The female breast changes over time, whereby pregnancies, breastfeeding phases, severe weight loss, the normal aging process but also gravity can lead to a sagging of the female breast, a change in shape and a decrease in firmness. This can be corrected by a breast lift, also called mastopexy. This involves reshaping a beautiful, firm breast shape by removing excess skin, bringing up the nipple complex, and shaping and redistributing the mammary gland tissue. In certain cases, in addition to a lift, an additional breast augmentation with implants or autologous fat may be necessary to achieve the desired result (augmentation mastopexy).
The consultation
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lüdi specializes in breast surgery and will be happy to advise you personally, woman to woman, on the subject of breast lift in her clinic in Basel.
As a rule, two detailed consultations take place before a breast lift. It is very important to us that you are well informed about the procedure, that all open questions are answered and that your wishes are taken into account. Dr. Lüdi will discuss with you the surgical technique and the exact incision to tighten the breasts, possible risks and complications as well as the aftercare. Dr. Lüdi will also be happy to show you the before and after results of a breast lift.
On the day of surgery
On the day of surgery, Dr. Lüdi prepares a photo documentation before the operation and makes the exact markings on the breast. You will then be prepared for the upcoming operation and accompanied to the operating room.
The operation - how to tighten the breasts?
The breast lift can be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia in our clinic in Basel and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The incision is usually made around the areola, vertically down into the breast crease (vertical incision) and, if indicated, horizontally in the inframammary fold (T incision). The nipple complex is then repositioned, excess skin is removed, and the glandular body is redistributed and sculpted to create an aesthetic, firm breast shape.
Immediately after surgery
After the operation, you can recover from the procedure in our beautiful patient rooms with a view of the Rhine and will be looked after by our team. After another visit by Dr. Lüdi, you can be picked up by an accompanying person and return home the same day.
The aftercare
- The first follow-up visit by Dr. Lüdi takes place the very next day.
- For 6 weeks, you should wear a well-fitting sports bra during the day and at night.
- We recommend a grace period of 6 weeks. During this time, you should avoid sports, carrying and lifting loads and sleeping in the prone position as much as possible.
- Pain intensity after surgery is generally moderate and well controlled with common analgesics.
- Scar care can be started from 3 weeks after breast lift.
Risks and complications
In principle, every operation involves certain risks, but in general, breast lift is a low-risk procedure and complications are very rare. In addition to the general surgical risks (e.g. bruising, wound healing problems), there is a risk of infection or secondary bleeding in rare cases. Sensory disturbances in the area of the nipple usually subside on their own after a certain time. In a few cases, a secondary correction of widened scars may be necessary, which can be performed under local anesthesia. During the consultation, Dr. Lüdi will discuss the possible risks and complications with you in detail and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Costs
The costs for a breast lift depend on your wishes, the type and extent of the operation and the materials required. During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will put together a treatment tailored to you personally and provide you with an individual cost estimate.
As a rule, health insurance does not cover the costs of a breast lift, as it is an aesthetic procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Due to pregnancies, but also due to advancing age, the female breast changes, so that the skin and breast tissue can sag and lead to a sagging of the breast. Many women therefore wish to have a firm breast back. As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lüdi specializes in breast surgery and will be happy to advise you personally from woman to woman on the subject of breast lift in her practice clinic in Basel.
During pregnancy and also during the breastfeeding phase, the female breast changes. For an optimal result, we recommend waiting at least 3 to 6 months after breastfeeding before a breast lift.
Pain and discomfort immediately after surgery are moderate and can be controlled with common pain medications.
Depending on the incision, the scars run around the areola, vertically down into the breast fold (vertical incision) and, if indicated, horizontally in the inframammary fold (T incision). After healing and scar maturation, the scars are usually very fine, faded and hardly visible. Dr. Lüdi will instruct you in detail after the operation regarding scar care in order to support beautiful scar healing. In rare cases, secondary correction of widened scars may be necessary.
Depending on the occupational activity and physical strain, you must expect to be unable to work for about 1 week.
After six weeks, healing will have progressed to the point where you can slowly return to sports. Listen to your body and watch out for warning signals such as pain or increased swelling. In these cases, it is recommended to wait with further training and to allow the body some rest.
Depending on the surgical technique and the individual anatomy, if there is enough milk-producing tissue in the breast, breastfeeding can still be done, at least partially.
Dr. med. Simona Lüdi will be happy to receive you for a personal consultation for a breast lift in our clinic in Basel. We look forward to seeing you.