If your breasts have changed shape, position or density following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, breast lift surgery (mastopexy) may help restore a more youthful, natural appearance.
Dr O’Mahony understands that these changes can affect how you feel about yourself, and she’s here to help you explore your options.
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, involves reducing excess breast skin and reshaping the breast tissue to lift the nipple and breast volume higher on the chest.
The procedure tightens the breast skin to create a firmer, more lifted appearance.
The extent and pattern of scars depends on how much lift is needed, but Dr O’Mahony places them as discreetly as possible.
During your consultation, Dr O’Mahony can show you the pattern of scars that would be required in your individual situation to help you understand what to expect. Most women find that the scars settle well over time and feel the benefits of the procedure are worth it.
The most common reason women consider breast lift surgery is to address the deflation and drooping that can occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, your breast tissue increases in volume to support breastfeeding, which stretches the skin significantly.
After you finish breastfeeding, the breast tissue shrinks back down, but the skin may not fully retract, leading to sagging and an under-filled appearance.
Breast lift surgery can help correct this by removing excess skin, reshaping the tissue, and lifting the breast back to a more natural position.
Some women who have lost a significant amount of weight experience similar changes, where the loss of breast volume isn’t matched by skin shrinkage.
To be suitable for surgery, you should be in good health, close to your ideal weight, and not smoking.
Breast lift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic in a hospital setting.
For some women, this can be done as day surgery, while others may need to stay in hospital overnight.
Dr O’Mahony will discuss what’s most appropriate for your situation during your consultation.
Most women need at least 2 weeks off ‘in person’ work although you could return to workimng form home sooner.
During the first few days, you may experience some discomfort, but this is usually well managed with pain medication.
You’ll have some bruising and swelling initially, which gradually improves over the following weeks.
Dr O’Mahony will see you for follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and advise on scar management.
Can I just have breast implants instead of a breast lift?
This is a common question, and the answer depends on your individual situation.
For some women, the sagging after pregnancy can be addressed with breast implants alone, which refill the stretched skin envelope.
However, for many women, the skin has stretched too much and the nipple sits too low for implants alone to create a natural-looking result.
In these cases, a breast lift is needed.
If you have very little breast tissue or would like to increase your breast size, Dr O’Mahony may recommend combining a breast lift with implants.
Sometimes these can be done together, but in many cases, Dr O’Mahony may recommend doing them separately to achieve the best overall result.
She will discuss what’s best for your individual situation during your consultation.
In a small number of cases, breast lift may be considered a reconstructive procedure rather than purely cosmetic, which means Medicare and some health funds may provide partial coverage.
However, for most women, mastopexy is considered a cosmetic procedure and no rebates are available.
Dr O’Mahony’s office can provide you with a detailed quote after your consultation so you understand all costs involved.
Dr O’Mahony understands that considering surgery can feel a little daunting.
She maintains a welcoming, caring atmosphere in her practice and will take the time to ensure you feel completely informed and comfortable about all aspects of the procedure.
She believes it’s important for you to have sufficient time to make an informed decision, and she will consult with you as many times as you need before proceeding with surgery.
