Breast Lift Sydney

IS A BREAST LIFT SUITABLE FOR ME?

A Breast Lift is suitable for individuals who want to address the issues of breast ptosis (droop). It involves repositioning the nipple and often increasing the breast volume, especially in the upper part of the breasts. You may be a suitable candidate for Breast Lift surgery if you are:

• In good general mental and physical health
• A non-smoker
• Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Willing to pause or change certain medications (such as blood thinners)
• Willing and able to follow postsurgical instructions to support your recovery progress.
• Aware of the risks and complications of any surgical procedure

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BREAST LIFT AND A BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast Augmentation primarily focuses on adding volume. However, a Breast Lift improves breast position and shape. Many patients choose to have both procedures simultaneously – a lift and augmentation (using implants). The result is a fuller, more enhanced breast.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BREAST LIFT AND A BREAST REDUCTION

A Breast Reduction aims to reduce the size of the breasts, whilst at the same time lifting and improving the shape. A Breast Lift is designed to primarily improve the shape of the breast by lifting, without any reduction in size.

Every Breast Reduction also involves a Breast Lift. In contrast, a Breast Lift is not a Breast Reduction.

YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH DR DONA IN SYDNEY

During your Initial Consultation with Dr Eddy Dona, you can chat with him about all your concerns and objectives. He will then assess your breasts, evaluating the degree of ptosis (sagging), and formulate a precise surgical plan to help you achieve your desired results. We’ll also take photos of your breasts for our medical records.

TYPES OF BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY) TECHNIQUES

There are various techniques used to perform a Breast Lift. The technique best suited for you will be determined in your Initial Consultation. Factors to consider will include personal preferences, your breast size and shape, the size and position of the areola, the amount your breasts have sagged and the quality of your skin.

ANCHOR LIFT

The anchor-shaped scar technique is the most common technique used for Breast Lifts, and can result in a very effective lift to the breast. It involves a circular incision around the areola, a verticle incision down the breast and then a horizontal line, hiding along the natural curve of the breast.

LOLLIPOP LIFT (VERTICAL LIFT)

This procedure leaves patients with a lollipop-like scar and is suitable for mild to moderate Breast Lifts. An incision is made around the areola, then vertically, from the areola down to the breast fold.

PERI-AREOLAR LIFT (DOUGHNUT LIFT)

This technique results in one scar around the areola. It can only offer a minimal lift to the breast. This technique can also help re-size the areola.

CRESCENT LIFT

A semi-circular or crescent-shaped incision is made along the upper half of the areola. However, although there is less scarring, it cannot provide much lift, and the procedure can distort the shape of the areola. This is not a procedure that Dr Dona offers due to the problems and limitations associated with it.

BIO LIFT™ (SCARLESS BREAST LIFT)

BIO LIFT ™ stands for Breast Implant Only Lift. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘Scarless Breast Lift’ as it has less scarring than conventional Breast Lift techniques. Only a small horizontal incision, approximately 5cm in length, is made at the base of the breast, without the additional traditional scars used in the Anchor technique. It involves using an implant for added volume and to create the necessary lift required.

HOW IS A BREAST LIFT PERFORMED?

All Breast Lift procedures are carried out in a hospital under general anaesthesia. During the operation, Dr Dona will make incisions that are in keeping with the chosen Breast Lift technique. Next, excess skin is removed to lift and reshape the breast. This procedure differs from a Breast Reduction in that no or very little tissue is removed. Finally, when the tissue has been repositioned,  the new skin edges are joined and sewn together with dissolvable sutures.

BREAST LIFT RECOVERY

Most patients can go home on the same day of surgery. However, you must have a support person to help you, ideally for the first week. If you have young children, you should arrange additional help to allow for proper rest.

Pain and discomfort are to be expected, along with swelling and bruising. However, this should improve after a couple of weeks. You’ll be prescribed antibiotics and pain relief, but be mindful that pain medication can cause constipation—staying hydrated and consuming fibre can help prevent this.

Additionally, to help reduce pain and discomfort, we employ light therapy (LED) as a therapeutic treatment method. This will help minimise swelling and inflammation. Your treatment will typically start on the day you leave hospital. We also aim to use PRP (Plasma Rich Platelets) treatments to help promote healing.

During recovery, rest, stay hydrated—and eat small, healthy meals. Sleep on your back for the first few weeks to avoid discomfort and strain on the surgical site. Avoid nicotine for at least two weeks before and after surgery, as it impairs healing. You’ll receive guidance from our team regarding when to resume normal activities but avoid heavy upper body exercises or sports for at least four weeks. You must also avoid firm handling or pressure on your breasts during this time.

