Mastopexy

To see Dr Avery, you will need a referral from your GP or another specialist who knows you well. Some people seek a consultation after speaking with family or friends, or following their own research into plastic surgery.

The initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your personal reasons for considering surgery, your expectations, and any questions or concerns you may have. Dr Avery will take time to understand your health history and circumstances so that the information you receive is specific to you.

When you arrive at Avery, you will be welcomed by our Care Team and asked to complete a medical history form if this has not already been done. You are welcome to bring a supportive family member or friend with you to your consultation, should you wish, to help you collect and retain al of the information you need to make an informed decision about surgery.

As part of the consultation, Dr Avery will carry out an examination of the area of concern and provide information about whether surgery may be suitable for you. This discussion will include what the procedure involves, the possible risks and complications, and any limitations that may apply in your situation. The aim is to provide you with clear information about what surgery may or may not achieve, and whether it is an appropriate option for you.

Your consultation will also include discussion of the estimated costs associated with surgery.

After your appointment, our Care Team is available to answer any further questions, including those relating to fees and practical next steps.

At Avery, our focus is to provide you with accurate and personalised information to support your decision-making process before, during, and after surgery.

There are different techniques used to remove the excess breast skin and reshape the breast tissue. If the patient wishes, the size of the areola can also be reduced during this surgical procedure. The specific technique is based on the amount of excess breast skin the surgeon needs to remove to achieve the best outcome. The technique also determines the location of the incisions and the resulting scars.

The three common mastopexy (breast lift) techniques are:

The Circumareolar Technique

A circular incision made around the edge of the areola and a second, larger incision around the first one. In addition to providing a slight lift, the circumareolar (or “doughnut”) technique can be used to reduce areola size. This technique may be suitable for people who do not have severe ptosis.

The Vertical Technique

Incisions are made extending around the areola and down the midline of the breast, to achieve a significant lift. This technique is appropriate for patients with larger breasts and moderate to severe ptosis. The scar that results from this technique is often referred to a lollipop scar.

The Anchor Technique

The most common and most extensive, this technique involves incisions which extend around the areola, down the midline of the breast, and across the lower crease of the breast. This technique is appropriate for patients with larger breasts.

A mastopexy (breast lift) with no additional procedures will usually last 2–3 hours, with another 1–2 hours for recovery before the patient can go home. Some patients decide to stay in hospital overnight following surgery.

After the surgery, the patient’s breasts will be covered with gauze and they will have to wear a surgical support bra. Small tubes might be placed at the incision sites in the breasts to drain any excess blood or fluid.

As with all surgical procedures, mastopexy (breast lift surgery) does have risks, despite the highest standards of practice. It is not common practice for any surgeon to outline in detail every possible side effect or rare complication. However, it is important that you are informed of the more common risks and the less common but potentially very significant complications, so you can carefully weigh the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of surgery. It is usually possible to provide a more comprehensive list of potential risks and complications related to surgery, so that any risks particularly relevant to an individual can be identified and discussed further.

The following possible complications are listed to inform and not to alarm you. There may be other complications that are not listed. Smoking, obesity, and other significant medical problems will cause greater risk of complications.

Some general risks and possible complications of surgery include, but are not limited to the following:

• Heavy bleeding from an operated site. This may require a blood transfusion.
• Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases.
• Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions.
• The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site may require further surgery.
• Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threatening.
• Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s).
• Slow healing.
• Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia.
• Tissue cannot heal without scarring and that how one scars is dependent on individual genetic characteristics. Dr Avery will do his best to minimise scarring but cannot control its ultimate appearance.
• Smoking or using nicotine products during the 3–4-week pre-operative and post-operative periods is prohibited as these could dramatically increase the chances of complications.
• All medications I am currently taking, including prescriptions, over the counter remedies, herbal therapies and supplements, aspirin, and any other recreational drug or alcohol use can affect the safety of my surgery.
• There can be no guarantees about the results of any surgery.

Some specific risks for mastopexy (breast lift surgery) include, but are not limited to the following:

• Bleeding/haematoma requiring surgery
• Discoloration/swelling
• Asymmetry of breasts and/or nipples
• Sores or numbness around nipples
• Change in nipple and skin sensation
• Discomfort (pain/sensitivity)
• Delayed healing
• Excessive firmness of breast
• Permanent and noticeable scarring
• Wound separation
• Infection
• Disappointment/unsatisfactory result
• Recurrence of stretching/loosening of skin
• Further surgery required (revision surgery)
• Skin or nipple/areola loss requiring further treatment
• Further recovery time if further surgery is required
• DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – clot in legs or PE (pulmonary embolus) – clot in lungs
• Allergic reactions to tape, suture material, topical preparations
• Nipple retraction/poor contour
• Different size than expected

The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) has further information about mastopexy (breast lift surgery) including the possible risks for this surgery.

