measure your breasts and examine them precisely, also with regard to the quality and elasticity of the skin. The skin quality, for example, can be influenced by many factors including pregnancy and major fluctuations in weight. These can cause so-called striae distensae (stretchmarks) in the skin. That is an indication that the skin does not have a good capacity to recover. The elasticity plays an important part in healing, and in terms of the final result and its stability. If the skin fails to recover properly after the operation, a surplus is left over at the place where it has been gathered and that, in most cases, is aesthetically unappealing.
Depending on the findings from the examination, we will explain the method which is most suitable for a breast lift in your case. That way, you already have a good picture of where the scars will be at the end of the process.
As a maximum variant, an incision is made around the areola, with another, vertical incision from the bottom of the areola over the lower half of the breast, and finally also a curved incision, horizontally, in the skin duplicature below the breast. Under certain conditions, we will be able to manage without the vertical and/or horizontal incisions, so that there will be fewer scars visible at the end. However, an incision around the nipple is always necessary, because it needs to be transposed upwards.
In the Lejour technique (i-incision), existing surplus skin is gathered to avoid scarring in the inframammary fold. However, this requires the skin to be of good quality and good elasticity, as otherwise the result might not be aesthetically appealing and it could become necessary to operate again. Having said that, if the surplus of skin coincides with the scar, it can be removed in a second operation about six months after the first under local anaesthetic.
If the distance between the nipple and the inframammary fold and/or between the supraclavicular region and the nipple is sufficiently great, one i-incision will not be sufficient in most cases. Then, another incision is made in the inframammary fold. This produces a scar in the form of an upside-down T or a so-called anchor-shaped scar. This is necessary when the surplus of skin is particularly large. At the end of the day, we want to achieve an appealing result, i.e. one with which you yourself are satisfied.
In general, in a breast lift, the nipple-and-areola complex is raised to the right level. The complex, with its pedicle, is transposed upwards, with the nerves and blood vessels remaining attached to the areola. The nipples, and the areola, which is often too large, can also be reduced in size at the same time in this operation to harmonise with the breast itself. In addition, the tissue of the mammary gland is reshaped and also transposed upwards to produce a handsome, ample breast form.
Then, the surplus skin is removed and the breast is lifted by being sutured together at the sites of the resection. So that the fluid can escape from the wound better, a small drainage is inserted beneath the skin, though it can, in most cases, already be removed the next day.
After the breast lift
After the operation, while you are still in the operating room, we will fit you with a special bra and take you to our recovery room, where you will be looked after and monitored by a qualified member of our staff. While you are still under the anaesthetic, you will be given a pain blocker so that you feel as little pain as possible when you wake up. The necessary pain therapy will then be adjusted to suit your own individual requirements.
As a rule, you will be able to go home again the same evening. However, for the next 24 hours you should have a trusted adult at your side who can keep an eye on you and act in case of an emergency.
The first check-up with a change of dressing will take place the next day. In most cases the drainage is removed at this check-up too. We will then ask you to come for further check-ups and changes of dressing at regular intervals.
After about 10 days, the small sutures visible on the surface of the skin will be able to be cut short. In a breast lift, we use absorbable suture material, which means that the suture remains in your body for a predetermined period of time and then simply dissolves on its own. That way, there is no need for the whole suture to be removed. After that, you will be allowed to have a proper shower for the first time. Before that, you should just wash your upper body, so as to avoid the risk of introducing bacteria and cleansing products or causing irritation at the site of the scars.
As for the special plasters, we like to leave these covering the surface wounds for up to 3 weeks, as studies have shown that the scars that then form are aesthetically more pleasing. After that, we can decide together whether or not any special scar care will be necessary. If so, we’ll be happy to give you recommendations for suitable creams, silicone plasters or nutritional supplements. We will either have these available for you in our practice, or write you a prescription for them.
For the next 6 weeks, you must wear a special compression bra day and night. You can obtain this from us here at the practice if there is a different model you prefer. You should also avoid strong sunlight during this time and not go to the solarium, because otherwise the fresh scars could change colour.
