Breast Lift Melbourne (Surgery for Mastopexy)
A breast lift, or mastopexy surgery, can be performed when skin laxity or excess skin causes the breasts to drop lower from their original position. The procedure can also address an enlarged areola and downward-facing nipples, in a way that suits the changes in breast shape.
Breasts tend to lose their elasticity for several reasons, the most common being the natural ageing process, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain, and weight loss. Over time, ligaments in the breasts that usually support the tissues begin to stretch, resulting in ptosis.
Your initial consultation
During your initial consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Ritz, you will discuss your personal preferences in terms of the results you would like to achieve with a breast lift (mastopexy). To assess if you are suitable for a mastopexy procedure, he will discuss your medical history, including medications you take and any past surgeries you have had. Lifestyle factors and what you do for work will also need to be discussed, as it is important that you avoid strenuous exercise after your procedure. Suitable candidates will be able to take time off work and follow recovery instructions after their surgery.
Dr Ritz will explain the options available for the procedure, as a breast lift (mastopexy) should be tailored to your personal needs. Providing personalised advice, he can begin to plan your surgery, including deciding the most suitable incision type. You will be able to ask any questions you have about the procedure and make sure that you understand what will be involved. You can also discuss the recovery process and any steps you may need to take to prepare for your surgery.
The risks and complications that can occur with a breast lift (mastopexy) will also be discussed in detail during your consultation. You will discuss how complications can be avoided and what you can do during your recovery to encourage healing.
After your consultation with Dr Ritz, you can then see his Personal Assistant Georgie to discuss the costs of your procedure and the booking process.
Suitable candidates
A variety of factors will need to be considered to determine your suitability for a breast lift (mastopexy). Your general health (including health history), any past surgeries you have had, your expectations for the results of a mastopexy surgery and certain lifestyle factors (such as exercise, smoking and the physical demands of your regular routine) will need to be discussed during your consultation.
Suitable candidates should be in good health and without any contraindications to the procedure (such as currently breastfeeding). The procedure should not be performed on candidates who are pregnant, experiencing significant health conditions or cannot accommodate the rest that will be required during recovery. It’s important that candidates are able to take the recommended time away from work and their regular daily routine after the procedure. Realistic expectations will also be essential, as well as a mutual understanding between you and Dr Ritz in terms of the results you want to achieve.
During your mastopexy surgery
At your consultation, the details of your breast lift (mastopexy) procedure will be explained so that you will have an understanding of how your surgery will be performed. You can discuss what to expect on the day of your procedure and any steps you will need to take to prepare.
You will arrive for surgery two hours before your procedure is scheduled to begin. You will see Dr Ritz during this time, who will draw markings to indicate where he will place incisions. The anaesthetist will also greet you and explain how and what will happen once the anaesthetic is administered.
With a breast lift (mastopexy), an incision is often made around the areola that travels down to the fold of the breast. However, there are a variety of incision types and patterns that may be used, which you will discuss when planning the details of your procedure. The type of incision you will need will depend on the amount of lifting you will require or the amount of tissue that will be removed. Once incisions are made, Dr Ritz will then remove the excess skin and fat, allowing him to reposition the remainder of the breast. Once he has made the planned changes, Dr Ritz will close your incisions and insert drains, which will remove any fluid after your procedure. Sometimes, the position of the nipples and areolae may be adjusted to lift them to a suitable position. If this will be included in your procedure, you can discuss how they may be repositioned and how they can appear during your consultation.
You will need to be monitored after your procedure in a hospital, but most of your recovery can then be completed at home. The time that you will spend in surgery depends on the complexity of your procedure and can differ from patient to patient. Dr Ritz may be able to give you a time estimate during your consultation.
Recovery after your breast lift (mastopexy) procedure
After your procedure, you are usually required to stay in hospital for one to two nights. Once Dr Ritz is satisfied with how you’re progressing, the drains will be removed, and you will be permitted to go home. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital, so it will be important to arrange that in advance.
Recovery time will be different for each patient, and you will be provided with instructions to follow that will help manage swelling, pain, and discomfort.
Recovery and post-operative care
After a breast lift (mastopexy), you will be required to take some time off work to sufficiently recover at home. The amount of time that you will need to take off work will depend on the physical demands of your job, as strenuous exercise and heavy lifting will need to be avoided for about six weeks. You may need anywhere from two to six weeks off from work.
You will receive recovery instructions post-operatively. Recovery instructions will typically involve avoiding driving for two weeks. You will need to get plenty of rest, take pain medication as directed, follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated throughout your recovery. Keeping your incisions clean and dry will help to prevent infection, which can also help to minimise the visibility of scarring. You may be asked to avoid blood thinning medications and supplements after your procedure. You will be able to discuss this in more detail at your initial consultation.
You may experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising after your breast lift (mastopexy), but these post-surgical experiences should subside as your body heals. When it comes to slowly resuming your daily routine and exercise, make sure that you listen to your body and do not push yourself past your physical limits. You should always wait until cleared by Dr Ritz to resume strenuous exercise. During your recovery, attending post-operative appointments may be helpful to assess your healing and act on any possible concerning symptoms promptly.
The costs of mastopexy surgery in Melbourne
All procedures are highly personalised, which can be reflected in the costs of your surgery. The cost of a breast lift (mastopexy) will include surgeon’s fees, hospital fees, anaesthesia fees, and costs that may be required during your recovery.
Please contact our team if you have any further questions about the costs of a breast lift (mastopexy) or any other procedure offered.
Possible complications
After mastopexy surgery, patients can experience swelling, bruising, pain, discomfort and other common post-surgical symptoms. These can generally be managed with aftercare steps such as taking pain medication and following steps to help swelling subside. In terms of further complications that can occur after a breast lift (mastopexy), you will be informed of these during your consultation, including how these complications can be avoided. Some complications can include infection, delayed healing, skin necrosis, fluid accumulation, numbness, asymmetrical results, changes in sensation and anaesthesia complications. Since some of these complications will require medical attention, you should notify our clinic if you notice any concerning changes during your recovery.
DISCLAIMER
**Individual results will vary based on factors such as genetics, age, diet and exercise. The outcome experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience.
All surgery carries risks. These risks include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, scarring, pain, numbness, asymmetry. All surgery requires a recovery period and post operative care. This will be all discussed in further detail during your consultation**
Morris Ritz is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
AHPRA Registration: MED0001156076