What the procedure is
A breast lift treats ptosis resulting from pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight loss or ageing, by removing excess skin, reshaping the tissue and raising the nipple and areola.
The operation does not substantially increase or decrease volume; it redistributes and repositions. Those who also want more volume discuss adding an implant, and those who want less discuss reduction.
The degree of ptosis is measured by the position of the nipple relative to the fold beneath the breast, and this determines the incision pattern needed.
Who is a suitable candidate
- Women with clear ptosis who are content with their breast volume.
- Women whose weight is stable and who finished breastfeeding an adequate time ago.
- Non-smokers, for the same reason relating to nipple blood supply.
- Women who understand that a pregnancy or significant weight change after surgery can restore the ptosis.
How it is performed
Performed under general anaesthesia, usually taking two to three hours.
The incision pattern is chosen according to the degree of ptosis: periareolar alone in mild cases, periareolar with a vertical extension, or an inverted-T pattern in marked ptosis.
Excess skin is removed, the tissue is reshaped and elevated, and the nipple and areola are moved to their new position with the blood supply preserved.
Recovery
- Discharge is usually the same day or after one night.
- A supportive bra for several weeks.
- Return to desk work is often one to two weeks, and sport after about six weeks.
- The final shape usually settles over several months as the tissue drops slightly and stabilises.
Scars
Scars are permanent and their extent depends on the pattern used; the greater the ptosis, the longer the scar required to correct it.
This trade-off between the degree of correction and scar length is the central consideration in choosing the pattern.
Risks and complications
Every operation carries risk. This is an educational list, not an exhaustive one; the risks specific to your case are discussed during consultation.
- Risks of anaesthesia.
- Altered nipple or areolar sensation.
- Compromised blood supply to the nipple and areola and, rarely, tissue loss.
- Asymmetry in position or shape.
- Delayed wound healing.
- Widening of the areola or thickened scarring.
- Gradual recurrence of ptosis over time, or after pregnancy or weight change.
- A possible effect on breastfeeding.
Combining with other procedures
A lift is combined with augmentation where there is both ptosis and a wish for more volume. This combination is more complex than either procedure alone because it balances elevating tissue against adding volume at the same time, and in some cases is staged over two operations.
Common questions
What is the difference between a breast lift and augmentation?
A lift addresses position and ptosis without substantially changing volume; augmentation adds volume without addressing ptosis. Clinical examination of nipple position relative to the fold beneath the breast determines which is needed, or whether both are.
Does ptosis return after the operation?
The operation does not stop the effects of gravity or ageing. The result lasts years in many cases, but pregnancy, significant weight change or the passage of time can restore some ptosis.