This treatment is also carried out under general anesthesia. A keyhole incision most commonly performs the procedure. In this procedure, the incision is made in the skin around the areola with two diagonal downward incisions (i.e. in the form of a keyhole). The glandular tissue, fat, and skin are all removed, and the nipples are repositioned. A mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola (the brown skin around the nipple). 

The skin is pulled down from both sides of the breast and around the areola, forming the new breast curve.

The breast tissue and skin are sutured together, usually with soluble sutures. The scars have the shape of an anchor with a circle around the areola, vertically up to the fold below the breast and extending horizontally along the fold below the breast. If you wish your breasts to be fuller or hang less, they can be filled during surgery by inserting silicone breast implants.

We advise you to remain realistic and not expect perfection. Your surgeon should take a number of factors into account when assessing your mastopexy or breast reduction, such as:

• Your existing breasts;
• The position of your nipples;
• Your age;
• Skin texture;
• Your own anatomy;
• Healing properties and your general health.

These will influence the outcome of your breast surgery.

Breast lift is a reliable and safe procedure. The result is immediately visible after the procedure. But keep in mind that your breasts will be wrapped in compressive bandages after the surgery, so you won’t be able to see your new breasts immediately. Your breasts will also be swollen at first. The end result is visible around 6 months later. The scars will have been discolored after a year and will barely be noticeable anymore.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may need a drain through the skin, but this can usually be removed within 24 hours. In addition, there will be some support bands or tape on the breasts, which can be replaced by a sports or surgical bra.

We expect you – depending on your job – to be able to resume your normal activities within two to four weeks. Please remember that some occupations, such as physically demanding tasks, require a more extended recovery. If you cannot stop working during the necessary recovery period, you should postpone your surgery to a more suitable time. 

This also applies to patients with strenuous hobbies (e.g., horse riding, and gymnastics). Should there be complications, the period to refrain from such activities will be extended until you fully recover.

Normal things that can happen after surgery:

• Bruises, especially around the scars
• Temporary numbness
• Swelling, which will gradually decrease
• Mild pain for which pain relief is prescribed

The breasts will be firmly bandaged after the surgery. The bandage can be removed after 48 hours. You will wear a special postoperative bra immediately after the surgery. This bra resembles a sports bra and gives your breasts the support they need. Wear this bra for as long as necessary.

Pain is moderate and can be easily controlled with pain medication. Sometimes drains are also inserted to drain wound fluid. Lifting your arms higher than your shoulders is not recommended for the first six weeks after the surgery. Lifting and exercising are also not recommended. After those six weeks, you can slowly start moving usually. However, make sure that your breasts are well-supported.

Like all surgeries, breast lifts involve risks, and there is a risk of complications. The risks and complications include:

• Unsightly scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Changes in (the sensation of) the nipple, temporarily or permanently