Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Many women experience a change in the shape and firmness of their breasts. This may result from loss of the skin elasticity, weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Breast lift cosmetic surgery, also called a mastopexy, removes the excess breast skin to elevate and reposition the nipples.

This surgery also aims to reshape and lift the breasts. The areolae (pigmented skin around the nipples) may also be reduced in size. Sometimes, breast implants may be inserted in conjunction with a mastopexy to increase breast volume if desired.

What you should consider before mastopexy (breast lift) surgery

Dr Mark Hanikeri recommends waiting until patients have completed their families and when they have achieved a stable weight that they are happy with before having breast lift performed. This is because significant weight loss or gain, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all alter the shape of the breasts over time, which would impact the initial results of a breast lift.

The safety of the procedure is affected by smoking and Dr Hanikeri does not offer this surgery to patients who are still smoking.

To be a suitable candidate for a mastopexy, you must be a non-smoker or willing to quit for a sufficient length of time before your procedure date. Smoking can lead to complications and your surgeon will want to minimise the risk of complications occurring as much as possible.

For some patients, Medicare rebates may apply towards this procedure. This is assessed preoperatively with photographs taken demonstrating the degree of ptosis in order to meet the Medicare criteria. If the criteria is met, private health insurance rebates may also apply. This can significantly reduce the costs associated with the surgery.

Your consultation with Dr Hanikeri

During your first consultation with breast lift surgeon Dr Hanikeri in Perth, you will have your specific concerns assessed to see how the procedure can be tailored to your needs.

The steps of a breast lift can vary per patient, since every patient is unique and will have their own personal preferences. Your initial consultation is the time to discuss what you would like to achieve, ask any questions and mutually agree on a treatment plan. Your surgeon will also assess your suitability for the procedure.

You will also learn about your total procedure costs during your consultation, receiving a Surgical Fee Estimate detailing of your fees.

Costs of a breast lift in Perth

The expenses associated with a breast lift procedure are individualised, as each step of the procedure is customised to meet the specific requirements of each patient. Dr Hanikeri, your breast lift surgeon, will evaluate your needs during a consultation and devise an optimal treatment plan for you. Once you agree on a treatment plan that satisfies you, our team can then determine the cost of your procedure.

Consultations

The fee for your initial consultation to discuss a breast lift procedure will be $250. This is required at the time of making a booking to secure your appointment. Additional consultations required to clarify the procedure plan will be $120.

Aftercare costs

We believe in providing exceptional support throughout your recovery journey. That’s why post-operative check-ups, dressing changes, and suture removal are all included in the procedure cost and do not incur additional fees.

Surgical Fee Estimate

The fees for your breast lift surgery encompass the surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees, and hospital fees. The complexity of the procedure and the duration of the procedure can influence the costs. Since these factors vary for each patient, you will have a detailed discussion about your specific procedure plan during your consultation. At the conclusion of your consultation, you will be given a Surgical Fee Estimate form that outlines all the aforementioned fees.

Payment plans

Patients have the option to participate in our pre-procedure payment plan prior to the procedure date. The full payment must be made at least two weeks before the scheduled date, and instalment payments can be made on a weekly or monthly basis leading up to that date. This interest-free payment plan requires an initial deposit of $500 to secure your procedure date. It is important to note that we are unable to facilitate third-party payment plans, as the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and AHPRA prohibit this practice. To get further details regarding your costs and obtain your fee estimate form, please get in touch with our team to schedule your consultation.

The procedure: What is involved with mastopexy (breast lift) surgery ?

The steps of your breast lift surgery will be thoroughly explained during your initial consultation, so that your personal preferences can be addressed, you can make sure that you are happy with the procedure plan and that you can know what to expect.

If implants are to be used, this may be done at the same time as the breast lift is performed. However, in some cases, the risk of performing both breast lift and breast augmentation together are high. If Dr Hanikeri feels that the patient would be better off having the procedures performed separately, he will advise them to do so.

