Breast lift

Operation | Follow-up care | Frequently asked questions

One particularly unpleasant effect of aging, especially for women, is a loss of tissue and skin firmness, leading to sagging of the breasts. Breast lift surgery, which may also be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery, gives women firmer and more youthful breasts, and can have a long-term positive effect on both their physical proportions and their self-esteem.

Breast lifts are an option for many women in very different age groups. Frequently the desire for cosmetic surgery comes after a number of pregnancies or major weight loss. Other reasons include extreme, age-related drooping of the breasts or congenital breast deformity (differently shaped breasts; very large nipples).

The Operation

On the day of your breast lift you will arrive at the Pyramid Clinic one and a half to two hours before your scheduled surgery. Our nursing staff and your specialist will prepare you for the operation ahead. This includes taking the “before” photos and marking the new breast contours on your skin. An experienced anaesthetist will explain the details of the general anaesthetic planned.

The volume of the new breast will depend on the amount of available breast tissue. A classic breast lift involves the breast mound being remodelled internally and the skin lifted over it. In such cases, the volume of the breast remains the same, but the shape of the breast is improved and lifted. The incision runs around the areola and in a vertical line extending in a downward direction. In some cases another incision is required along the line of your natural breast crease.

The procedure takes about two hours and may be performed under regional or general anaesthetic. We recommend staying in the Pyramid Clinic for one or two nights after surgery.

Follow-up care

After the breast lift, your breasts will be bound with a firmly fitting support bandage. The following day the tubes used to drain blood and fluid from the wound will be removed. A week later the support bandage will be removed and replaced by a sports bra. This should be worn day and night for a further three weeks. After four to six weeks, all signs of the breast surgery should have substantially healed.

Situation before surgery

Situation before surgery

Before surgery the intended new breast shape is marked on the skin

Before surgery the intended new breast shape is marked on the skin

The nipple is lifted and the base of the breast surgically narrowed

The nipple is lifted and the base of the breast surgically narrowed.

Situation after surgery

he incision runs around the areola and in a vertical line extending in a downward direction.

Frequently asked questions about breast lifts

Will breast lift surgery leave any visible scarring?

The incision runs around the areola and in a vertical line extending in a downward direction. In some cases another incision is required along the line of your natural breast crease. The amount of visible scarring depends on how quickly your skin heals, which is something that is genetically determined. Normally breast lift surgery will leave faint, light scars that are scarcely noticeable.

Will my nipples move?

Due to the removal of tissue and skin from the breasts, the position of the nipples will change. To ensure an aesthetically pleasing result is achieved, the areola will be adjusted to suit the new breast and the nipple lifted into its new position, without any resulting impact on sensation.

Do I need to tell you about any medication I am taking?

It is extremely important in every case that you advise the specialist treating you of any illnesses and any medication you may be taking. For two weeks before surgery you must not take any medication containing aspirin (e.g. Aspirin, Aspégic etc.). These medications may lead to excessive bleeding during the operation and delay the post-operative healing process. The specialist may decline to go ahead with the breast lift at any time if an increased risk is posed as a result of medication taken before the operation.

What are the risks associated with breast lift surgery?

As a general rule, any operation carries with it certain risks (e.g. intolerance of certain medication, bruising, delayed healing, inflammation, scar problems or loss of normal sensation). This all depends on the individual’s general state of health. The specialist will discuss any potential risks with you as part of the consultation process and in preparation for surgery.

Is it possible to breastfeed after breast lift surgery?

Yes.

How long will I be off work?

Depending on your occupation, you should allow for at least seven days off work. If your job involves heavy physical work, you may be unable to return to work for up to four weeks.

When will I be able to play sport again?

After six to eight weeks most of the signs of the breast lift will have healed, so you can slowly return to playing sport. You may like to begin with some light exercise, such as walking or cycling, about four weeks after the operation. Weight training, golf and swimming are not advisable until about six weeks after surgery.

How much does a breast lift cost?

The cost for a breast lift depends on the type and scope of the surgical procedure involved and can only be determined as part of a private consultation and medical examination. In total you can expect to pay around 12,000 to 15,000 Swiss francs. A preliminary consultation is 200 Swiss francs.

Will this procedure be covered by health insurance?

The costs of breast lift surgery are not covered by health insurance, as it is considered purely aesthetic surgery. For patients requiring simultaneous breast reduction surgery deemed medically necessary, partial cover or even full cover may be possible. However, this requires a thorough medical assessment.

Contact us for a consultation

Our doctors have many years of experience. We guarantee rapid, expert investigation and advice. Treatment is provided using the most up-to-date equipment and facilities. You are also welcome to ask us for a second opinion.

Facts and figures

Operation

Operation

About 2 hours, under general anaesthetic

Operation

Length of stay at the clinic

1 to 2 nights

Post-operative treatment

Post-operative treatment

1 week with bandage and 3 weeks with sports bra worn day and night

Time off work

Time off work

About one week, depending on the type of work

Sport

Sport

Resume after 6 to 8 weeks

Costs

Costs

From CHF 12,000

Combining beauty with nature

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Centre for Plastic Surgery
Pyramid Clinic
Bellerivestrasse 34
CH-8034 Zurich

+41 44 388 14 14
+41 44 388 14 15

zpc@pyramide.ch
 

Arrange your appointment today.