Breast Lift
Breast Lift in Cyprus
The female breast is a prominent part of the body’s anatomy, a significant identification of femininity and a characteristic in a woman’s figure that increases physical attractiveness.
However, aging, weight loss and hormonal cycles of pregnancy are among the most critical reasons causing the female breasts to lose their volume, firmness and elasticity, resulting in a “deflated” and droopy chest appearance.
Specifically, gravity makes the breast’s ligaments stretch and sag over time, while weight fluctuations cause the breast skin to lose its firm feel. Also, the once full and heavy due to hormones, bust, might become saggy after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Dr. Demetris Stavrou is a skillful plastic surgeon who combines art and science to reshape flat and ptotic breasts, offering them a fuller, firmer, rounder and lifted appearance.
What is Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that safely rejuvenates the breast shape and overall aesthetic of breasts.
During a breast lift, the plastic surgeon lifts and tightens the breasts by reducing loose skin and reshaping the breasts to produce a more youthful look.
The goal of mastopexy is to create a natural, perkier and more youthful breast shape.
Mastopexy surgery can help to improve a woman’s body image, and enhance her self-esteem and self-confidence.
A breast lift rejuvenates sagging breasts to an elevated and more aesthetic position, but does not increase the overall breast volume. Where possible, we utilize the “auto-augmentation” technique to target the upper pole fullness.
In selected cases, mastopexy is also commonly combined with other cosmetic treatments for the breast, such as breast augmentation (to achieve a fuller, enhanced breast with more upper pole fullness and projection) or breast reduction (to decrease the breast shape and size).
Gallery
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Women who are healthy, in good physical shape, and at their ideal body weight.
- Women with sagging breasts that lack substance or firmness (breast “deflation”), and have dropped below the breast fold, and/or with nipples and areolas pointing downward (breast “ptosis”).
- Women who seek better symmetry of their breasts in case one breast is a significantly different size or shape than the other breast.
Four Stages of Breast Ptosis
Grade l:
Mild ptosis. The nipple remains at the level of the inframammary fold (where the underneath of the breast tissue meets the chest wall).
Grade ll:
Moderate ptosis. The nipple is well below the inframammary fold.
Grade lll:
Severe ptosis. The nipple is at the inferior most aspect of the breast tissue (i.e., pointing straight for the floor).
Pseudoptosis or Glandular Ptosis:
The nipple is at or above the level of the inframammary fold, but the majority of breast tissue lies beneath the inframammary fold.
Types of Breast Lift
Each breast lift and reduction performed by Dr. Stavrou involves an “auto-augmentation”. This involves creating an upper pole pocket where a breast implant would normally be placed. This is where the nipple and areola are rotated up to create a more compact and shapely breasts that sit higher up on the chest wall.
1. Crescent or Periareolar Technique
The crescent or periareolar mastopexy is highly effective for patients with mild ptosis (little to no breast sag), who require lifting the nipple no more than one to two centimeters and little changes in overall breast shape.
During this operation, an incision is created in the area around the areola (the pigmented circle surrounding the nipple), at its junction with the breast skin.
It provides the patient with a very subtle lift of the nipple and areola – a technique that favors one or both breasts.
A small periareolar lift can be added to a breast augmentation when the nipple requires minor repositioning. It can also be effectively used in tubular breast correction where the nipples are puffy and the areolas are enlarged.
Its major benefit is that any post-surgical scarring blends well within the darker contours of the areola complex.
2. “Lollipop” or Vertical Technique
The lollipop or vertical mastopexy is ideal for patients with moderate ptosis who require several centimeters of nipple repositioning.
The incision goes around the areola and then extends down the front of the breast to the breast crease, resembling the shape of a lollipop.
This large incision allows more access to the breast tissue itself, a greater amount of reshaping, and removal of skin to produce a firm and youthful breast shape.
The advantages of this technique are the limited amount of scarring and possibly limited recurrent breast sagging.
3. “Anchor” or Inverted – “T” or Wise Pattern Technique
The full mastopexy technique is recommended for patients with naturally extremely large breasts with severe ptosis, sagging and/or significant excess skin, and/or flaccid breast tissue.
The ‘Anchor’ lift uses an incision around the nipple-areolar complex, a vertical incision from the bottom of the nipple to the inframammary fold, and a horizontal incision along with the entire extent of the inframammary fold.
The larger incisions allow for the greatest access and reshaping of the breast tissue as well as the removal of the greatest amount of skin in multiple directions. This results in a dramatic change in nipple position and shape.
