As you get older, your breasts lose firmness and elasticity. A breast lift is a surgical procedure called a mastopexy, which entails removing excess skin and reshaping tissue to tighten and lift the breast to combat sagging.
A breast lift can reduce drooping and enhance the position of the nipples and the areolas – the darker areas around the nipples. The areolas can also be made smaller during the procedure to keep them in proportion with the newly shaped breasts.
On its own, a breast lift won’t dramatically change the size of your breasts. However, it can be done in combination with breast enlargement or breast reduction.

What is Breast Enlargement?

Also known as breast augmentation, breast enlargement is usually achieved with implants to enhance volume, size and shape. Following a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) crackdown on textured breast implants, Dr Kohout – regarded as one of the best plastic surgeons for breast lift – now uses only smooth or nanotextured implants.

What is Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction surgery decreases the size and weight of large breasts to address problems such as self-consciousness and back and neck pain. A reduction of just a couple of cup sizes can create a more proportionate appearance and make exercising easier.

Breast lift surgery patients can generally go home the same day with their breasts covered with a dressing and a surgical support bra.

Your breasts will look different straight away, although will continue to change in shape as they settle over a few months. They will be bruised and swollen for a couple of weeks, and the area around the incisions will probably feel sore.

For the first few days, take pain relief as recommended by the doctor, and avoid physical exertion. Sleep on your side or back to keep pressure off your breasts. Avoid sex for a couple of weeks.

If you haven’t had dissolvable stitches, the sutures are usually removed one to two weeks after the procedure.

Are There Any Risks with Breast Lift Surgery?

As with all surgical procedures, a breast lift poses potential risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, or an adverse reaction to anaesthesia. However, issues like these are rare with a breast lift.

• Bleeding. Heavy bleeding after a breast lift is unusual. Any bleeding will usually occur soon after surgery.
• Infection. If symptoms of infection appear after breast lift surgery, the problem can typically be treated with antibiotics.
• Scarring. Breast lift scars will be apparent for a few months after surgery but most will then begin to fade.
• Reaction to anaesthesia. A bad reaction to general anaesthesia after a breast lift is uncommon if you’re healthy.

Dr Kohout will make sure you understand the possible complications of a breast lift and address any particular concerns you may have.