You must wear your post-operative surgical bra for six weeks before transitioning to fitted bras. Scars will appear red initially but fade over time, taking 12-24 months to mature fully. You’ll receive detailed written pre- and post-operative instructions outlining your recovery plan to help optimise your healing. Our team will also take post-op photos for evaluation, along with periodic check-ups to monitor your long-term results.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS FROM BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY) SURGERY

NB: More information on general potential complications can be found on our site. LEARN MORE

Any time a person undergoes anesthesia, regardless of the reason, there is always a risk of complications. This is why no surgery should be considered ‘minor.’ While the likelihood of serious issues is very low, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks, including:

• Anaesthetic complications – which may affect the heart, lungs or even cause strokes.
• Allergic reactions – ranging from mild to life-threatening.
• Blood clots:
  • Superficial vein clots – a possible complication from the cannula or IV drip.
  • Deep vein clots – which can travel to the lungs and become life-threatening. We take several precautions during and after surgery to minimise this risk.
• Wound complications – such as infections or wound breakdown.
• Bleeding – which may occur early or later.
• Death – although extremely rare, any of the above complications could lead to this tragic outcome.

These risks apply to all surgeries, but certain procedures and patient conditions may increase the likelihood of complications.

Specific complications of Breast Lift surgery  may include:

• Scarring – Scars are unavoidable with any surgery, and their healing can be unpredictable. Factors such as genetics, skin type, and personal healing responses influence their final appearance. Initially, scars will be red and noticeable, but they typically fade into fine, pale lines over 12 months.
• Breast asymmetry – Natural differences between breasts exist even without surgery. However, in some cases, asymmetry after surgery may be significant enough to require further surgical correction.
• Changes in nipple-areolar sensation – Sensation may temporarily increase (causing irritation) or decrease (potential numbness). Most patients regain their normal sensation within 12 months, but in about 10% of cases, permanent changes can occur.
• Loss of nipple and areola tissue – This is extremely rare but possible if the blood supply to the nipple and areola is compromised. Risk factors include smoking, large breasts, large implants, diabetes and previous breast surgeries. If this occurs, reconstruction can be performed later.
• Inability to breastfeed – Any surgery affecting the milk ducts may reduce breastfeeding ability. The more extensive the lift, the higher the risk.
• Breast lumps – These are usually caused by small collections of blood or dead fat cells that are healing.
• Breast ptosis (sagging) – Over time, natural breast tissue will still tend to drop, even after a breast lift. The upper part of the breasts may appear well-shaped due to implants, but the lower part may still look droopy, particularly in women with soft or excess natural breast tissue.
• Upper pole emptiness – A Breast Lift primarily lifts the nipple, tightens loose skin, and improves breast shape. However, it does not significantly enhance fullness in the upper part of the breast, especially in women with soft breast tissue. Upper pole fullness is typically achieved with implants.
• Inadequate cleavage – Achieving ideal cleavage can be challenging, especially when combining a Breast Lift with Augmentation. The primary concern is maintaining adequate blood supply to the nipple-areolar region, which may limit internal surgical adjustments near the cleavage area. This means that maximising cleavage may not always be possible.
• Revision surgery – Up to 20% of patients who undergo a Breast Lift with implants may consider further surgery to refine their results.

BREAST LIFT COSTS IN SYDNEY

DOES MEDICARE COVER BREAST LIFT SURGERY?

Occasionally, patients can receive a Medicare rebate for a Breast Lift if there is a medical reason or a congenital anomaly of their breasts, such as tuberous breasts.

CAN I CLAIM FROM MY HEALTH INSURANCE FUND?

You may be able to claim from your Health Insurance Fund, depending on your reason for surgery (as above), policy and provider. However, the majority of women having cosmetic Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift surgery will not be covered by Medicare or any Private Health Insurance.

HOW MUCH DOES BREAST LIFT SURGERY COST IN SYDNEY?

The cost of Breast Lift surgery is broken down in three ways:

• Hospital stay – is an overnight stay required?
• Complexity – will it take two hours or five?
• Private Health Insurance – will some of your hospital fees be covered by your health insurance?

As everyone has different requirements, the only way to find out the cost of your procedure is to book an Initial Consultation with Dr Dona. During this time, you’ll receive a breakdown of all costs and potential rebates from Medicare and your Private Health Insurance, if applicable.