If there are no complications in the healing process, no antibiotics are necessary. Only in very rare cases are pain-relieving drugs required for more than 3 days. If possible, sleep on your back only for as long as you can after the operation to protect the newly formed breast tissue.
You can expect the final result after about 6 to 12 months. Decisive factors for the final result and how long it will last are not only the surgical technique, but also individual factors that vary from patient to patient such as the quality of your skin mantle and glandular tissue and the ability of your body to form scars.
How long should I wait after pregnancy before having a breast lift?
At least 9 months after pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, you should wait at least 6 months after stopping breastfeeding. Significant hormonal changes occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding, affecting the structure and size of the breast tissue. A breast lift is generally advisable only once the glandular tissue and skin have had sufficient time to return to their pre-pregnancy state.
Who is a breast lift not suitable for?
If you are planning to become pregnant in the near future or are currently losing weight, a breast lift may not be advisable at this stage. Significant weight loss also leads to a reduction in fatty tissue within the breasts and may cause the skin to lose firmness. As a result, the breasts may begin to sag again, even after a previous breast lift. Your weight should therefore have been stable for at least 6 months before surgery.
Can I still breastfeed after a breast lift?
In principle, breastfeeding remains possible with the surgical techniques we use. However, in rare cases, the ability to breastfeed may be impaired following a breast lift.
How long does breast lift surgery take?
The procedure usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours, depending on the individual findings.
What type of anaesthesia is required for a breast lift?
The procedure is performed exclusively under general anaesthesia. Throughout the operation, you will be monitored by our specialist anaesthetist.
What complications can occur after a breast lift?
Every surgical procedure involves risks, whether associated with the anaesthesia or the operation itself. Our extensive experience and comprehensive patient care help to minimise these risks. However, complications may also occur after surgery.
As the procedure involves incisions around the areolae, the division of nerves and blood vessels, and reshaping of the glandular tissue, numbness or increased sensitivity may occur in the nipples and other areas of the breast skin following a breast lift. In most cases, normal sensation returns within weeks or, in some cases, months. Very rarely, permanent nipple numbness may occur. Changes in sensation around the scars are also possible but usually diminish over time.
You can find a detailed description of potential complications here.
How long do the results of a breast lift last?
Particularly in patients with reduced skin elasticity, the tissue may gradually lose firmness. Depending on the initial condition of the breasts, fullness in the upper breast area may decrease again over time. Hormonal influences, such as pregnancy and menopause, can also affect the appearance of the breasts. In general, breasts that have undergone surgery continue to be subject to the natural ageing process. Whether and when a further procedure may be necessary to maintain an aesthetically satisfactory result therefore varies from person to person.
Can I combine a breast lift with breast augmentation?
Yes, this is possible and can often be beneficial for small, sagging breasts to achieve the desired shape and size. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may choose between different types of breast implants or autologous fat transfer (lipofilling).
When can I exercise again after a breast lift?
You should avoid activities that cause the breasts to bounce or place significant tension on the scars, such as jogging. After approximately 6 weeks, you can usually begin light exercise and gradually increase your activity level. Until then, you should avoid physical exertion and minimise movement of the breasts.
How much does a breast lift cost?
The cost of a breast lift depends on your individual circumstances and the extent of the treatment required. Following a personal examination and consultation, we will provide you with an individual cost estimate.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of a breast lift?
Generally, no. A breast lift is usually considered a purely aesthetic procedure. Only in exceptional cases involving severe physical impairment may health insurance cover the associated costs.
DURATION OF OPERATION: 2.5 hours or longer
ANAESTHETIC: general anaesthetic
HOSPITALISATION: out-patient, or in-patient with 1-3 overnight stays
PAIN LEVEL: low
AFTER-TREATMENT: compression bra for 6 weeks
PRESENTABILITY, RETURN TO WORK: 7 – 21 days depending on findings
SPORT: after 6 weeks, full performance after 12 weeks
COSTS: Depending on individual circumstances; a cost estimate will be provided following examination and consultation.
Ask our advice.
We’ll be glad to provide you with detailed information about this treatment. Simply get in touch with us now and obtain advice at an individual and absolutely personal level.
+49 30 - 94 041 144