Most patients require one or two overnight stays after mastopexy. In cases where mastopexy is combined with other procedures, a longer hospital stay may be needed. Before discharge, it's important to arrange for an adult to drive you home and ideally stay with you during your first night post-surgery.

Compression garments or surgical bras are typically worn for 4–6 weeks, as advised by the surgeon. These garments provide support to the healing tissues and help manage swelling and discomfort.

Light activities and gentle walking are encouraged early to support circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Most patients may return to non-strenuous work within 1–2 weeks, depending on the nature of their job. Physically demanding roles may require a longer break. Heavy lifting, exercise, or upper-body strain is typically advised to be avoided for up to 4–6 weeks, until cleared by Dr Avery.

A tailored pain relief plan is provided before hospital discharge, suitable for your individual needs. Pain and tightness are to be expected in the first days and weeks, and the plan can be adjusted if needed during recovery.

Some patients may have surgical drains, usually removed before you are discharged from hospital. Dressings are typically changed or removed around 7–10 days after surgery, during early follow-up visits with Avery.

Sleeping on your back, possibly with elevation using pillows, is generally recommended for the first week to reduce tension on surgical areas.

Expected Timeline of Recovery

The financial aspects of your surgery are as important as the medical elements when planning for surgery. At Avery, the surgeries we offer fall into three different financial categories: Self-funded – aesthetic surgery; self-funded – plastic and reconstructive surgery; and health insured – plastic and reconstructive surgery.

To make sense of these three financial categories, we have created a detailed price guide to help you understand what may or may not be covered by your health insurer/Medicare and your out of pocket expenses.

To download this guide, please click here.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our team on 02 4002 4150.

Mastopexy (breast lift) and augmentation mammaplasty (breast augmentation) are different procedures, sometimes performed separately and less commonly in combination. A breast lift changes the position and shape of the breast tissue, usually by removing skin and reshaping the remaining tissue. Breast augmentation involves the placement of an implant to increase breast volume.

In some cases, both procedures may be considered together. Whether they are performed as a single operation or staged separately depends on factors such as breast anatomy, skin quality, and overall surgical planning.

A consultation with a qualified surgeon is required to determine which procedure, or combination of procedures, may be appropriate in your circumstances. You are encouraged to carry out your own research, prepare questions for your consultation, and seek a second opinion before making any decision about surgery.

Changes in nipple sensation can occur after mastopexy (breast lift surgery). Sensation may be reduced, increased (hypersensitivity), or absent. These changes can be temporary or permanent. The likelihood of changes may be influenced by the extent of surgery and individual healing responses.

A consultation is required to discuss these risks in the context of your own circumstances. Further information about general risks associated with breast lift surgery can be found in the risks section of this service page.

The extent of the scars will be dependent on the technique used to perform the breast lift. The scars from the incisions should look like a thin line, initially a bit raised above your skin. Their appearance will vary depending on the technique used to reduce the breasts and your genetics. There are people more prone to hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scars or keloids. As the scars heal, they will flatten and eventually fade and they will usually not be visible in clothing. For further risks associated with breast lift surgery, please visit the risks section on this service page.

Results will vary between individuals, as the outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience, as results vary due to many factors including the individual's genetics, diet and exercise.

Breastfeeding may or may not be possible after mastopexy (breast lift surgery). Any breast surgery has the potential to affect the milk ducts or glandular tissue and may reduce the ability to breastfeed in the future. The impact varies between individuals and depends on the surgical technique and other factors.

A consultation is required to discuss how this may apply in your circumstances. Further information about risks associated with breast lift surgery can be found in the risks section of this service page.

The size of your breast will not increase with a mastopexy (breast lift).

Pain and movement restriction can occur after mastopexy (breast lift surgery). The degree of discomfort varies between individuals and may be influenced by the extent of surgery and individual healing responses.

Pain immediately after surgery is generally managed with medications provided in hospital, and further pain relief will be prescribed for use during your recovery at home. Supportive garments and dressings are also commonly used.

Patients are usually advised to limit certain movements in the early recovery period to protect the surgical site. Specific recommendations regarding activity and movement will be provided as part of your post-operative care plan.

Light activity, such as gentle walking, is generally recommended in the first two weeks after mastopexy (breast lift surgery) to support circulation. More strenuous activities, including upper body exercise, lifting, or high-impact movements, are usually restricted for several weeks.

From two to six weeks after surgery, activity may be gradually increased depending on individual healing and the advice of your surgeon. Many patients are advised to wait at least six weeks before resuming unrestricted exercise, although recovery timeframes vary.

It may take up to 12 weeks or longer for some people to return to their pre-surgery activity levels. A personalised plan will be discussed with you, based on your procedure and circumstances.