Breast Lift
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure designed to improve breast shape and position when the breasts have descended or lost firmness over time. Changes in the breasts can occur after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation, ageing, or natural tissue laxity.
Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers breast lift consultations in Melbourne for patients seeking an assessment of breast shape, skin quality, nipple position, and overall breast balance. The aim is to achieve a natural result that is lifted rejuvenated an aligned with your goals
Frequently Asked Questions
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A mastopexy is a surgical procedure used to reshape and elevate the breasts when there is ptosis, skin laxity, or loss of upper pole fullness. The procedure is designed to improve breast position and contour rather than increase size.
To achieve the new position and shape involves:
removal of excess skin
reshaping of breast tissue
repositioning of the nipple-areolar complex
improvement in overall breast symmetry and contour
The most appropriate technique depends on breast size, skin quality, the degree of descent, nipple position, and the patient’s goals.
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Patients may consider a breast lift if they are concerned by:
breasts that have dropped or lost shape
nipples sitting lower on the breast
stretched or lax breast skin
loss of firmness after pregnancy or weight loss
asymmetry in breast position or shape
dissatisfaction with breast contour despite adequate breast volume
A consultation is important because some patients are best suited to a breast lift alone, while others may benefit from a lift paired with volume replacement with implants or fat grafting.
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During a mastopexy consultation we cover:
breast size and shape
degree of breast ptosis
nipple position
skin quality and elasticity
breast symmetry
chest wall proportions
previous breast surgery
general medical history
medications and smoking status
healing factors and recovery planning
Treatment planning is individualised. The goal is to understand both the anatomy and the patient’s priorities before deciding whether a breast lift is appropriate and what approach is most suitable.
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A mastopexy improves shape and position, but it does not necessarily increase breast volume. Some patients are mainly concerned with descent and are well suited to a breast lift alone.
Other patients may also wish to increase upper pole fullness or overall breast size. In these cases, a breast lift may be discussed with or without implants or fat grafting depending on anatomy, tissue quality, and the desired outcome.
This is an important part of consultation, because the best plan depends on whether the main issue is:
breast descent
loss of shape
loss of volume
asymmetry
a combination of these factors
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As with any operation, breast lift surgery has risks and limitations. These vary depending on the exact procedure performed and patient factors,
Risks and considerations discussed during consultation may include:
bruising and swelling
scarring
asymmetry
altered nipple sensation
healing issues
recurrent laxity over time
contour irregularity
fat necrosis
need for further treatment in selected cases
A consultation is important to determine whether surgery is appropriate and what result can realistically be expected.
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The best breast lift results are usually those that improve shape, position, and balance without looking unnatural. The aim is to create a breast shape that is proportionate to the body and consistent with the patient’s goals.
To achieve this the mastopexy planning will take into consideration:
breast proportions
tissue quality
skin laxity
nipple position
scar pattern
realistic expectations