Breast lift surgery in Turkey

The breasts, which have an important role in the aesthetic appearance, can sag due to reasons such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain and loss, and aging. All of these factors cause the loss of elastic structure of the connective tissue in the skin and breast, resulting in softening, loss of shape, and sagging.

The loss of the breast’s old appearance occurs at different times in everyone. In individuals with larger breasts, sagging occurs at an earlier age. Also, using the wrong bra causes the breast to lose vitality prematurely. Under normal conditions, the nipple should be above the fold line, while in sagging breasts, the nipple is at the level of the fold line. In advanced cases, the nipple is below the fold line.

A breast reconstruction surgery, also known as breast lift surgery, is a type of aesthetic surgery performed in cases such as loss of breast fullness due to physical and environmental factors and sagging of the nipple downwards. At this point, the basic criterion is whether the nipple is at the level of the fold line or below it.

Thanks to breast lift surgery, which is performed in our clinic in Istanbul to make sagging breasts look upright again, the person’s nipples are brought to the desired position, the breast tissue is shaped, and excess skin is removed from the area. If the breasts are too large, the excess breast tissue is removed from the area, while in individuals with a smaller breast structure, a silicone prosthesis is placed.

Although these surgeries, also known as breast lifts, can be performed on individuals of almost any age, it is recommended that the person reduces their overweight, if any, and postpones breast lift surgery to the time after giving birth, in order to preserve the breast tissue for a long time.

The Procedure and Techniques of Breast Lift Surgery

Breast sagging is classified in different ways. Generally, breast sagging is expressed by the nipple being at or below the level of the breast crease.

If the sagging is near or at the breast crease, it is classified as a Grade 1 (mild) sagging. In this case, tissue is removed from the area around the areola and lifted. If the nipple is 1-3 cm below the breast crease, it is considered a Grade 2 (moderate) sagging. In this case, more skin is removed and an incision is made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease (vertical scar mastopexy). Sometimes, this scar can also be planned as a “small T”. If the nipple is less than 3 cm below the breast crease, it is considered a Grade 3 sagging. In this case, an inverted T-shaped mastopexy is applied. This surgery leaves a horizontal scar under the breast. However, the advantage of this method is that the breast can take on a full conical and round shape.

Recovery after Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgeries are performed in hospitals in Istanbul under general anesthesia and typically take about 2 hours. After the operation, there is only mild discomfort. Swelling may occur for 4-5 days, but it will begin to subside after a week. Some bandages will be applied and the sutures will heal in 10 to 12 days. The sutures do not need to be removed, as they are aesthetic sutures.

In the beginning, the breasts will appear upright and higher, but after a month, the lower breast fold will assume its natural shape. Patients can return to work within 3-4 days after the operation. It is recommended to avoid heavy and strenuous activities for a month.

Combining Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation with Silicone Implants

A combination of breast lift and breast augmentation using silicone implants can provide both enlargement and firmness for patients with mild breast sagging. In cases of significant sagging and desire for breast enlargement, a breast lift and augmentation can be performed together.