Breast lift with/without augmentation
About breast lift with/without augmentation
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Over time, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and the natural ageing process can lead to loss of skin elasticity and changes in breast position.
Dr Mathew Lee brings extensive experience in breast surgery, supported by a trusted team of anaesthetists and nurses to ensure exceptional care throughout your surgical journey. Learn more about Dr Lee’s experience.
Based on the Mornington Peninsula, we are committed to delivering the highest standards in both surgical outcomes and patient experience.
Dr Mathew Lee performs the full spectrum of breast procedures including breast augmentation, implant removal, implant removal and replacement, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction.
Procedure details
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Patients may consider a breast lift for a number of reasons including drooping or sagging breasts (ptosis), downward-pointing nipples, stretched skin, or asymmetry.
A breast lift can also be performed in conjunction with implant surgery if volume enhancement is also a goal.
Every woman’s anatomy and goals are unique.
Dr Lee will assess your breast tissue, skin quality, and personal expectations to ensure the most appropriate surgical plan is tailored to your needs.
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The cost of breast lift surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional steps, such as fat grafting or implants, are required.
Generally, breast lift surgery starts from $13,500 and includes surgeon’s fee, hospital and theatre fees, anaesthetist’s fee, assistant fee, and post-operative follow-up.
An individualised estimate will be provided following your consultation with Dr Lee.
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Planning your breast lift involves two consultations with Dr Lee and his experienced team of plastic surgery nurses at our Mornington rooms.
During these sessions, we will explore your concerns and goals in depth. Dr Lee will assess the degree of breast ptosis, nipple position, and skin elasticity. Options such as vertical or anchor incisions, fat grafting, and the possible use of implants will also be discussed if relevant.
Our team will take detailed measurements and photographs to help plan the right surgical approach for your body and goals.
The nurses will also assist with preparation for surgery, provide detailed pre- and post-operative information, and answer any questions you may have.
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A breast lift is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital facility.
Dr Lee uses techniques tailored to your anatomy and desired outcome. This may include a periareolar (around the nipple), vertical (lollipop), or anchor (inverted-T) incision depending on the degree of lift required.
Excess skin is removed, the nipple is repositioned, and underlying tissues are reshaped to restore youthful breast contours. Where needed, internal support with sutures or fat grafting may be used to improve longevity of results. The concepts of ‘internal bra’ and ‘auto-augmentation’ are considered and included in all patients. Where appropriate, these techniques form part of the routine surgical plan.
Silicon implants are the most common type used by Dr Lee and will be placed either under or in front of the pectoralis major muscle. The decision on placement is based on desired result and existing breast tissue parameters.
After surgery, you will be monitored in recovery before being discharged with personalised care instructions.
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Many patients can go home on the same day of surgery. Whether you stay overnight or not, individualised recovery protocols will be provided.
Pain is well managed with a combination of local anaesthetic used during surgery and prescribed medications for home.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled before surgery and details provided in your discharge paperwork.
Post-procedure timeline
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Dr Lee will review you in hospital prior to discharge. At home, rest is recommended with light activities only. Avoid lifting over 1kg. Gentle arm movements are safe.
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A clinic visit is scheduled to change dressings and assess healing. Swelling and breast fullness are expected and will settle gradually.
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Further dressing changes and commencement of scar therapy with micropore tape. Driving can usually resume.
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Results begin to settle, with final shape assessed at the 6-week and 3-month visits. You can usually return to full activity, including exercise, after 6 weeks.
Other considerations
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As with all surgery, complications can occur but are rare in the hands of an experienced team.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, altered sensation to skin and nipple, and scarring.
When implants are used at the same time as a mastopexy is performed, the risk of complications such as asymmetry, increases. This may require further surgery to achieve the desired result. This will be discussed prior to you operation.
The most common issues relating to implants include capsular contracture, ultimate size and symmetry and the need for surgery relating to the implants at some point in the future. Surgical refinements including ‘no-touch’ implant handling, and antibiotic irrigation have significantly reduced the risk of capsule contracture and infection.
Careful planning, intra-operative sizers and attention to detail ensure size and symmetry problems are minimal.
These will all be discussed in detail at your consultation, and you will be supported closely throughout your recovery.
When aesthetics and symmetry are involved in surgery, there is always the risk of needing a revision (further surgery) to achieve the desired result. There are factors within a surgeon’s control, and some that are not. Scar potential and swelling vary from patient to patient and can result in the need for a revision. Further costs will normally be incurred by the patient if this happens.
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There is a lot of media attention relating to overseas surgery and surgery with ‘cosmetic surgeons’.
In the age of online forums, social media and misinformation, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
The simplest response to this is that you get what you pay for. Cheap surgery is offered by taking shortcuts which equates to increased risk for patients. Some people are willing to take this risk and may get away with it. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, the complications can be devastating and potentially life-threatening.
In making a decision to have surgery, it is important to ensure that you see a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to discuss your options and suitability.
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Please contact us to arrange a consultation or to speak with our team for more details about breast implant removal and replacement.
The Australian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons have a wealth of information for patients.