Breast Lift

Breast lift aims to restore the shape, volume and elasticity of the breasts without increasing or reducing their size.

Breast Lift
Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis Plastic Surgeon

“The main indication for breast lift surgery is the fall of the breasts without their hypertrophy. The fall of the breasts, in relation to the position of the nipple, is distinguished in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th degree” says Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis.

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis

Techniques

Breast Lift

There are two basic techniques for breast lift (mastopexy), depending on the degree of the fall. The Dufourmentel-Mouly oblique lateral method for minor falls and the Robins breast lift technique for more severe breast falls. All breast lift procedures aim to remove excess skin and fix the nipple at a higher level with the least possible scarring. Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

  • Grade I breast drop: if the breast size is small, the drop is treated by placing small silicone implants.
  • Grade II breast ptosis: if the breast is small, silicone implants are selected and placed, leading to breast lift. In the case of larger breasts, part of the skin around the areola is removed and the position of the nipple is raised.
  • Grade III breast ptosis: in this case, a V-shaped section of skin is removed from under the areola and the nipple is lifted.
  • Grade IV, V breast ptosis: : this requires the removal of a large amount of skin and the positioning of the nipple in a higher position, is technically more difficult and requires the creation of a flap for the safe transfer of the nipple to a higher position.

Degrees of fall

Breast Lift

Depending on the position of the nipple, breast drop is divided into the following categories:

Grade I: Pseudoptosis, slight breast ptosis, nipples remain above the inframammary fold

Grade II: slight breast ptosis, nipples remain at the level of the inframammary fold

Grade ΙΙΙ: Moderate breast ptosis, nipples below the inframammary fold but visible

Grade IV: Severe breast ptosis, nipples barely visible

Grade V: Severe breast ptosis, nipples hidden behind the lower pole of the breasts

Pseudoptosis: Breast is drooping, with the breast contour below the inframammary fold, but the nipple – areola complex is above the fold.

What You Should Know

Breast Lift

  • Lifetime of the inserts

    Silicone implants used for breast augmentation (breast plastic surgery) have a lifespan of more than 10 years. There are implants that have a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer. However, a woman may choose to change them after a number of years due to age, pregnancy, etc. In most cases, the inserts do not need to be changed.

  • Postoperative course

    After the operation, a special pressure bandage is applied for about 2-3 days. The pressure bandage is then removed and replaced by a special bra.

    A mild massage can help to remove the swelling and decongestion of the area. Stitches are removed at 10 days and avoiding vigorous hand movement and exercise is recommended for the first month.

  • Complications

    Complications are not common and are limited by the correct application of the appropriate technique, the experience and expertise of the surgeon, the placement of the appropriate size of the implant, preventive antibiotic treatment and the patient’s adherence to the instructions. The main complications are haematoma formation (which will require drainage), hypertrophic scarring and loss of nipple sensation. After the breast lift procedure, swelling, numbness in the breast area or bruising may occur, which resolves within a month.

    Postoperative pain can be managed with analgesics, and the patient can return to mild work after 1-2 weeks and to full activity in 3-4 weeks. As far as breastfeeding is concerned, if implants are also placed, it is not affected in any way.

FAQ

Breast Lift

What causes the fall of the breasts?

Over time, the breasts lose their firmness and elasticity and often lead to sagging. The most common causes are the following:

  • Pregnancy
  • Weight reductions
  • Heredity
  • Breastfeeding
  • Normal ageing

Can Breast Lift affect breastfeeding?

Even if a Breast Lift is combined with a Breast Augmentation with the use of implants, if the appropriate implants are used, breastfeeding is not affected in any way.

Do I need to be hospitalized after my Breast Lift surgery?

After the operation, a one-day hospital stay in the clinic is recommended, depending of course on the response of each patient’s body to total anesthesia.

What is the cost for the Breast lift?

The price of a breast lift varies and depends on the technique of the procedure, the particular difficulties it may present, and the type of implant if it is placed. The final cost is determined after an examination by a qualified plastic surgeon.

Is Breast Augmentation also performed during the Breast Lift?

In cases where there is also a “ptosis” of the breasts, which needs lifting, then a breast lift can be performed in combination.

In cases of small breast size, then the placement of small silicone implants is required. Also, there are cases when the patient also wishes to have a breast augmentation, in which case the two procedures are combined in the same surgical time with the placement of silicone implants to restore the breast volume.

If the person is overweight, can she undergo a Breast Lift surgery?

If the woman is overweight, then she may need to lose weight before the surgery.

Contact us!

You can send us your request by phone or e-mail and we will get back to you the soonest possible with more information on our top quality services on Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, all at your disposal at Cosmetic Derma Medicine!

Contact Form--EN