The breasts are made up of skin, fat, and milk-producing glands. The skin and the milk-producing glands are supported by a network of Cooper’s ligaments. These ligaments can stretch over time, causing the breasts to sag. Especially during pregnancy and weight changes. A breast lift in Albania, also called mastectomy, can help reshape, tighten or lift the breasts. Of course, the results are immediately noticeable, but there are risks. Despite the risks, many women choose to have breast lift surgery in order to achieve their desired look. Surgery can give a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance and can be combined with other procedures to enhance the results.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift will not significantly change the size of your breasts, but it can change their shape and make them look fuller. The procedure can also help improve the symmetry of your breasts and make them look more youthful.

The areola oftentimes becomes enlarged with time, an especially common occurrence for women who have experienced significant weight fluctuations, as the skin can stretch and become more noticeable. A breast lift can help to make the breast shape more aesthetically pleasing and reduce the size of the areola.

Women’s breasts change over time, losing their youthful and perky shape. This happens due to a number of factors- factors that can lead to a decrease in self-confidence and a feeling of distress as a woman’s body changes. Fortunately, there are many solutions available to help women feel comfortable in their own skin, such as breast augmentation surgery. The following are some of the most common factors that affect skin elasticity:

• Pregnancy
• Weight fluctuations
• Breastfeeding
• Aging
• Genetics
• Gravity

There are a few reasons why women choose to undergo breast lift surgery:

Common reasons women choose breast lift surgery:

• Getting back to the right breast shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to stretch and sag. A breast lift can help to restore the breasts to their original appearance.
• To restore breast contour after extreme weight loss.
• To improve breast contour after significant weight loss. When you lose weight, your skin doesn’t always snap back into place. This can leave you with saggy skin, especially in areas like the breasts. A breast lift can help to remove that excess skin and give you a more youthful look.
• To get to see a youthful and perky breast shape for the very first time.
• Enjoy a beautiful, perky breast shape for the first time. A breast lift will not significantly change the size of your breasts, but it can change their shape and improve your overall appearance.

How to Tell if You Need a Breast Lift

If you’re noticing that your breasts are sagging, or you’ve experienced changes in your breast shape due to pregnancy or weight loss, it may be time to consider a breast lift. It’s imperative to know the signs of needing a breast lift so you can make an informed decision about your health and body.

You can consider whether your breasts have lost volume or if they have become saggy. Additionally, you can ask yourself if your nipples are pointing downwards and if you are dissatisfied with the overall appearance of your breasts.

• Is it normal for the nipples to be pointed downward? The skin at the base of the breast is called the inframammary fold, and it is where the breast tissue attaches to the chest wall. When this skin stretches out, it can cause the nipples to point downward. A breast lift can improve the overall shape of the breast, creating a more aesthetically pleasing look.
• Does the nipple/areola sit below the breast? This is a common way to identify where your nipple and areola are located, and a sign that you have a normal breast shape. If the nipple/areola is too low, it may not be lifted to a satisfactory position on its own, and other corrective measures may need to be taken. Try this out: slide a sheet of paper under your breasts without wearing a bra and check in the mirror- do your nipples sit below the top edge of the paper? If yes, this is a sign that your breasts are sagging and you need a breast lift.
• How do I feel about my breast size when wearing a bra? If you want to change the size of your breasts, you need to combine a breast lift with either breast augmentation or breast reduction- a breast lift by itself won’t do the trick.
• Are my breasts weirdly shaped? The decision to undergo breast surgery is always a personal one. Depending on your unique needs and goals, a breast lift could be the most suitable solution to give you the look you want. But we do recommend the procedure as a way to improve your breast symmetry and give your breasts a more rounded appearance.

What can breast lift surgery do?

Breast lift surgery alone will not reduce the size of your breasts. If you want to reduce the size of your breasts, you will need to combine breast lift and breast reduction surgery. If you would like to grow the size of your breasts, you will need to undergo breast augmentation surgery in addition to breast lift surgery.

Who is a viable candidate for breast lift surgery?

The following factors can contribute to an undesirable breast shape or size and can be corrected through breast lift surgery:

• Sagged breasts
• Flattened breasts
• Elongated breasts
• Dissatisfaction with the size or shape of your breasts
• Stretched skin
• Enlarged areolas
• Nipples and areolas pointing downwards
• You are a non-smoker
• You have generally favorable health
• You maintain a stable weight
• One breast is lower than the other one

How much does a breast lift cost?

Though the average cost of a breast lift in Western countries can reach up to $7000, this is only a part of the total price. Noteworthy: the cost does not include anesthesia, the facilities, and other expenses. However, medical tourism has been useful for many. Eastern European countries like Albania offer you the chance of getting breast surgery for a lower price and the same quality. They are so low because the expenses of the clinics are quite low too thanks to the rental of office space and low salaries.

In other countries outside those who practice medical tourism, the cost of the procedure can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It is wise to do your research and find a qualified surgeon who will give you the highest quality results at a price that fits your budget.

The cost of surgery could vary greatly depending on the surgeon, his/her experience, as well as the type of procedure you as a patient would undergo.

