The incision is made around the areola and vertically below it. In some cases, a further incision is required along the natural breast crease. The extent to which these incisions remain visible depends on the individual, genetically determined scarring. Normally, a breast lift leaves fine, light-coloured scars that are only marginally visible.
Breast lift
(Mastopexy)
A particularly unpleasant side effect of ageing for women is the loss of tissue and skin firmness and the associated sagging of the breasts. With a breast lift (mastopexy), which can also be combined with a breast augmentation or reduction, the women affected receive firmer and more youthful breasts, which can permanently change their body proportions and self-esteem for the better.
Who is a breast lift suitable for?
Breast lifts are an issue for many women in very different age categories: the desire for a facelift is often the result of pregnancy or significant weight loss. Other reasons may include pronounced age-related breast sagging or congenital breast deformities (different breast shapes; oversized nipples).
The breast lift operation
(Mastopexy)
On the day of your breast lift, you will be admitted to the PSP, Plastic Surgery Pyramid or, if you wish to stay overnight, to the Privatklinik Bethanien. You will be prepared for the upcoming procedure by the nursing staff and your doctors. This includes taking so-called "before" pictures and drawing in the future breast contour. An experienced anaesthetist will inform you about the planned general anaesthetic.
The volume of the new breast depends on the existing breast soft tissue. In a classic breast lift, the breast is remodelled internally and the skin above it is tightened. In this case, the breast volume remains unchanged. However, the breast is given an improved shape and is lifted. The incision for a breast lift runs around the areola and vertically underneath it. In some cases, a further incision is required along the natural breast crease.
The procedure takes around two hours and is performed under general anaesthetic. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. An overnight stay at the Privatklinik Bethanien can of course be organised on request.
Who is a breast lift suitable for?
After the breast lift (mastopexy), the breast is immobilised with a tight-fitting bra or bandage. One week later, the support bandage is removed and replaced with a sports bra. This should be worn for a further three weeks during the day and at night. After 3 weeks, light sporting activity (e.g. cycling) with the legs is permitted. Normal sport is only permitted from 6-8 weeks.
Facts and figures about breast lift surgery
Operation
Approx. 2 hours, under general anaesthetic
Aftercare
Outpatient procedure, optionally 1 night in hospital, 5 to 7 days of bandaging, sports bra for 3 weeks (day and night)
Sport
Light exercise after 4 weeks, sport after 6 to 8 weeks
Sociability
Unable to work for approx. one week, longer in the case of heavy physical activity
Costs
Outpatient from CHF 12,000, inpatient from CHF 15,000
