Everything You Need to Know About Breast Lift: Surgery & Recovery

It’s a blessing what ageing does to the mind making us wiser with each passing day. But how wonderful it would be if it had the same positive effect on sagging breasts.  As women age, the skin and tissue around their breasts may lose elasticity, causing them to droop and lose their firmness. A woman’s breasts also undergo further changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is an effective solution for women who want to restore their breasts’ youthful shape and position. It is a cosmetic procedure that helps improve the appearance of sagging breasts by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue to lift and firm the breasts. 

As the breast lift surgery cost in Delhi is comparatively affordable as compared to other countries, India is gaining more patients from abroad. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about breast lift surgery and recovery.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?

Women with sagging breasts due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation or ageing are good candidates for breast lift surgery. You are also an ideal candidate for the surgery if your

• Nipples are not perky
• Areola is unnaturally large
• Nipples fall down the crease of your breasts 
• Breasts are longer than the ideal length instead of being rounded

Additionally, one should also be in good physical health and refrain from smoking as it can interfere with the healing process. Breast lift surgery is not recommended for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of breast cancer. 

Before getting the surgery, it’s essential to have realistic expectations and understand that breast lift surgery will not significantly increase the size of your breasts. If you’re looking to increase the size of your breasts, a breast augmentation procedure with implants or fat grafting may be a more suitable option.

Preparing for Breast Lift Surgery

Having a safe and successful outcome from the surgery depends on your surgeon’s experience and how well you have communicated your expectations to the surgeon. 

The breast lift surgery cost in India depends on the experience of the surgeon, the tools and technique used and patient expectations. Though cost is a crucial factor, you should always prioritise the quality of the procedure and the outcome delivered. 

Before the surgery, you will have a consultation with your surgeon, during which they will understand your medical history and conduct a physical examination of your breasts. They may also take photographs and measurements to help plan the surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure with you, including the type of incision to be made and potential risks and benefits to help you understand what to expect during and after the surgery.

You may be asked to stop smoking, and drinking, and avoid taking certain medications or supplements that are blood thinners as this will result in delayed healing of the wound. You may also need to have a mammogram or breast ultrasound before the surgery.  

On the day of the surgery, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. There will be some initial pain and discomfort along with grogginess which is an after-effect of anaesthesia. 

The Breast Lift Surgery Procedure

Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take 2-3 hours to complete. The surgeon will make incisions depending on the extent of the lift required. When it comes to breast lift four types of incisions are usually made. 

• Crescent Incision: It is made from 9’o clock to  3’o clock position in the upper part of the areola. This incision is preferred when there’s very minimal sag. 
• Donut incision: Chosen when minimum breast tissue removal is needed, this incision is made around the areola region. The scar usually blends in with the dark areola region and is not easily discernible.
• Lollipop incision: In addition to donut incision, a vertical incision is made from the centre to the lower crease of the breast. A lollipop incision enables the removal of a moderate amount of breast tissue. 
• Anchor incision: Building off of the lollipop incision, a third incision along the lower crease of the breast. An anchor incision is made when a large quantity (more than 1 kg) of breast tissue has to be removed from each side. 

In all four incision types, the scar either blends in with the areola region or gets hidden along the shadows of the lower crease of the breast. A board-certified plastic surgeon will also use a customised combination of different incisions to give you the best result. With time the scars will fade and will become less conspicuous. 

Once the incision is made, the excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped to lift and support the breasts. The nipples and areolas may also be repositioned to a more youthful position. The incisions are then closed with sutures. When it comes to breastfeeding in future, there will be no hindrances as the breast glands and ducts that secrete milk are left untouched.  After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room for initial monitoring and then discharged on the same day. 

Recovering from Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift surgery is an outpatient procedure with a comparatively quicker recovery time. You may experience some swelling and bruising for the first few days after the surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe the right combination of antibiotics and pain medication to manage your discomfort.

After surgery, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. You may need to wear a surgical bra or compression garment to support your breasts during the healing process.

Avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting that puts pressure on your chest for at least 4-6 weeks after the surgery. You should also avoid any activities that could put pressure on your breasts, such as sleeping on your stomach or participating in contact sports during this period. Attend the follow-up checkup meetings as directed by your surgeon and always put what makes you comfortable in every step of the journey. 

When looking for a female plastic surgeon in Gurgaon, make sure you verify their credibility and take a look at their before after portfolio before the surgery. Also, the breast lift surgery cost in Delhi and other cities vary based on the surgeon, the clinic infrastructure and your expecrtations too. Don’t hesitate to get all your doubts clarified before the surgery. 

May breast lift give you the much needed lift in your life!