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).
Breast Lift Surgery Gallery
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift Treatment?
- 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.
What Are the Different 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 Breast Lift Surgery
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 AFTER BREAST LIFT SURGERY
- 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 AFTER BREAST LIFT SURGERY
- 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 Breast Lift 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!
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.
Information