Recovery
After the surgery, patients will be wearing a surgical bra to reduce swelling and support the breasts as they heal. There will be small surgical drains on the sides of the breasts to suck out any excess blood and fluids. These will be removed the following day painlessly.
It is common to experience temporary bruising, swelling, or tenderness after the procedure, but this typically subsides as the recovery progresses. Any discomfort can generally be managed with oral pain medication prescribed by the surgeon.
Following the operation, patients should rest for the remainder of the day, but begin light ambulation as soon as they feel up to it. Non-strenuous activities can usually be resumed after 2 weeks. Exercise and aerobic activities will need to be avoided for 4 weeks.
Many patients plan for approximately one week of downtime to ensure adequate time for the healing process. Dr. Stavrou will provide detailed recovery information at the follow-up meeting. Lastly, depending on your line of work, one to two weeks out of work may be recommended in most cases.
Over the next few months, the breasts’ shape and position will gradually settle into place and scars should improve and fade. In the beginning, some patients might notice slight differences between the breasts’ shape and size, which is normal considering that breasts heal at a different pace.
Following the breast lift surgery, women generally report a more rejuvenated look with restored firmness, shape, and projection of the breasts.
DO’S
- Relax and take pain medication as instructed
- Only wear bra types recommended by the surgeon (post-surgery bra)
- Sleep on your back or side to keep pressure off the breast area
- Attend follow up appointments
- Ask friends and family for help during the first days post-op
- Protect your breasts from pressure, compression and any intense force
- Keep your breasts out of the sun
DON’TS
- Don’t engage in heavy lifting, pushing or intense activities for the first weeks
- Don’t ignore post-surgery care instructions
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t leave scars exposed to the sun
- Don’t sleep on your stomach
- Don’t wear everyday bras
- Don’t take blood thinners
Breast lift results are safe and long-term. However, changes in body weight and aging make the skin more elastic and may cause slight alterations to the appearance of the breasts. Maintaining a healthy, stable weight will help breast lift results last over time.
In addition, even though the breast lift surgery does not affect breastfeeding or future pregnancies, the breasts’ shape might alter due to the hormonal changes occurring to the body during and after pregnancy.
Duration
2 hours
Anaesthesia Used
General Anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
1 day
Pre Admission Tests
Blood Tests
Downtime
2 weeks post-op
Driving
a few days
Exercise
4 weeks post-op
Final Result
2-3 months
Where Will The Surgery Take Place?
Dr. Stavrou performs breast lift surgery in accredited medical centers in Cyprus, Greece and Malta.
The mastopexy takes place in a safe and sterile operation room. The surgeon uses only state-of-the-art medical equipment. The staff involved is thoroughly trained and specialized in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Stavrou wants to ensure a safe, well-controlled and comfortable surgical experience for his patient.
After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and is closely monitored by the medical staff.
The European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) offers exceptional health care and meets the high standards of safety and care set by European laws. At EIPS clinics we provide individualized health care in a beautiful, exclusive and luxurious environment. Dr Stavrou is the number one choice in Cyprus for breast lift procedures. Contact us today and request more information about the breast lift treatment and boost your confidence.
What our patients say!
Rhinoplasty. Dr. Stavrou did an excellent job with my nose, the results are incredible, as good as the ones he has posted on his social pages. I had no pain after the surgery, no complications, everything went smoothly. The recovery was very fast, like 3 weeks. Dr. Stavrou was very kind and professional, I felt very comfortable with him and his team. I trusted him since the first meeting. I highly recommend him to everyone.
Natalie ArsalideApril 18, 2022.Dr.Stavrou goes above and beyond to be helpful throughout the whole experience. Overall I am very happy with my results as it is everything I envisioned and more.
Roberta MifsudMarch 24, 2022.Edit: I thought I'd add to my review after 1+ year post operation! I got my nose done by Dr Stavrou 27 months ago. The results are beyond excellent and I couldn't ask for better service from the doctor and the team! For anyone who's wondering, almost all of the swelling and bruising was gone after 2 weeks and my nose currently looks like it did about a month after the operation. I highly recommend him!! Old review: Today is the 10th day after my rhinoplasty with Dr Stavrou. Dr Stavrou operated on me following a functional rhinoplasty performed by my otolaryngologist. It was a painless experience and the results have exceeded my expectations! It hasn't affected my daily activities apart from the fact that I was not allowed to work out excessively. The swelling and bruising has almost disappeared completely. The results are excellent and I finally have a nose that complements my face. Not to mention the entire team was very helpful! Thank you so much Dr Stavrou!