Breast lift techniques and incision types

There are several different techniques to reduce the skin in mastopexy surgery depending on the degree of excess skin and the amount of nipple elevation that is required. Dr Hanikeri uses the circum-areolar “Donut” technique for minor breast lifts where the scar is just around the nipple. He uses the circumvertical “lollipop” technique if more significant elevation and skin reduction is needed and the “Anchor scar” technique if the amount of skin resection and nipple elevation required is very significant.

Generally, the procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening skin and creating a lift, and repositioning the nipples to suit the new breast shape.

Patients are shown diagrams and photographs of patients who have had the technique that applies to them.

Results and recovery: What to expect after surgery?

You will receive personalised advice and information on what you can expect after your breast lift procedure, including specific recovery instructions that consider your individual procedure steps.

Plastic surgery patients who undergo a mastopexy will often be mobile immediately and can resume driving, light activities and light exercise such as walking after two weeks. They can usually return to normal activities and exercise within four to six weeks. Most patients are recommended to take around one to two weeks off work after the operation depending on the physical demands of their job. These post-operative recommendations are determined by your surgeon.

Whilst scars are not completely predictable, most are barely visible and are easily concealed in time. They may appear pink and slightly thickened for a few weeks to months after the surgery but will usually fade to be pale and soft by around three to six months. Their final appearance may take up to eighteen months to achieve. Most patients experience very minimal scarring in the longer term. Dr Hanikeri will usually recommend topical scar therapy such as silicone gel to be used from around the fourth postoperative week, until around three months after surgery.

You will have your own list of recovery instructions to follow, but generally, post-operative instructions include to get plenty of rest, follow a healthy diet, stay hydrated, wear a compression garment for up to six weeks to reduce swelling and help the skin retract, take care of your wounds to avoid infection, and avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. You will also need to avoid smoking and alcohol.

Be patient for your final results to show, as swelling and any bruising would first need to subside before results can be completely visible. You may need to come into the clinic to have dressings changed post-operatively, and this cost is included in your surgical fee.

Risks of mastopexy surgery

All surgical procedures carry some risks. The potential risks are discussed at the initial consultation and will be outlined via your secure patient portal (TouchMD). Some risks may include:

Swelling
Bruising
Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Tissue necrosis
Asymmetrical results
Anaesthesia risks
The need for revision surgery to address complications
Changes in nipple or breast sensation may occur and whilst they may be temporary, they can also be permanent.
Pregnancy and weight fluctuations can alter breast size and breast tissue in an unpredictable way and could affect the results of your breast lift.

The surgery will be performed under General Anaesthesia.

Patients are instructed to wear a postoperative compression garment for the first six weeks after the surgery, which can help to minimise some risks, support the skin to fully retract and help the swelling subside faster.

As for scarring, incision lines result in scars that will fade over time. These will be permanently visible, however, they are usually easily concealed. Occasional poor healing of incisions may lead to necessary revision surgery.

Breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical and nipple height may vary slightly. Minor adjustments can be made if required, usually sometime later, but patients should remember that natural breasts do show some variation.

Gravity and the effects of ageing and weight fluctuations will alter the size and shape of every woman’s breasts. Some patients may choose to undergo a second breast lift procedure.

Before undergoing a breast lift, it is highly important to get an opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner, particularly a Specialist Plastic Surgeon recognised by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, such as Dr Mark Hanikeri.

Mastopexy in Perth

If you would like to know more about the breast lift procedure, seek a second opinion, or request a consultation, please contact us today to book a consultation with Dr Mark Hanikeri.

Dr Hanikeri has undergone years of training to qualify as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, performing procedures in Australia and internationally. He has also taught future plastic surgeons, passionate about teaching effective surgical techniques.

It is essential to choose a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to perform your breast lift, in order to achieve the best results possible and minimise complications.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift) Perth

Reshape and firm your breasts with a mastopexy

What you should consider before mastopexy (breast lift) surgery

Your consultation with Dr Hanikeri

Before and After Gallery