Transform Your Bust with a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in 2023

There are three different types of breast lift, each characterised by the type of incision and corresponding scar. The choice of which breast lift is ideal for you depends on how much your breasts hang down, elasticity of the breast skin, existing breast anatomy and your aesthetic goals.

The three types of breast lift are;

Periareolar scar– also known as circumareolar, Benelli or Doughnut lift, involves a single incision around the areola, which allows for resizing of the areola and repositioning of the nipple. This type of breast lift produces 1-2cm of lift and is therefore only suited for mildly sagging breasts. The resulting scar is usually well-concealed as it is located at the natural junction of dark areola skin and lighter breast skin.

Periareolar scar breast lift

Vertical scar – also known as lollipop scar, involves an incision around the areola and a vertical incision on the lower half of the breast, down the the inframammary fold. Through this incision the areola is resized, the nipple repositioned and the breast tissue reshaped. Vertical scar lift produces more elevation than the periareolar scar and is therefore suited for moderately sagging breasts.

Vertical scar breast lift

Inverted-T scar – also known as Wise-pattern or Anchor scar, is the same as vertical scar but has an additional horizontal incision in the inframammary fold. This is ideal for breasts that are heavily sagging. Of the three techniques, the inverted-T lift results in the most scarring and overall longer recovery.

All breast lift scars usually fade very well and not readily visible in a bra, bikini or low-cut top.

During your consultation with Mr Karri, he will discuss which technique is best suited for you.

Breast Lift With Implants (Augmentation-Mastopexy)

If you want your sagging breasts to be lifted and also want a fuller bust, then a breast lift with implants is ideally suited for you. This procedure can produce dramatic results, transforming breasts that are sagging and deflated to breasts that have a youthful shape, good projection and in proportion to your body.

Breast lift with implants involves the same incisions used for vertical or inverted-T breast lift but also involves using an implant to add volume to your breasts. Depending on your aesthetic goals, Mr Karri may use either a round or tear-drop breast implant.

What Type Of Anaesthetic Will I Have For My Breast Lift Surgery?

Mr Karri performs breast lift surgery under local, regional or general anaesthetic. Many patients are surprised to learn that nearly all types of breast lift can be performed under regional anaesthesia, whereby long-acting local anaesthetic is used to block specific sensory nerves to the breast. Regional anaesthesia is a specialist technique and is administered by our experienced Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Reg Edwards. The great advantage of local or regional anaesthesia is that you will avoid all the unpleasant side-effects of general anaesthetic, notably prolonged recovery, post-op nausea and vomiting and sore throat. Furthermore, there is less risk of post-operative bleeding and haematoma.

Scar / poor scarring – the incision around the areola usually heals to leave a inconspicuous scar, however in some women the scar can thicken and remain red for a prolonged period.

Infection – if an infection arises antibiotics or further surgery may be required. If a breast lift and enlargement has been performed, then removal of the implant may be necessary. It may be a number of months before a new implant can be placed to restore symmetry.

Haematoma – excessive bleeding into the breast can occur, known as a haematoma and may require drainage. It is important that you you do not take any products containing aspirin, anti-inflammatories, blood thinners or vitamin E for 14 days prior to your operation as these medications can greatly increase the risk of bleeding.

Wound healing delay – women who smoke or are diabetic are at increased risk of the wound edges separating or taking longer to heal. In such cases, further surgery is usually not necessary but healing takes longer

Nipple-areola necrosis (death of tissue)- rarely, the blood supply to the nipple or areola may be interrupted leading to the partial or total loss of the nipple or areola.

Changes in nipple or breast sensation – while sensation typically returns within several weeks, some loss of feeling may be permanent.

Asymmetry – a minor degree of asymmetry after surgery is common. Nearly all women have some asymmetry between their breasts before surgery, and in some women this asymmetry is due to differences in the underlying muscles and ribs. It is important to remember that breasts come in many different sizes and shapes.

Implant malposition – if a breast lift and enlargement has been performed, the implant may not remain in the correct position after surgery. The implant may sit up too high, off to the side or too low.

Difficulty breast-feeding – some women may have difficulty producing milk after breast surgery.

Need for revision surgery in the future.

Risks of general anaesthesia, such as feeling sick and vomiting, deep vein thrombosis, shivering and sore throat.