Christina KakoulliMarch 4, 2022.Ήθελα εδώ και χρόνια να κάνω μείωση στήθους και η αλήθεια δεν το τολμούσα. Είχα ακούσει τα καλύτερα λόγια για τον Δρ. Δημήτρη Σταύρου και το αποφάσισα. Είναι ένας εξαιρετικός γιατρός αφοσιωμένος στην δουλειά του και με επαγγελματισμό σου δίνει το καλύτερο αποτέλεσμα. Για μένα το αποτέλεσμα είναι ένα μικρό θαύμα νιώθω υπέροχα! Γιατρέ σ' ευχαριστώ πολύ για το άψογο αποτέλεσμα. Εύχομαι καλή συνέχεια και με την καταπληκτική σου δουλειά να κάνεις χαρούμενους ανθρώπους.
Demetra DemetriouFebruary 7, 2022.After years of not feeling so confident , due to my breast size I met Dr. Stavrou and from my first consultation I knew he was the right doctor for my procedure. Totally calm and assertive , he guided me to the correct choice, resulting in a perfect outcome making me feel not only extremely confident now but also natural ! I highly recommend him to any women who is facing similar issues. Dr Stavrou thank you once again !!
Tekla MadarJanuary 23, 2022.Η περίπτωση μου ήταν λιγότερο συχνή και διαφορετική από αυτές που ακούμε στην καθημερινότητά μας. Μεγάλες αυξομειώσεις βάρους (40-50 κιλά) μετά από δύο βαριατρικές επεμβάσεις για αντιμετώπιση της νοσογόνου παχυσαρκίας, με αποτέλεσμα την υπερβολική χαλάρωση του δέρματος σε πολλά σημεία του σώματος. Είχα την τύχη να ακούσω για το Δρ. Σταύρου από φιλικά άτομα, και όταν αποφάσισα να επισκεφτώ πλαστικό χειρούργο ήταν ο πρώτος που πήγα και εκεί άκουσα και έμαθα για το body contouring. Ακολούθησαν πολλά ραντεβού, άπειρες ερωτήσεις, απορίες και φόβος από την πλευρά μου. Όλες οι απαντήσεις του Δρ. Σταύρου άμεσες και ειλικρινείς, ακόμα και αυτές που δε μιλούσαν για βελτίωση όπως ήθελα να ακούσω! Καμιά απάντηση δε δόθηκε απλά για να μου «χαϊδέψει» τα αυτιά. Ο ίδιος με παρότρυνε να επισκεφτώ και άλλους πλαστικούς για να ακούσω και άλλες γνώμες. Τελικά, ήταν ο μόνος που με έπεισε, ο μόνος που μπορούσε να καθησυχάσει το φόβο, το άγχος και την αγωνία μου και ο μόνος που είχε απάντηση σε ότι τον ρωτούσα και έτσι ακολούθησα το ένστικτό μου και επέλεξα τον Δρ. Σταύρου για να προχωρήσουμε μαζί σε όλο αυτό που αποφάσισα να κάνω. Ήξερα από την αρχή ότι τα χειρουργεία θα ήταν πολύωρα και αυτό με φόβιζε περισσότερο αλλά ο γιατρός ήταν εκείνος που με την ηρεμία του με καθησύχαζε. Σε περίοδο έξι μηνών υποβλήθηκα σε δύο πολύωρα χειρουργεία. Η μετεγχειρητική μου πορεία και στις δύο επεμβάσεις ήταν η καλύτερη δυνατή και η ανάρρωση πολύ πιο εύκολη από όσο περίμενα και από όσο προετοιμάστηκα ψυχολογικά να αντέξω. Όλα όσα μου είπε ο Δρ. Σταύρου για τη μετεγχειρητική πορεία, τον πόνο και την ταλαιπωρία, δεν ειπώθηκαν απλά για να με «παρηγορήσουν» να μη φοβάμαι και να μην ανησυχώ. Ήταν όλα ειλικρινή και αντικειμενικά. Όπως ακριβώς μου τα περιέγραψε, έτσι ακριβώς έγιναν. Ακόμα και στα θέματα που αφορούσαν τη ψυχολογία μου ο γιατρός ήταν εκείνος που ήρεμος, μετρημένος και χαμογελαστός με καθησύχαζε. Γιατί όταν ένα άτομο μπαίνει στη διαδικασία να αρχίσει κάτι τόσο σημαντικό, δε μετράει μόνο το να είσαι άψογος σαν επαγγελματίας απέναντί του, αλλά και το να γνωρίζεις τη ψυχολογία του ασθενή σου ανάλογα με την κάθε περίπτωση και ο Δρ. Σταύρου κατέχει την πρώτη θέση και στα δύο!! Αισθάνομαι τυχερή που επέλεξα να εμπιστευτώ στα χέρια του γιατρού Δρ. Σταύρου την αποκατάσταση του σώματός μου και που ο φόβος δεν με απέτρεψε από το να αποφασίσω να κάνω όλα όσα η περίπτωσή μου απαιτούσε, ώστε να έχω το καλύτερο δυνατό αποτέλεσμα. Θα ήταν άδικο αν ο φόβος και η ανησυχία για τα πολύωρα χειρουργεία, τον πόνο και την ανάρρωση δε με άφηναν να έχω κάτι καλύτερο. Γιατρέ μου σε ευχαριστώ για όλα! Συνέχισε το λειτούργημα που κάνεις με τον ίδιο ακριβώς τρόπο που το κάνεις γιατί είναι σπάνια και μεγάλη αρετή να έχεις την ικανότητα και τη δύναμη να χαρίζεις τόσα πολλά χαμόγελα στους ανθρώπους!
