Explore Options of Breast Surgery

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift is an operation performed to enhance and firm the shape of the breast by removing excess skin and/or adjusting the placement of the nipple.

It is a more natural procedure than a breast enhancement or ‘boob job’, since it does not involve the insertion of an implant. Whilst the enhanced shape may create a more voluminous look, it is important to be aware that a breast lift does not enlarge the volume of the breast (unlike a breast augmentation). 

Although in some cases, a breast lift may actually reduce the size or volume of breasts by removing excess skin in order to create a firmer shape, breast lifts are different to breast reductions. This is because breast reductions are expressly designed to remove excess tissue and skin from the breasts to reduce overall shape and cup size. However, both breast reduction and breast augmentation procedures can often be performed together with a breast lift to achieve a lifted and reshaped breast. 

What to expect from your breast lift procedure

Breast lift costs can depend on the scope of the procedure as outlined by your breast lift surgeon. Breast lifts are also primarily done for cosmetic purposes. For women who may be experiencing sagging or drooping in breasts (whether as a natural result of ageing, menopause, or following pregnancy and childbirth), a breast lift can restore a natural shape and lift of your breasts to create a more youthful-looking, firmer bust. Sagging or drooping breasts is a natural component of ageing, but it can also be affected by weight gain, dramatic weight loss, or after pregnancy or breast-feeding. In cases where drooping breasts are causing pain or discomfort, breast lifts can be done for reconstructive purposes. 

A breast lift can be so much more than a cosmetic procedure to women across the world. It can provide increased confidence, a more youthful appearance and feel, and an empowering statement of ageless femininity. Here at Pirk, we know the power that feeling good in your body can have. 

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Breast Lift FAQs.

A breast lift is a surgical procedure aimed to improve breast shape, whilst a breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery to enlarge or reconstruct breast volume. A saline or silicone implant is surgically inserted into a pocket beneath the breast tissue in a breast enhancement. There is no artificial implant in a breast lift.

It is possible to pair a breast lift with a breast reduction procedure. However, as breast reductions may also aid in reshaping the breast for a more upward lift, some breast lift surgeons may recommend breast reductions for patients who are looking to attain both a lift as well as reduced breast volume.

Breast Reduction Average Cost Breakdown

Estimated prices do not include post-care, garments, consultations and any complications.

Item Min. Cost Max. Cost
Est. Total Cost $15,300 $31,800
Surgeon Cost $10,500 $22,000
Daily Hospital Cost $2,000 $7,000
Anaesthetist $2,800 $2,800
Surgery Time 3 Hours+ 3 Hours+
Hospital Time Day Surgery Day Surgery

The surgery itself is generally around 90 minutes to 2 hours, and is performed under a general aesthetic. The duration of your breast lift procedure may be impacted by a few factors, ranging from whether or not you’ll be combining your breast lift with additional procedures (i.e. breast reductions or augmentations), if your procedure experiences complications, or due to the operational processes of your selected clinic or surgeon.

Immediately after the operation, you will be advised to refrain from driving until the anaesthetic and pain medication wears off. In the following week or two, avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting in the shoulder, back and chest areas. You should not sleep on your front or put pressure on or under your breasts, including wearing underwire bras. Typically, your breast lift surgeon will provide specific care instructions for your own recovery, so be sure to consult with your clinician on additional measures that you can take to heal comfortably post-procedure.

You will be recommended to sleep on your back to avoid swelling, and to avoid direct exposure to sunlight to avoid more prominent scarring. You can do light, regular exercise to enhance your recovery, but check with your surgeon, GP, or arrange a consultation via our Pirk Cosmetic Consultants before doing so. After 2 – 3 weeks, you should be able to return to work and other normal activities. You may notice scarring and tenderness, but these will gradually fade over the next 6 months, leaving your breasts looking and feeling more natural. You can consult your breast lift surgeon to develop a scarring treatment to aid in your healing post-surgery. Be sure to communicate with your surgeons to develop a scarring treatment if needed.

