Common Questions about Breast Lift Surgery in Sydney.

Anaesthesia

Breast Lift surgery in Sydney, is performed under general anaesthesia and usually you will stay in hospital overnight. There is minimal pain after the procedure and this is controlled with simple analgesia. Dr Kumar only performs this procedure under a general anaesthetic in accredited private hospitals to ensure maximal patient safety and comfort.

Incision Location and Types

1) Vertical Incision ( short scar or lollipop scar)

The incision is made around the nipple areola complex and vertically down to the inframammary fold

A very natural looking, attractive breast is created with a smaller than usual scar

Occasionally there is a short T extension following the breast crease.

It can be performed in women of any age and is associated with a relatively quick recovery period.

2) Inverted T incision (anchor or Wise Pattern)

The incision is made around the nipple areola complex and vertically down to the inframammary fold and then horizontally across this fold

The scars involved are significantly longer than the ‘vertical’ technique

This operation is reserved for someone who is unsuitable for the ‘vertical’ operation, such as a patient with significant skin surplus.

3) Benelli Technique

The lift is performed with the scar all the way around the areolar itself thereby reducing the areolar skin while lifting the breast. This technique is often combined with a breast implant at the same time.

4) Crescentic Technique (mini lift)

The incision is around the areolar complex but only on the upper half.

Nipples

Your nipples will remain attached but will be repositioned and brought up to the more appropriate height. Your areola is also reduced at this time. Rarely, for extremely low hanging breasts for example, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a high position on the breast. This is called a nipple graft.

Fat Grafting

Fat Grafting to the breast is not a new procedure. However, the current, more modern techniques of fat harvesting and grafting has made this procedure extremely popular in patients undergoing breast lift surgery in Sydney. Fat grafting techniques can add a layer of contour to a lifted breast especially in patients who have lost a lot of weight. Volume can also be replaced and there can be improvement in the upper pole of the breast and décolletage. Sometimes fat grafting in conjunction with a breast lift can take away the need for breast implants. To learn more about fat grafting please click here to be taken to our fat grafting information page.

Closing the Incisions

At the end of your operation, Dr Kumar will close his incisions with dissolving stitches in multiple layers. This means that no stitches will need to be removed following surgery, for most patients.

All your sutures are self-dissolving and your dressings are waterproof so you can start having a shower from the day after your surgery. You will be given a garment (post-operative bra) to wear and this is to be worn for 6 weeks after your surgery.

Swelling will begin to decrease within the first two weeks and will continue to improve throughout recovery. Your final results may take up to 6 months to be visible.

Risks and Complications

If you are considering Breast Lift surgery in Sydney, then it is important that you are informed of the potential risks, complications and side effects of this surgery.

While all care is taken to minimise or totally avoid these complications and side effects, complications may and do occur despite the best medical care. It is important that you carefully read and understand the risk factors and they will be discussed in more detail when you have your consultation with Dr Kumar.

Does breast lift surgery affect breast screening and the risk of breast cancer?

There is no evidence to show that breast lift (mastopexy) surgery changes your risk of breast cancer. The surgery rearranges and removes some of your breast tissue so a new “baseline” mammogram will need to be performed one year after the surgery.

Recovery From Breast Lift Surgery

The length of your recovery will depend on the specific procedure and technique that Dr Kumar has used for your results. Recovery times can vary from person to person. If you have a “desk job” or one that doesn’t involve significant upper body physical activity, then most patients are back at this within 2 weeks of surgery. In general, however, Dr Kumar suggests that you should allow 4-6 weeks for initial recovery following your surgery. Scar maturation/fading often takes longer.

Patients report minor post-operative pain, which can be treated with oral medication. You will be given prescriptions to relieve pain and prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed.

A drain may be placed in each breast to drain off excess blood and fluids for the first day or two. All sutures are self-dissolving

Dr Kumar will work with you to allow for adequate and proper healing time. It is important to speak with him before returning to daily activities such as driving, lifting and exercise.

You will be given post-operative compression garments to wear after your surgery and it is vital that you follow Dr Kumar’s orders with respect to wearing these during your recovery period.
Good results depend on a collaborative approach between you and Dr Kumar. You must be willing to follow the specific instructions given to you by Dr Kumar, and attend all post-operative appointments.

Maintaining your Breast Lift Results

Please keep in mind that your results from Breast Lift Surgery may be impacted by fluctuations in your weight, early excessive activity, skin health or Body Mass Index (BMI). Pregnancy and breast-feeding may also impact on your surgical results following your Breast Lift Surgery.

No two patients are the same and surgery results will vary from patient to patient. It is important to work together with Dr Kumar to ensure you get the most out of your surgery and results.