Chryso ΚJanuary 22, 2022.I empiria mou me tin epemvasi rinoplastikis itan arketa kali..to apotelesma mou einai ekseretiko aksizi ton kopo!! o giatros mu poli kalos kai eksipiretiko olo to prosopiko! Den ixa kanena idietero pono oute taleporia mono 2-3 meres imun pio prosektiki meta itan ola mia xara, stin evdomada ekana oles tis kathimerines drastiriotites pu ekana kai prin..aksizi ton kopo kai me to parapano tha to ksanakana!!🙂
eleni tirimouJanuary 21, 2022.
Meet Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr. Stavrou is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon leading the European Institute of Plastic Surgery since 2012. He was trained in top Medical Institutions in Greece, London, Melbourne and Israel. He has extensive experience in all types of plastic surgery and an artistic eye. He is compassionate and always by the side of his patients to make them feel comfortable, secure and confident. For Dr. Stavrou, paying attention to the details is what makes the difference in cosmetic procedures.
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Nicosia, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Limassol, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Greece +30 6971881572
- Malta +356 79317641
FAQs for Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
How much does a breast lift cost?
Breast lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that requires a skillful plastic surgeon with outstanding experience in performing breast surgeries. Thus, the priority for every patient who wants to undergo a safe cosmetic procedure is to find a certified and experienced plastic surgeon.
The cost of breast lift ranges based on the country and the experience of the doctor. In general, mastopexy procedure may include the below charges:
- Tests
- Anesthesia
- Surgeon expertise
- Surgical technique
- Hospital costs
- Post-surgical treatment
Does mastopexy affect breastfeeding?
Both the ‘Lollipop’ and the inverted – T techniques are performed with respect and preservation of the anatomical and functional structure of the breast. During the operation, the nipple/areola complex is left attached to its blood vessels, nerve supply and ductal supply. Maintaining these vital connections promotes the return of nipple function (sensation and the ability to nurse) after surgery.
After a mastopexy, the sensation should slowly return to the nipple; however, this can take from many months up to a year or more to fully recover.
How bad will my scars look after Breast Lift?
Dr. Stavrou works diligently to make scars as inconspicuous as possible.
Utilizing the Inverted – T technique, the inframammary scar is concealed in bras and even triangle-top bikinis and is generally only visible when the breasts are lifted. The Vertical incision generally fades to be nearly invisible, and the areolar scar lies at the natural junction of the pigmented areola and surrounding breast skin.
All in all, scars flatten and fade to a large degree over time after the recovery process is complete. Proper wound care can typically optimize the healing of your scars and, therefore, decrease their visibility after surgery.
What are the risks of breast lift surgery?
The risks and complications of a breast lift surgery (mastopexy) may involve:
- Changes in breast sensation: Sensation returns a few weeks after surgery. Yet, partial loss of feeling might be permanent in some cases. There is no effect on erotic sensation.
- Breast shape and size irregularities: Minor differences between the breasts’ shape and size are typical over the first months post-op as breasts may heal at a different pace. However, the surgery may not correct pre-existing asymmetry successfully.
