Breast lift and reduction

Saggy breasts can be the result of large breast enlargement during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the result of large weight loss. Although breast reduction and breast lift surgery are somewise similar, especially in terms of the appearance of the postoperative scar, the main difference is that skin and glandular tissue are removed during breast reduction, while only excess skin is removed during breast lift. What is similar in both surgerys is the lifting of the nipple to a height of about 20 centimeters from the upper part of the sternum.

Do you want to reduce your breasts or lift them?

If the size of your breasts is such that it causes you functional problems or you are simply dissatisfied with their size, then you are a good candidate for breast reduction. This surgery consists of several steps, namely reduction of glandular tissue, removal of excess skin and lifting of the nipple. The shape of the postoperative scar will depend mainly on the size of the breast reduction.

For smaller reductions, up to about 500 grams per breast, the vertical scar technique can be used, where the postoperative scar goes around the nipple and vertically from the nipple to the inframammary groove.

Photo 1: Vertical scar technique, Photo 2: The scar can be a vertical and a horizontal, which is somewise hidden in the inframammary furrow

In the case of large reductions, which can be over 2000 grams per breast, the postoperative scar will have a horizontal part and the vertical part, which is still somewise hidden in the inframammary groove.

Photo 3: Removal of excess skin with nipple lift, Photo 4: Post-operative scars can look like those of breast reduction.

A breast lift requires the removal of excess skin along with a nipple lift. Depending on the degree of breast sagging and the size of excess skin, post-surgery scars may also look like those of a breast reduction.

What if your breasts are small and saggy?

If your breasts are such that the volume of glandular tissue is too small to form satisfactory-looking breasts after the removal of excess skin, the volume can be increased by placing breast implants. This kind of combined breast lifting and enlargement surgery is called augmentopexy.

What does the preoperative process look like?

During the examination, the doctor will explain all the details of the surgery, advise you on the type of surgery, and familiarize you with the postoperative protocol. You will also discuss with the doctor your medical history, medications you are taking that may need to be changed in the period around the surgery, any drug allergies, and your habits, such as smoking, which may also have an effect on the outcome of the surgery. You will be given a list of tests to be done before the surgery.

What to expect on the day of surgery?

Drains are removed at the first check-up, which is usually 2-3 days after surgery. You can shower freely seven days after the surgery. You can expect to return to light physical activities and driving a car in 2 weeks, while for more difficult physical activities you should wait 4-6 weeks. You should also pay attention to the care of the scar, which from the third week after the surgery needs to be massaged twice daily with a moisturizing cream.