Breast Lift Sydney – Information on Surgery, Recovery and Risks

A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon will involve:

• Discussion of your goals and expectations
• A review of medical history and any factors that may influence surgery or recovery
• Examination of the breasts, which may include measurements and clinical photographs
• Recommendations for surgical techniques suitable for your anatomy and desired outcome

Written information will be provided, and a follow-up consultation is recommended prior to scheduling surgery. Bringing recent breast imaging (mammogram or ultrasound) is encouraged.

This procedure is best considered when you are in good general health and have realistic expectations about the results. Smoking and a higher body mass index increase surgical and anaesthetic risks and may affect wound healing and scar formation. It is generally advised to wait approximately one year after childbirth and breastfeeding before considering surgery, to allow breast tissue and skin to stabilise.

A breast lift involves:

• Removal of excess skin to reshape the breast envelope
• Repositioning and reshaping of the breast tissue for a firmer contour
• Repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a more proportionate height

Different incision patterns may be used depending on the degree of lift required. Your surgeon will discuss the most suitable approach for your anatomy.

For patients seeking additional breast volume, a mastopexy may be combined with breast augmentation (augmentation mastopexy). The decision between a single-stage or staged approach will depend on anatomy, goals, and surgical considerations, and will be discussed during consultation.

Depending on the extent of the procedure, a breast lift may be performed as day surgery or require an overnight stay in hospital.

Recovery times vary depending on the surgical approach and individual healing.

Typical timeframes:

• Desk-based work: 1–2 weeks
• Light exercise: 4–6 weeks after surgery
• Full recovery: Several months, as swelling settles and scars mature

You will receive detailed wound care instructions, medication guidance, and a follow-up schedule. Post-operative reviews allow your surgeon to monitor healing and address concerns.

Current evidence indicates that breast lift surgery does not increase breast cancer risk. Because surgery changes breast tissue position, a new baseline mammogram is recommended one year after the procedure.

Mastopexy procedures are performed in accredited private hospitals including St George, St Luke’s, and Bondi Junction Private Hospitals, which provide the required surgical and anaesthetic facilities and meet peri-operative care standards.

For patients who prefer, Dr Amira Sanki can arrange an all-female surgical team for scheduled operating lists. Team members are selected for their qualifications, skills, and experience.

Medicare and private health insurance may provide partial coverage for breast lift surgery if certain medical criteria are met, such as significant sagging with associated symptoms. Your surgeon can assist with medical documentation for insurance review. Patients are encouraged to check with their health fund for item number 45558 to confirm eligibility.

A breast lift is a specialised operation that should be performed by a surgeon with accredited plastic surgery training. In Australia, Specialist Plastic Surgeons have completed FRACS in Plastic Surgery, indicating recognised surgical expertise. Dr Sanki and Dr Kotronakis hold these qualifications and are members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon can provide tailored advice about the procedure, including risks, benefits, and likely outcomes based on your health and goals.

1. Infection: Any surgical procedure has the risk of infection. Surgeons take precautions to minimise this risk, such as sterile operating environments and proper wound care, but infections can still occur.

2. Scarring: Scarring is an inherent risk of plastic surgery. While surgeons strive to minimise visible scarring, some procedures may result in more noticeable or keloid scars.

3. Pain and discomfort: Plastic surgery involves incisions and tissue manipulation, which can lead to post-operative pain and discomfort. The level of pain varies depending on the procedure and the individual’s pain tolerance.

4. Hematoma and seroma: Hematomas are collections of blood that can form under the skin after surgery, while seromas are collections of fluid. These fluid collections may require drainage.

5. Nerve damage: Nerves can be damaged during surgery, leading to temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area. Nerve damage can also cause muscle weakness or paralysis.

6. Blood clots: Surgical procedures carry a risk of blood clot formation, particularly in the legs. Blood clots can be serious if they travel to other parts of the body, causing complications like pulmonary embolism.

7. Anesthesia risks: Plastic surgery usually requires the use of anesthesia, which carries its own set of risks. These include adverse reactions to anesthesia, breathing difficulties, and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications.

8. Unsatisfactory results: Plastic surgery outcomes may not meet the patient’s expectations or desires. It’s important for individuals to have realistic expectations and to communicate clearly with their surgeon about their goals and desired outcomes before undertaking a breast reduction in Sydney.

9. Revision surgery: In some cases, additional surgery may be required to achieve the desired results or to correct any complications or unsatisfactory outcomes. This can increase the financial and emotional burden on the patient.

10. Psychological and emotional effects: Plastic surgery can have psychological and emotional impacts, both positive and negative. While many people experience improved self-esteem and body image after surgery, others may struggle with unrealistic expectations, body dysmorphia, or dissatisfaction with the results.

11. Loss of nipple sensation: most people become either hypersensitive or numb after surgery. This improves after a few weeks. Some people will experience numbness that does not improve (approx. 5%).

12. Asymmetry of the breasts: No two breasts are the same. The goal of surgery is to improve symmetry but absolute symmetry cannot be achieved.

13. Cup size cannot be guaranteed: breast reduction surgery lifts and reduces the size of the breasts. Your surgeon will speak to you about the approximate size you would like to achieve to suit your frame and body.

14. Recurrent breast growth or sag: your breasts will continue to change shape and size if you fall pregnant, breast feed, gain or lose weight.

It’s crucial for individuals considering plastic surgery to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can thoroughly explain the risks and benefits specific to their desired procedure. Understanding and carefully weighing these risks against the potential benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.