After pregnancy and breastfeeding or simply over time, many women find that their breasts have lost shape and firmness and have loose skin and breast ptosis. You can remove the loose skin by undergoing a mastopexy to reshape the breasts. If you have lost breast volume, you can combine a breast lift (mastopexy) with breast augmentation mammoplasty.
When deciding which procedure may suit your health, needs, and cosmetic goals, you may benefit from a meeting with a qualified surgeon. Dr Cope advises patients with only a small amount of loose skin that they may be suited to having breast implants alone (augmentation mammoplasty). However, if you have more loose skin, unless you want bigger implants, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be a better option. However, there will be more obvious scarring. Another option is a breast reduction mammoplasty, which may work for patients with excess breast volume. The exact procedure for you will depend on your needs and the surgical plan you discuss with Dr Cope.
A mastopexy surgery, or breast lift, does not aim to change the size of the breasts. Instead, it aims to reduce the excess skin in order to reposition the breasts and alter their shape. If you are interested in this procedure, it is important to discuss the risks as well as the benefits with a surgeon. A consultation with Dr Cope in Sydney can help you become clear on your surgical options.
*Note results vary from patient to patient
Consultations with Dr Charles Cope
Consultations are an important part of the planning phase before surgery. This is where you will sit down with Dr Cope and discuss your concerns and what you hope to achieve. Dr Cope will answer any questions you have about the procedure and recovery process before you make any decisions. He will also ask you about your medical past in order to assess whether you are suitable for surgery. Then, when we have these details, we can start to consider your surgical options for mastopexy surgery (breast lift).
Before going ahead with the surgery, you will also need to come for a second consultation. This is required to ensure you and your surgeon are on the same page. You can finalise the discussion about your surgery and give your consent if you decide to proceed. You should also ensure you know the risks, the aftercare required, and possible outcomes to expect. It’s important to have a healthy and positive mindset before surgery, and this final meeting with Dr Cope will help you prepare.
To discuss mastopexy surgery (breast lift) and the possible options in your case, book a meeting with Dr Cope at one of our clinic locations.
Candidates for breast lift (mastopexy) surgery
If you decide that breast lift mastopexy surgery is a good option for you, we will need to assess whether you are a good candidate. The decision to have surgery is very personal and requires a lot of thought and careful planning. As a result, it’s important to be honest with Dr Cope about any health issues you may have and ensure you are aware of what to expect from surgery.
Generally, candidates for this procedure include people who:
- Have loose skin or breast ptosis
- Have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Are willing to quit smoking both before and after surgery
- Have realistic desired outcomes
- Are aware of the risks involved in surgery
- Are able to take time off work and other duties to recover
The only way to know with certainty whether this procedure can serve your needs is to speak to an experienced plastic surgeon.
Will Medicare cover the cost of the surgery?
Medicare generally only covers the cost of surgeries that are medically required. For example, if a procedure is done to correct severe pain or irritation, it may qualify for a Medicare number. On the other hand, procedures that are done for cosmetic (rather than health) reasons typically don’t qualify. Breast lift mastopexy surgery is usually a cosmetic procedure. This means most patients are not eligible for Medicare rebates for this surgery.
However, in uncommon cases, a doctor may deem breast lift (mastopexy) surgery as a medical necessity. Medicare may then provide assistance towards the procedure. To be eligible, the patient must have a severe degree of breast ptosis, as well as chronic impacts on health and quality of life. Dr Cope can help you determine whether you fit this strict criteria for a Medicare rebate or aid from your health insurance provider.
Procedure
A breast lift (mastopexy surgery), with or without breast augmentation mammoplasty, is done under a general anaesthetic. The procedure takes about two hours for a breast lift (mastopexy surgery) alone. It is usually performed as a day-stay or overnight-stay procedure in Sydney.
The techniques Dr Cope uses during the surgery will depend on your unique anatomy and desired results. He will discuss these factors with you when developing your surgical plan. Generally, there are a few incision methods that surgeons may use for this procedure. The incisions may be:
- Around the areolae
- Horizontal along the lower breast crease
- Down from the areolae to the breast crease
Dr Cope will remove the excess skin and adjust the position of the nipple. He may also reduce the size of the areolae if necessary. Once he has repositioned the breast, he will close the incisions with care. Following mastopexy, it is important to restrict yourself to light activities. You will need to follow all the instructions for your aftercare and attend any follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
Surgery risks and complications
Risks and complications are vital to consider when planning a breast lift (mastopexy surgery) procedure. Although the likelihood of severe adverse effects is low when you choose a qualified surgeon, there are always risks. The possible risks of this surgery include:
- Infection
- Numbness or sensation loss
- Inability to breastfeed
- Bleeding
- Seroma
- Poor wound healing
- Poor scarring
- Asymmetry
- Anaesthesia reactions
- Need for further surgery
If you notice any side effects from your surgery that are concerning, ensure that you receive medical attention. You should follow your recovery instructions and keep Dr Cope updated on any issues during the healing process. He will aim to provide you with the help and support you need to have a successful recovery.