It is extremely vital to understand what is covered by a health plan and what is not. Additionally, it is critical to inquire about financing options and to make an informed decision.

Breast lift costs may include:

• Surgeon’s fee
• Anesthesia fees
• Operating room fees
• Post-operative care fees

These costs may vary from patient to patient depending on the complexity of the procedure. Additionally, some insurance policies may cover some of the costs associated with a breast lift.

What should I expect during a consultation for breast lift surgery?

During the consultation with your surgeon, make sure to discuss:

• Your desired goals for surgery
• Your medical history and any medications that you take
• The type of anesthesia that will be used during the operation.
• Previous surgeries you have undergone
• Family history of breast cancer

Please note that it is critical to have realistic expectations for the results of surgery.

Your surgeon may:

• Do an evaluation of your general health
• Consider any pre-existing health condition
• Consider any risk factors
• Examine your breasts
• Take measurements of the size and shape, as well as skin quality
• Check the placement of your nipple and areolas
• Take pictures
• Discuss your goals and ideas
• Discuss the outcomes of the surgery
• Discuss what type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure

It’s essential to understand the risks, recovery process, and expected results of the procedure in order to make an informed decision. You should also be aware of the costs involved and any potential complications. Taking the time to thoughtfully prepare yourself for the experience can be calming and help ensure a positive outcome. It’s essential to have clear and open communication with your doctor to ensure you get the desired outcome from your surgery. Be sure to ask any questions you have and voice any concerns you have about the procedure.

A breast lift and breast implant placement

Most women consider the placement of breast implants when considering a breast lift. This can be a very beneficial way to help women improve the appearance of their breasts. It can help to reduce sagging and add volume and shape to the breasts, giving them a more youthful appearance. A breast implant can restore balance, symmetry, and proportion to the upper part of the breast, creating a more natural-looking shape. It can also provide volume to fill out a tube top or other type of clothing that requires additional volume in the upper breast area.

How should I prepare for breast lift surgery?

During the preparation stage of breast lift surgery, you might be asked to:

• Get lab testing. It is imperative to get lab testing or a medical evaluation to see if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness in order to accurately diagnose any potential issues.
• Take new medications or readjust your old ones. It’s critical to adjust your medication according to your doctor’s advice in order to ensure that you are getting the most appropriate possible care.
• Get a mammogram before and after surgery. This will allow your doctor to track any changes in your breast tissue over time and ensure that any surgery you have is safe.
• Stop taking nicotine in any form. Quitting smoking or using any other form of nicotine can have a positive effect on your physical and mental health. Consequently having an effect
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin because they can increase bleeding. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can be dangerous and should be avoided if you are prescribed a blood thinner. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication.

The breast-lifting procedure can be performed in different settings, including an office or in a hospital. The main difference between these three types of facilities is the level of care that is available. An office-based surgical center will have a doctor and a few nurses, while a hospital will have a much larger staff and more resources. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, anesthesia options can range from local to general anesthesia. The surgery itself typically takes two to three hours but can take up to five hours in some cases.

What are the steps of a breast lift procedure?

Depending on the following factors, your surgeon will decide which is the most suitable incision pattern and technique for you:

• The breast size and shape
• The size of your areolas and their position
• The amount of breast sagging
• Skin quality and elasticity
• The amount of extra skin

Step 1 – Anesthesia

For your own comfort, medications are given at each step of the procedure. The main choices are intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. No matter what type of anesthesia you receive, the medical team will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.

Step 2 – The incision

Three are the most commonly used incision patterns:

• Around the areola.
• Around the areola and down from the areola to the breast crease.
• Around the areola, down from the breast crease, and along the breast crease.

Step 3 – Reshaping your breasts

Once the surgeon makes the incisions, these steps are taken:

• The reshape for the improvement of the breast contour and the lifting of the breast tissue.
• Repositioning of the nipples and areolas to a more youthful height.
• The reduction of the enlarged areolas.
• The removal of excess breast skin.

Step 4 – Closing the incisions

When the reshaping of the breasts and the removal of excess skin is done, your surgeon will then tighten the remaining skin and close the incisions.

Depending on the incisions, some of them can be concealed in natural breast contours, while others can remain visible on the breast surface. It is helpful to remember that while some incisions can be visible, they will eventually become less noticeable with time.

Some incision lines resulting from a breast lift are concealed in the natural breast contours; however, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade significantly over time.

Though it is understandable that many women want the smallest scars possible, it is imperative to keep in mind that the incisions made by your plastic surgeon are meant to give you the most accurate results possible, which may not align with your desired outcome of a small scar.

Take your surgeon’s advice and do not ruin your results by requesting an incision that might not be the right one for you.

Step 5 – The results

You will notice a more youthful look in the breast area right away, with the effects continuing to improve over the weeks and months following your surgery.

What should I expect during my breast lift recovery?

After the breast lift procedure is completed, dressings and/or bandages will be applied to the incisions. As a means of minimizing the swelling and supporting the breasts during the healing process, an elastic bandage or support bra is needed.

Furthermore, to help drain any excess blood or fluids, your surgeon will temporarily place a thin and small tube under the skin.