- Scars: Scarring fades within 1-2 years post-op. However, poor healing can cause scars to become wide and thick.
- Loss of nipple or areola: A very rare condition that occurs when the procedure causes interruption of blood supply to the areola or nipple.
- Difficulty with breastfeeding: Even though it is safe to breastfeed after breast lift surgery, some women may experience difficulties producing enough milk.
A certified and experienced plastic surgeon is the best guarantee for safe breast lift surgery.
Follow your doctor’s post-op instructions to ensure a safe and successful healing process after mastopexy.
How long does a breast lift last?
The results of a breast lift are permanent, and the breasts will remain perky with their new shape and natural-looking for many years.
However, future pregnancies, hormonal changes, weight loss and aging may cause slight alterations to the breasts’ round, firm and full shape offered by mastopexy surgery. This is the reason why some women opt for a “touch-up” breast lift some years after the initial full-length mastopexy procedure.
I haven’t reached my ideal weight, can I still undergo Breast lift?
Patients who are still in the process of losing weight or plan on having children should postpone undergoing a mastopexy until they have reached their target weight and are finished growing their family. Changes in breast size associated with weight gain and/or loss and pregnancy can diminish the effects of a previously performed breast lift and necessitate early revisions and reoperations.
Can breast lift go wrong?
Yes, breast lift surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications. While complications are relatively rare, they can include infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the results.
The likelihood of these issues can be minimized by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast lift procedures like Dr. Stavrou. The patient should also follow post-operative instructions carefully and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
A comprehensive consultation and discussion of expectations with your surgeon can help ensure a successful and satisfying outcome while reducing the risk of complications.
What is the difference between mastopexy and breast uplift?
“Mastopexy” and “breast uplift” are essentially the same procedure, differing only in terminology. Both refer to a surgical technique aimed at lifting and reshaping the breasts, particularly addressing sagging or drooping.
During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the remaining breast tissue is repositioned to create a firmer and more youthful appearance. This surgery can also involve repositioning or resizing the areola.
So, whether referred to as a mastopexy or breast uplift, the goal is to rejuvenate and lift the breasts for improved aesthetics and self-confidence. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving the desired results safely and effectively.
What is the best age for mastopexy?
The ideal age for a mastopexy varies from person to person and is not strictly defined by age alone. Typically, candidates for this procedure are women who have experienced breast sagging due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process. Most individuals undergoing a mastopexy are in their 40s or older, once they have completed their family planning and breastfeeding. However, some younger women with significant breast sagging may also be suitable candidates. The key is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Stavrou who can assess your case, discuss goals, and determine the most appropriate timing for the surgery.
Do I have to wear a bra after Mastopexy?
Wearing a bra after mastopexy is generally recommended by plastic surgeons to support the healing process and maintain the results. Immediately after surgery, a surgical bra or compression garment is necessary to minimize swelling and provide support.
Over time, your surgeon will advise on transitioning to a supportive bra that offers adequate lift and comfort. The specific duration of post-operative bra use may vary from patient to patient and should be discussed with your surgeon. Ultimately, the goal is to promote proper healing, reduce strain on the incisions, and help you achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome.
Does mastopexy look natural?
Yes, mastopexy can achieve natural-looking results when performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Stavrou. The procedure is designed to reposition the breasts to a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing position while removing excess skin.
Dr. Savrou takes into account your body’s proportions and your desired outcome, ensuring that the breasts appear lifted and firmer without looking overly augmented. To achieve natural results, it’s crucial to communicate your expectations clearly with your surgeon, who can customize the procedure to suit your individual anatomy and goals. Additionally, proper aftercare and healing play a role in the final outcome.
What are the restrictions after mastopexy?
There are several important restrictions to follow to ensure a successful recovery after breast uplift surgery (mastopexy):
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: It’s crucial to refrain from vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery to prevent strain on the incisions and to promote proper healing.
- Wear Supportive Bras: Your surgeon will recommend wearing a special surgical or support bra to minimize swelling and provide support to the newly lifted breasts.
- Refrain from Smoking: Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so it’s advised to abstain from smoking during your recovery.
- Scarring Care: Carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions for scar care, which may include avoiding sun exposure and using scar-minimizing creams or silicone sheets.
- Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back with your upper body elevated can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Medication and Follow-Up: Take any prescribed medications as directed and attend all post-operative follow-up appointments with your surgeon for proper monitoring.
Information