Breast lift recovery and aftercare
Post-surgical care is highly important after any form of breast surgery. Your surgical sites will be very sensitive and will need enough time and care to heal properly. You can expect to have some pain, swelling, and bruising, and you will need to restrict your movement. In order to help with these expected symptoms, we may advise that you:
- Use a cold compress
- Wear a support garment
- Take prescribed medication
- Avoid bending or straining
- Sleep on your back
Following your surgery, you will need to take time away from your normal duties. This means you will likely need someone to drive you home and assist you in your recovery. If you have young children, you may need someone to help take care of them. Most patients can drive and return to work within 10 days of the surgery. However, if your job is strenuous, you may need more time off. You should not do any heavy activities and sports for at least one month following the surgery. Other aftercare instructions from Dr Cope may include:
- Keep your incisions dry
- Avoid sun exposure on your surgical sites
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated
- Get enough sleep and rest
How much does a breast lift (mastopexy) surgery cost in Sydney
Many factors are involved in the total cost of a breast lift (mastopexy) surgery. In order to get an accurate quote, you will need to have a discussion with us and receive a tailored treatment plan. Based on this surgical plan, we can determine the following factors:
- The surgeon’s fee
- The anaesthetist’s fee
- The hospital fee
- The materials used during the procedure (e.g. support bra or bandages)
It is important to note that the fees for this procedure may vary according to the patient’s surgical plan. After your private meeting, Dr Cope will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown.
How can I manage scars?
The appearance of scars may be a concern for some patients after their procedure. For this reason, it is a good idea to discuss a scar management plan with your surgeon. Make sure to protect your scars from the sun, as UV light can cause scars to become discoloured. Additionally, managing scars may involve using micropore tape or silicone tape, as well as massage therapy. Healthy lifestyle habits like eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking can also help to manage the appearance of scars.
Keep in mind that managing scars is only possible after your wounds have healed. Also, it is normal for scars to fade in colour over time and become pale, which typically happens within a year or two.
Choose Dr Charles Cope for your breast lift (mastopexy) in Sydney
Getting a breast lift (mastopexy) surgery is a big decision that can have long-term impacts. Choosing a reliable surgeon who has the requisite knowledge and skill can make all the difference to your outcomes. A good surgeon will not only be able to advise you according to your circumstances but also recommend a surgical plan that suits your desires.
Dr Cope is a qualified plastic surgeon in Sydney who aims to provide consistent and caring support for each patient. For a private consultation, visit one of our clinics in Mosman, Wahroonga, or Gosford.
Frequently Asked Questions
A woman of any age can undergo this procedure. However, it is important that the breasts are fully developed and that the patient is a good candidate. It is also a good idea to consider potential life changes that may affect your results. For example, if you plan to lose weight or become pregnant in the future, it may be best to wait.
A breast lift (mastopexy) surgery removes loose skin from the breasts. By removing this tissue, the surgeon is able to adjust the position of the breasts and nipples.
Although the outcomes are long-lasting, the surgery does not prevent natural ageing in the future. Therefore, patients tend to experience results for 5-10 years. The length of time depends on your natural anatomy, such as the size of your breasts. It may also depend on your lifestyle, such as weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or hormonal changes. Some patients may decide to have another surgery in the future.
Whatever type of mastopexy you have, there will be a scar around the areola. With larger amounts of loose skin, you need a scar vertically down from the areola to the crease under the breast. Patients with a large amount of loose skin also need a scar that runs along the crease under the breast. You can discuss these techniques and scar management with Dr Cope.
A breast lift (mastopexy) typically doesn’t affect a patient’s ability to breastfeed. However, there is a risk that your ability to breastfeed may be impacted by surgery.
The operation is performed as a day surgery or overnight stay procedure in a hospital.
It is normal for scars to be red, lumpy and obvious for six to eight weeks after surgery. After this, they gradually fade, with most people’s scars being white by one year. However, less commonly, this process can take two or more years.* The simplest way to help this process is to keep tape such as Micropore tape or silicone tape on the scars for the first three months or so. An alternative to this is to massage the scars. Uncommonly, scars stay red and thick for months, requiring other treatments such as steroid injections or vascular lasers to help them fade.
During the first week after surgery, you need to rest and recover at home. When you go home, there will be waterproof dressings covering your breasts, which normally stay on for one week. This should allow you to shower normally. Most people find these dressings supportive, but if you find it more comfortable to wear a supportive sports bra, that’s fine. Some people feel well enough to drive to the postoperative visit, which is usually five to seven days later.* Most people return to office work 10 days after breast lift mastopexy surgery.*
For most people, it is three to four weeks until they are ready to return to sport and full activities.*
*Note results vary from patient to patient
