Breast lift (mastopexy) surgery is a procedure that aims to lift and tighten the breast by removing excess skin, moving it slightly higher on the chest. The female breast cannot maintain its young and vibrant appearance indefinitely. Factors such as aging, the loosening of connective tissues, gravity, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and weight changes cause breast tissues and skin to sag downward. 

Breast lift, also commonly known as mastopexy, is a surgery that removes excess skin while preserving glandular and fatty tissues of the breast, providing a more desired shape to the breast. If you are experiencing physical and/or emotional issues due to the sagging or change in shape of your breasts, and you are physically healthy, preferably a non-smoker, you may consider this surgery. However, if you also have concerns about the size of your breasts along with the sagging, the results of breast lift surgery may not meet your expectations. For instance, if you believe your breasts are also large, you may request breast reduction surgery, which includes lift procedures. If you think your breast volume is small, you may request breast augmentation with implants along with breast lift. 

Breast lift surgery, like many plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgical procedures, is entirely personalized. There are numerous techniques and modifications described for breast lift, and the applied technique may vary based on your age, body measurements, breast shape, breast composition, skin quality, lifestyle, and habits. Although there are different incision techniques, all scars are planned to be within the confines of underwear/swimwear/bikini. In this procedure, the relocation and elevation of the nipple are almost always planned, resulting in a round, indistinct scar between the areola – the part of the breast with a color difference from normal skin and a nipple in the center – and the normal skin. If the nipple is not planned to be elevated too high, or if the areola is large, the entire surgery can be performed through these incisions (Periareolar mastopexy). In addition to this incision, a second incision (Vertical scar pexy) may be present, extending vertically from the areola to the lower breast fold, to tighten the breast skin. While these incisions may be sufficient for some patients, in order to enhance the desired result, a horizontal incision at the lower breast fold (Inverted-T Scar pexy) may be added to this incision. The length of the Inverted-T incision can be long or short depending on breast shape and technique.

After the surgery in the early period, you will have bandages and dressings immediately. If deemed necessary by your surgeon, drains may be used to collect excess blood and serum from the surgical area. Drains will be removed within an average of 1-3 days, depending on the monitored amount. The use of special surgical bras continues for an average of 4-6 weeks.

To prevent infection upon discharge, antibiotics are prescribed, and pain relievers are prescribed for pain control. If drains are placed, the patient can be washed after the drains are removed or 24-48 hours after surgery, and there is no problem with water contact. Shoulder movements may sometimes be restricted for a short period.

Most of the stitches used today are self-absorbing and do not require removal. Follow the doctor's instructions for follow-up appointments for stitch removal and surgical site control.

If you are engaged in active sports, keep in mind that returning to normal activities may take between 3-6 weeks.

Breast lift surgery should be performed by a Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery specialist with sufficient expertise and experience. Despite all precautions and care, there are some risks that patients should be aware of. While many of these risks may occur, they do not prevent reaching the final result; however, being managed by an experienced doctor will minimize potential issues. The main risks are as follows:

Early period (first 2-3 weeks):

- Anesthesia risks

- Formation of blood clots in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis), clots breaking off and reaching the lungs (embolism)

- Allergies and itching due to medications and bandages

- Bleeding (hematoma) and fluid accumulation (seroma)

- Infection

- Pain

- Loss of sensation and excessive sensitivity in the breast and nipple

- Healing disorders and delayed healing at incision lines

- Circulation problems in the nipple

Late period:

- Disturbances in breast shape, striking asymmetry in breasts

- Fat necrosis

- Persistent loss of sensation and excessive sensitivity in the breast and nipple

- Poor scars

Another point for patients to keep in mind is that breasts will undergo deformation due to individual characteristics, aging, and rapid weight gain or loss. Surgical procedures cannot guarantee the exact desired result, and there is no guarantee that the result will be very long-lasting.

Discussing all your questions openly with your surgeon before the surgery and actively participating in the decision-making process will bring your expectations and surgical goals closer together, ultimately increasing your satisfaction throughout the entire process.