A breast lift (mastopexy) is designed to change the position of the breasts by removing excess skin and adjusting the breast tissue. It doesn’t involve breast implants (unless it’s combined with a breast augmentation procedure) and it doesn’t increase volume.
Essentially, the procedure is designed to specifically focus on lifting and repositioning the existing breast tissue, which may or may not include the repositioning of the areolae to align with the new breast shape and position.
While there’s not an exact expiry date for breast lift results, there are some factors that can influence how long the results can last – and it’s important to understand that these factors can naturally vary from person to person.
In this blog, we’ll look at what those factors are, how the body responds over the months and years after the procedure, and what you can realistically expect in the longer term. We’ll also discuss if a second breast lift is possible in the future, if patients decide that they want to make any further changes.
Straight after your breast lift: What results to expect during the first few months
After a breast lift procedure, or mastopexy, the body will naturally need to go through a period of healing.
The healing process can involve swelling, bruising and internal tissue adjustments. The normal symptoms that can come with the body’s natural healing process will typically subside as the body continues to heal in the months after the surgery. While the incision sites can often heal quite quickly, it’s normal for the deeper layers to need more time to heal completely.
The position of the breast tissue immediately after surgery won’t necessarily reflect the final result, as the internal structures are still adjusting. Swelling and tightness can affect the shape temporarily, but the tissue will gradually heal in the months that follow, which should allow the final results to become easily visible.
During the earlier healing phase after a breast lift procedure, the quality of your post-operative care can help the body heal. Recovery after a breast lift mastopexy will require you to follow some self-care instructions, including avoiding excessive strain (such as excessive exercise and heavy lifting), wearing supportive garments, and following wound care instructions to care for the incision sites.
While carefully following your recovery instructions won’t necessarily determine the longevity of the procedure’s results, it can give the breast tissue the best chance to heal in the intended position, and with a reduced risk of encountering complications.
Changes over time: How the breasts can continue to change long after a breast lift
The reality is that the breasts, like the rest of the body, will continue to age after surgery. A breast lift doesn’t stop the natural ageing process, and it can’t prevent the effects of gravity or the natural and normal changes in skin quality that come with time.
Patients with firmer, more elastic skin may retain the surgical changes for longer, as the tissue has more inherent support. On the other hand, if the skin is quite stretched before surgery, for example, after significant weight loss or breastfeeding, the skin may be more prone to laxity in the years after the procedure.
Weight fluctuations after surgery can also influence the way the breast tissue sits. If you gain or lose a noticeable amount of weight, this can stretch or reduce the volume of the breast, which in turn can affect the way the lifted tissue holds its shape. Maintaining a stable weight is often a helpful part of keeping the results as consistent as possible in the longer term.
How long breast lift results can typically last
There’s no single answer to how long the effects of a breast lift will last, because it depends on multiple personal and surgical factors. However, for many patients, the results can last for up to 10 years, or sometimes even longer.
It’s important to remember that “lasting” doesn’t necessarily mean that the breasts will stay exactly the same throughout the years. The initial lifted position will usually soften slightly over time. This isn’t a failure of the procedure, as it’s a natural part of how the body adjusts after surgery.
Sometimes, in the years after undergoing an initial breast lift procedure, the breast tissue may eventually stretch enough that a patient may like to consider having a second breast lift procedure. However, many people find that the lift holds enough of its shape for years without needing further surgery. It entirely depends on the individual’s anatomy and their personal goals.
Can you undergo a second breast lift in the future?
A second breast lift, or revision breast lift procedure, can be performed in the years after an initial breast lift if further changes are desired.
Essentially, it will come down to how well the patient’s results have naturally been maintained over time, and factors like if they have experienced significant weight changes, pregnancy or more skin laxity.
A second procedure is not essential, and is only necessary if the patient wants to address changes in the future. It’s normal for the breasts to continue to change over time, and while the initial results of the first procedure may not necessarily be achieved for a second time, the patient and the surgeon can work together to create a new procedure plan.
The timing of a breast lift revision procedure will depend on how the body has responded to the initial procedure, and what has changed since then. It’s usually best to wait until the breast tissues have completely healed and stabilised, which can take a year or more.
If you’re unsure about whether or not a breast lift revision is suitable for you, this is something that can be discussed during a consultation, based on your physical assessment and a discussion of your personal goals and expectations.
Want to see a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Brisbane? Book your consultation with Dr Broadhurst
When you have your consultation for a breast lift mastopexy, you can discuss what you can expect for your results – from the initial healing process to the years in the future that follow.
Having your procedure performed by a trained and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon is a great first step to ensuring effective results after your procedure.
Dr Andrew Broadhurst is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Brisbane who performs breast, body, and rhinoplasty surgeries.
When you see Dr Broadhurst, you can also discuss recovery instructions and the possibility of undergoing a second breast lift in the future.
When you’re ready to book your consultation, please enquire with our team.
Further Reading about Mastopexy Surgery with Dr Broadhurst:
- Read BPS Breast Lift (Mastopexy) SurgeryPage
- Read BPS blog about Is Breast Lift Surgery Covered by Medicare
- Read BPS blog about Breast Lift Surgery: Recovery Tips to Follow
- Read BPS blog about Am I A Candidate for Breast Lift or Breast Reduction
- Read BPS blog about Do I Need Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation
Medical References about Mastopexy Surgery
