PROCEDURE
Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastoplexy)
Pairing a breast augmentation with a breast lift, often termed as ‘augmentation mastopexy’, is a method used to further enhance the breast’s contour and positioning. By undergoing both procedures simultaneously, you not only benefit from achieving the desired lift and fullness but also have the advantage of a single surgical session. This means a singular recovery period, one set of hospital and practitioner fees, and a single instance under general anaesthesia.
The purpose of combining a breast lift with implants is twofold: the lift restores the natural position of the breasts on the chest wall, while the implants contribute to a more pronounced firmness, especially in the upper section of the breast. This comprehensive approach is particularly beneficial for women who’ve experienced changes post-pregnancy or breastfeeding, but it’s also an excellent option for those combatting general breast ptosis or droopiness.
Mr Kshem Yapa tailors augmentation mastopexy to each individual. Alongside enhancing the volume and restoring the breast’s firmness, Mr Yapa takes special care to correct and reposition the nipples & areola, ensuring they sit naturally and symmetrically. If there’s a concern regarding oversized areola or enlarged nipples, adjustments can be made during the procedure.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Typically, 2 to 3 hours.
Hospital Stay:
An outpatient surgery.
Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia.
Downtime:
Plan on being off work for 1 week and refrain from strenuous activity for 6 weeks post surgery.
Showering:
Avoid showering and direct water pressure on incisions for 24-48 hours post-surgery.
Sleeping:
Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated for several weeks.
Driving:
Avoid for at least a week post-surgery or pain medication.
Smoking:
Avoid smoking at least 4 weeks before and after the surgery.
Direct Sun Exposure:
Should be limited for several weeks post-surgery. Always wear a high SPF outdoors.
Benefits of a Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastopexy)
Breast lift with implants goes beyond just elevating the breast’s position. This procedure can bring about a transformative change, enhancing both your physical appearance and personal confidence. Here are some of the prominent benefits to consider:
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Correction of Breast Sagging (Ptosis):
One of the key advantages of breast augmentation mastopexy is the correction of breast ptosis, a common condition in which the breasts sag and lose their natural position over time. The surgery restores the breasts to a tighter and more elevated state, improving overall breast aesthetics.
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Enhanced Fullness and Volume:
By combining breast augmentation with a lift, you can enjoy increased fullness and volume in your breasts. This leads to a more youthful and proportionate breast contour, addressing the loss of volume that can occur due to factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or ageing.
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Improved Projection and Position:
Improved Projection and Position: augmentation mastopexy not only lifts the breasts but also enhances their projection and position. This means that the breasts are not only higher but also project more attractively, giving them a more shapely and natural appearance.
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Improved Firmness and Smoothness:
The procedure contributes to improved firmness and smoothness of the breast tissue. This can be particularly beneficial for women who have experienced changes in breast firmness due to pregnancy or weight loss.
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Correction of Asymmetry:
Many patients experience breast asymmetry, where one breast is larger or positioned differently than the other. Breast augmentation mastopexy can address this issue, ensuring both breasts are more symmetrical in size and shape.
Breast Lift with Implants Procedure Steps
Considering a breast augmentation mastopexy is a big decision for you. To help you feel more informed and at ease, here’s a straightforward breakdown of what the procedure involves:
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Pre-Surgical Markings:
Before the breast augmentation mastopexy procedure, Mr Kshem Yapa will carefully mark the desired new position of the nipple on your breast. These markings ensure precision in achieving the desired outcome.
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Administering Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia will then be administered once you are ready on the theatre table. This means you’ll be fully asleep and will not feel any discomfort during the surgery.
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Making the Incisions:
Strategically planned incisions are made around the areola. Depending on the chosen technique, these incisions may extend vertically from the base of the areola to the natural breast fold and possibly around the curvature of the areola.
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Reshaping, Repositioning, and Inserting the Implant:
Your breast tissue will be carefully lifted and reshaped to achieve the desired outcome. The implant is also inserted through one of the strategic incisions and the areolas are repositioned to their optimal location on your newly shaped breast to ensure a natural appearance. If necessary, adjustments may be made to the size of the areola.
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Finalising the Procedure
Excess skin contributing to breast sagging will be removed to achieve a firmer and more youthful breast appearance. The incisions will then be closed using stitches, sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape. Mr Kshem Yapa will take special care to place these closures in areas where their visibility is minimised, prioritising the aesthetics of the final result.
Risks and Complications
Mr Yapa is dedicated to patient safety and will take every measure to minimise potential risks. However, you need to be aware of the inherent risks associated with the augmentation mastopexy procedure:
After your surgery, there might be a risk of unexpected bleeding which may require medical intervention.
Although precautions are taken, and despite being rare, there’s a small chance of infection after the procedure.
In some cases, blood or fluid can gather in the breasts, necessitating drainage.
Scars are a natural outcome of surgery, but occasionally they can become thick or cause discomfort.
Sometimes, the surgical incisions might not heal as expected or might take longer than usual.
It’s possible to experience a temporary loss or change in sensation in the breast or nipple area.
There may be variations in the shape or symmetry between breasts after the surgery.
In very rare instances, there can be a partial or complete loss of the nipple or areola because of compromise of the blood supply to the nipple. This is vanishingly rare and precautions are taken to avoid this.
Over time, breast implants can break or rupture. Silicone implant ruptures can be harder to detect because they may not show obvious symptoms (known as “silent rupture”).
After an implant is placed, the body forms a protective lining around it known as a capsule. Capsular contracture occurs when this lining tightens or contracts, squeezing the implant. This can cause the breast to feel hard and may result in discomfort.
Implants can shift out of position due to factors like trauma, capsular contracture, or gravity. This might lead to the implants sitting too high, too low, or being too far apart or close together.
Sometimes, the surface of the implant may become visible through the skin, creating a rippled or wrinkled appearance, especially in women with little natural breast tissue.
Recovery
Following your breast augmentation mastopexy procedure, you may experience some swelling and tenderness in the breast area. Mr. Kshem Yapa will ensure your comfort during this initial healing phase by offering pain relief options. The use of a cold compress can also help alleviate swelling and provide relief from any discomfort.
For the first two to three weeks post-surgery, you’re advised to wear a supportive surgical bra or a soft non-wired bra to aid the healing process. During this period, resting in an elevated position is essential, with back sleeping supported by pillows to keep your chest elevated.
While most noticeable swelling, bruising, and discomfort tend to subside within a few weeks, please be aware that your breasts may continue to settle into their final shape over several months, possibly up to a year. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least four weeks. Most patients can return to work within a week, though individual recovery times may vary based on the extent of the procedure. Complete recovery, allowing a return to regular activities, is typically achieved around the six-week mark.
You will also be provided with a direct phone line to our experienced specialist cosmetic surgery nurse who provides an on call service for your needs 24 hrs a day from the moment you have surgery.
