Breast Lift without Implants in Sydney – Mastopexy with Dr Kernohan
Breast lift surgery can help alleviate breast ptosis. Breast lift surgery can also be performed with implants if you want to increase breast volume. If you are happy with your breast volume and just want to lift breasts higher on the chest wall and remove excess skin, a breast lift without implants may be a better option for you.
Specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Michael Kernohan, performs breast lift procedures with and without implants in 5 clinic locations in Southwest Sydney and Southern Highlands NSW. He is committed to delivering optimal results.
CLICK to Download Dr Michael Kernohan’s Cosmetic Breast Surgery Guide
What Is a Breast Lift Surgery?
The breast uplift or breast lift without implants is also known as mastopexy in medical terms. This is the procedure performed to alter the shape of the breasts and their position on the chest wall without significantly changing their volume.
During the breast lift surgery, Dr Kernohan reconstructs and repositions the breast on the chest wall. Breast ptosis can occur as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding but also due to ageing and weight fluctuations.
When the uplift surgery is performed, the mammary gland tissue is centred and repositioned higher on the chest wall. At the same time, Dr Kernohan will reposition the areola and nipple on the breasts for continuity.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Breast Lift procedure?
Breasts ptosis can occur with age, after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and also after weight loss. It is a process that affects most women at a certain point in life. The loose skin starts with the overextension of the fibrous ligaments in the breasts. As a result, the glandular tissue starts descending on the chest wall. In medical terms, we call this “breast ptosis,” and it could start as early as the teenage years for patients with large breasts and inadequate skin quality.
Good candidates for the breast lift procedure are women with normal or large breasts that suffer minor, moderate, or severe breast ptosis. Keep in mind that the larger the breasts, the earlier the onset of breast ptosis may occur. This explains the wide age range of those who undergo breast lift surgery.
Eligible candidates for the breast lift surgery are:
- Suffering due to a certain level of breast ptosis
- skin irritation or rashes
- Confronted with a lack of upper pole volume
At the same time, there are medical criteria to be met to be able to undergo the breast lift surgery:
- Good physical health, with no underlying conditions that could affect the results of the surgery or the recovery period
- Good mental and physical health
- Realistic expectations
- Non-smoking, or willing to quit for a certain period of time, before and after the surgery is performed
- Not taking medication that could interfere with the general anaesthesia administered for the surgery
- Not taking birth control pills or anti-inflammatory medication for at least two weeks before the surgery
Breast Lift Surgery – Dr Kernohan’s Surgical Approach
There are different surgical approaches to the breast lift without implants surgery. The most suitable surgical plan for your particular case will be discussed with Dr Kernohan during the initial consultation. This is the first step of your journey.
The plastic surgeon performs a medical examination and determines the level of breast ptosis. This is essential before deciding the right surgical approach. The surgical technique to be used to elevate your breasts position depends on the volume and shape of the breasts and the level of breast ptosis.
Keep in mind that different types of techniques leave different types of scars. But, generally speaking, the scars left after the breast lift without implants surgery will not be visible when you are wearing regular clothes or even a bra or swimsuit.
What sort of Breast Ptosis do you have?
Different types of Breast Lift Incisions
Dr Kernohan can use a range of surgical approaches depending on your breast anatomy.
1. Periareolar Incision
If you have a minor level of breast ptosis, Dr Kernohan might decide to use the periareolar approach for your breast lift. This incision is made around the areola (a donut shape incision) and the excess skin is removed.
2. Anchor Incision
One of the most commonly used incisions for a breast lift without implants is called “anchor.” As the name suggests, the incision has the shape of the anchor. It goes vertically from the areola’s base towards the inframammary fold and then follows the breast crease/fold.
This type of incision allows for a more remodeling of the breasts and is considered a good option for moderate and more severe breast ptosis of larger breasts.
3. Lollipop Incision
The “lollipop” breast lift incision is another popular option. It entails a round incision around the areola and another one, vertically going towards the inframammary fold.
These incisions are used to re-centre the glandular tissue, elevate the gland and remove excess skin. It can also help reposition and resize the nipples and the areolas. This technique may be suitable for individuals suffering from moderate ptosis with a moderate breast size.
What to Expect After a Breast Lift Surgery?
The breast lift without implants surgery requires general anaesthesia. This means you’ll be asleep the entire duration of the surgery and won’t feel a thing. The procedure rarely lasts around 90 to 120 minutes. After the incisions are sutured, compressive bandages are used, and you are moved to the recovery room.
You may be able to go home the same day or may spend the night in the hospital if required.
You will need someone to drive you home after the breast lift surgery as you will still be under the effects of the anaesthesia used and you be experiencing some pain and discomfort. You should also have someone to help you around the house for the first few couples of days post-op, as the recommendation is to limit arms movements.
Analgesic medication will keep you from experiencing too much pain and discomfort and antibiotics are meant to prevent infections from occurring immediately after surgery.
Recovery after Breast Lift Surgery
The recovery period after the breast lift is a vital part of the procedure it important to follow the plastic surgeon’s recommendations for post-operative care.
This means taking good care of the incisions, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol or taking medication that was not prescribed by your plastic surgeon. At the same time, you should know that until the incisions are fully healed, you shouldn’t sleep on the tummy or even the sides to avoid unnecessary pressure on the incisions.
Other post-op recommendations after breast lift surgery:
- Avoid long hot showers and baths until your incisions are fully healed
- No sun exposure at the level of the incisions as this might cause discoloration
- A special bra should be worn for at least two weeks post-op as it provides your breasts the support they need
- Keep yourself hydrated and maintain a healthy, balanced diet to help optimise the recovery process
- Use ice-packs to reduce the swelling
- Avoid unnecessary pressure on the incisions
- Don’t lift anything or overstretch the arms during the first few days post-op
Potential Risks and Complications of Surgery
All surgery has risks. The breast lift entails incisions and general anaesthesia. This means that there are risks and potential complications that could occur during or after the surgery is performed. Choosing the right breast lift surgeon in your area can help reduce risks and prevent potential complications.
Find out more about the risks of plastic surgery here.
How much is a Breast Lift without Implants Surgery in Sydney?
A breast lift surgery can cost around $10,000 to $20,000 in Sydney. A more experienced plastic surgeon might ask for higher fees compared to someone with less training. Keep this in mind when choosing the plastic surgeon to perform your breasts lift surgery.
Find out more details about the fees of plastic surgery, have a look at Dr Kernohan’s prices page. You can also contact Dr Kernohan’s team to schedule an appointment or get a cost estimate.
Does Medicare Cover Breast Lift without Implants Surgery?
Generally speaking, to be eligible for Medicare or insurance cover, you need to fulfil certain strict criteria for item number 45558. For more information, check out detail about Medicare item numbers here.
How to Find the Right Breast Lift Surgeon in Sydney
When it comes to undergoing a breast lift without implants procedure, you will want the right breast lift surgeon in Sydney to do it.
But it is not only the results of your procedure that are dependent on the experience and skills of the plastic surgeon but also the recovery. To avoid unwanted complications, make sure to choose an experienced and well-trained plastic surgeon who performs this procedure often. They will give you recommendations that help you reduce the likelihood of risks and optimise recovery.