You do not need to come fully prepared for a consultation as it is a chance to learn more and ask questions. Have in mind the ideal outcomes of your procedure, and any history of surgical complications. Try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking as general guidelines prior to any surgery, to reduce the risk of complications. Our Pirk Cosmetic Consultant will also provide you with a list of questions to ask your breast lift specialist during your consultation, as well as on the day of your procedure, and even post-surgery.

The surgery should last no more than 2.5 hours, however the duration of your breast lift surgery may be impacted by unforeseen complications. Surgery will commence with patients being placed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will then make a cut on the line of the areola and a cut underneath the areola (the darker area around your nipple). Either the surgeon will remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue, or lift the nipple so it is in a higher position on the breast. This will be discussed during your initial consultation. You should be able to go home the same day.

As with any operation, there are risks involved that you should be aware of. Bleeding, infection of the surgical site, blood clots and a chest infection are all general risks. Specific to breast lifts is the risk of fluid or blood collection inside the breast, a lump forming, numbness or continued pain around the area, and reduced ability to breastfeed. There is also the possibility for reduced sensitivity and feeling around the breast. We encourage patients to consult their surgeons directly for more information on any of the risks associated with their breast lift procedure.

Most breast lifts will last for several years. But it’s important to know that a breast lift won’t stop the natural ageing process altogether. Factors such as your age, genetics, weight, pregnancy and breastfeeding are all factors that will affect the longevity of your breast lift. A thorough consultation will enable a more personalised answer.

The primary long term goal of a breast lift is to achieve a more youthful, lifted breast shape. These results may also be obtained by securing a breast reduction, as breast reductions can also aid in producing a more youthful, lifted shape. In turn, you may experience increased confidence and body positivity. Some scarring is inevitable with all procedures, however our talented surgeons will minimise their appearance, and any scarring is likely to continue to fade over time.

There is no correct answer as to whether a breast lift is right for you. You will have to take health, cosmetic and financial factors into account when making your decision. Our consultations are designed to provide you with information, and a chance to ask questions, to make a fully informed choice. If you decide a breast lift is not what you’re looking for, our dedicated team of surgeons are also able to provide breast enhancements. If the drooping is caused by large breasts, you may find a breast reduction is more suitable.

As with any operation, there will be some scarring along the incision lines underneath your areola. However, this will gradually fade, and will be less visible if kept protected from direct sunlight. Your surgeon and our experts here at Pirk can also aid in developing a personalised scarring treatment plan that will help keep scarring to a minimum during your recovery period.

Yes – a breast lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the breast by improving its shape. Breast reduction procedures can also help produce a more lifted breast shape without the use of implants. There are no implants involved in either breast reduction or breast lift procedures.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog and on the Pirk website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we collaborate with qualified surgeons, we are not medical specialists, and the content provided is of a general nature. It is strongly recommended to seek personalised professional advice tailored to your specific situation.

If assistance in finding a qualified surgeon is needed, Pirk can offer support. This content does not constitute personal advice, diagnoses, or treatment plans. By reading our blogs, you acknowledge and accept these terms. For further assistance or clarification, please contact us at hello@pirk.au.

We can help you find your Surgeon

Here at Pirk, we work with an extensive network of trusted surgeons across Australia, guaranteed to put you in touch with capable hands. We offer a private and confidential service, hand-picking the most suitable specialists for your cosmetic requests, to help you enjoy total peace of mind and the utmost confidence that you’re in the best hands ahead of your upcoming procedures.

How We Make It Easy

  1. Tell Us What You Need: Start by filling out our simple enquiry form. It’s quick, easy, and helps us understand exactly what you’re looking for.
  2. Let’s Chat: Schedule a Discovery Call with one of our Pirk Cosmetic Consultants. We’ll dive deep into your preferences and requirements to match you with qualified surgeons who fit your needs.
  3. Find Your Match: Based on our conversation, we’ll handpick a list of recommended surgeons near you. Take your time to browse through their profiles and find the one that feels like the perfect fit.
  4. Book With Confidence: Once you’ve found your ideal surgeon, book your initial consultation. You can do it directly through Pirk, making the process smooth and stress-free.

 

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