The specific advice coming from your surgeon might include:

• How to take care of your wounds
• What exercises to avoid
• How often should you follow up with your surgeon for check-ups
• What medications you should apply to the area and what you should take orally to reduce the pain and inflammation

Surgery typically takes two to three hours, and a patient may be expected to stay in the hospital for one to two nights post-surgery. Recovery time is generally four to six weeks, with careful follow-up to ensure healing is progressing well. Oftentimes the whole surgery is done under local anesthesia, putting to sleep a specific area of your body. Other times, it is done with general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep and numbs your entire body. Regardless of the method used, it is paramount to be familiar with the safety measures and risks associated with anesthesia.

A noticeable change in your breasts can be observed right after surgery. Furthermore, the shape will continue to change over the next few months.

Firstly, the scars will be red and a little lumpy. Though the scars are permanent, with time they will soften and become very thin within one to two years. The scars can be easily hidden by wearing bras and bathing suits. The bra size will be smaller after the breast lift. This will happen even when the procedure isn’t combined with a breast reduction. So, the change in bra size is a result of the breasts becoming firmer, not a reduction in size.

What are the advantages of mastopexy?

Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, has a number of advantages. First, it can help to improve the shape and appearance of the breasts. Second, it can help to alleviate any pain or discomfort that may be associated with large, drooping breasts. Finally, it can be beneficial to boost a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

Breast lift surgery and pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause a woman’s breasts to sag, but breast lift surgery can help to fix this. You can undergo the procedure only after pregnancy is completed. That is because the changes that might occur in the breasts during childbearing can reverse or even minimize the improvement that the breast lift procedure provides you with. It is the same logic as weight loss after breast surgery.

Risks

There are various risks to the breast lifting procedure, such as:

• Scarring. Scars are permanent but will fade over time, within 1 to 2 years. They can usually be hidden under clothing, but in some cases, they can be very noticeable. It is rare for the healing process to cause scars that become thick and wide.
• Changes in breast or breast-like sensations. The loss of feeling is usually caused by damage to the nerves that send signals from the skin to the brain. Do note that though the loss of feeling might be permanent, it does not affect the erotic sensation.
• An uneven shape and size of the breasts. One breast may be larger or smaller than the other, and the breasts may not be the same shape. This is a result of the changes that take place during the healing process. Although surgeons prefer not to change breasts that are of different sizes before a procedure, it is still worth noting.
• Partial or total loss of the nipples or areolae. The nipple and areola are together as a unit. The areola is the dark area of skin around the nipple. Very rarely does the blood supply to this area stop during a breast lift. This brief stop can damage the breast tissue, leading to a partial or total loss of the nipple or/and areola.
• Trouble breastfeeding. Although there are several reasons why a woman may have trouble breastfeeding- She may not be producing enough milk, her baby may have a tongue-tie or lip-tie that makes it difficult to latch, or she may simply not be able to position her baby correctly- a breast lift is one of the most significant factors. The surgery would affect the production of milk.

As already mentioned, breast lifts are a type of plastic surgery that helps to improve the appearance of the breasts by making them look firmer and lifted. However, like any other major procedure, a breast lift is prone to a high risk of bleeding, infections, or even an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Another risk to take into consideration is the allergic reaction a patient might have because of the materials used during or after the procedure.

What results should I expect after breast lift surgery?

The results after breast lift surgery are almost always visible. Though they vary, many patients are pleased with their appearance after surgery. Breast shape, size, and position can be dramatically improved and last for a long time.

You will start to feel more confident and empowered, ultimately allowing you to take on anything that comes your way. During this period you’ll need to wear a support bra and avoid strenuous activity. However the effort will be well worth it when you can finally enjoy your updated look. Keep in mind: With proper care, surgery results should be visible for many years, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a more youthful and vibrant look. Nonetheless, as women get older, their breasts can lose shape and volume, becoming less firm and elastic. This can be a normal part of the aging process but can be disappointing for many women. To maintain the firm shape of your breast and your new younger look, do make sure to:

• Maintain your weight
• Keep a healthy lifestyle

It is extremely crucial to take all pre-operative and post-operative instructions seriously in order to ensure a successful outcome. Failing to do so can result in long-term complications.

When can I go back to my old life?

Recovery from a breast lift can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It is wise to take it easy during this time and not do any strenuous activity or lift anything heavy. However, to make things easier for you, your surgeon will give you a list of personalized instructions based on how your surgery turned out and your recovery. Many women can transition back to working gentle work such as desk work or gentle activities such as walking only a week after the intervention. While vigorous activities will take longer, sexual activity included, they can take up to six weeks. If you are wondering if you can wear a bra, know that you can do so about eight weeks after surgery.

How long do the results of a mastopexy last?

The results of a breast lift are typically long-lasting, but the effects can be affected by lifestyle habits such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight fluctuations. To ensure the highest results, it’s imperative to follow your doctor’s instructions and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

When should I schedule a post-operative appointment?

You should call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, increased pain, redness, or discharge from the incision site, or if your breast becomes swollen, tender, or swollen.