Is Breast Lift Surgery Permanent?

Is breast lift surgery permanent? Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and reshaping breast tissue. The main aim of the treatment is to provide women with perkier breasts, but just how long do breast lift results last? 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the main factors that may impact the duration of breast lift results and whether a second breast lift is ever necessary. 

Our head surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo, is double board-certified and specialises in breast lift surgery. With years of experience in the field, he has the skills and expertise to design a bespoke surgical approach, taking into account each patient’s unique anatomy to produce long-standing results. 

How Long Does a Breast Lift Last?

The results of a breast lift procedure are long-lasting, but not permanent. Your breasts can still be affected by a range of external and genetic factors, such as the natural ageing process, pregnancy, and fluctuations in weight. 

Managing these different factors, alongside living a healthy lifestyle, is the most effective way of preserving the benefits of your surgery and extending breast lift results for as long as possible. 

Factors That Impact Duration of Breast Lift Results

As mentioned, several factors can  affect the final results of your breast lift. We’ll now explain some of the most important to keep in mind:

Expertise and Experience of Surgeon

It’s important to choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with plenty of experience and expertise in performing breast lift surgery. If you opt for a surgeon with limited experience in the field, there’s every chance your results won’t be quite as long-lasting and effective. 

Breast Lift Surgical Technique

Different breast lift incisions can create distinct changes in the shape and size of your breasts. Therefore, your surgeon will need to design a bespoke treatment plan, considering  both your unique anatomy and desired aesthetic. Selecting the wrong surgical technique may not adequately address your concerns. 

Following Aftercare Instructions

To maintain your results, you must follow  your aftercare instructions. These typically include wearing a well-fitted bra, sleeping on your back, and avoiding sun overexposure. Failure to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions may lead to shorter-lasting results. 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Following surgery, your breasts will still be vulnerable to drastic fluctuations in weight. Therefore, to prolong your breast lift results for as long as possible, it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Working with a nutritionist can help with this. 

Pregnancy

Breasts can change significantly during pregnancy. These sudden changes may lead to sagging and stretch marks that could potentially alter the results of your mastopexy. Therefore, women should wait until after their final pregnancy before pursuing treatment. 

Smoking

Smoking can cause a range of complications following breast lift surgery, including issues with wound breakdown and tissue regeneration. To minimise these complications, avoid smoking for at least four weeks post-surgery. 

Ageing

The natural ageing process can significantly impact the duration of your results. This is because ageing reduces both the collagen and elasticity in your skin. Women going through menopause can also experience a reduction in breast tissue due to lower levels of oestrogen. 

Factors That Determine How Long a Breast Lift Lasts

The effects of a breast lift are long-lasting, but not technically permanent. There are several key factors that impact how long your breast lift results will last.

Customised Surgical Techniques Enable Optimal Results

Surgical Technique: Your cosmetic surgeon’s specific technique makes a major difference in outcomes. An extremely skilled, board-certified surgeon will design a customised surgical approach tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. This helps enable optimal, longer-lasting breast lift results.

Weight Changes Impact Breast Shape

Weight Fluctuations: Your breasts remain vulnerable to significant weight changes even after a lift. Major weight loss or weight gain can affect breast shape. To help preserve your results for as long as possible, maintaining a stable, healthy weight through balanced nutrition and exercise is ideal.

Sun Exposure Breaks Down Collagen

Sun Exposure: Too much damage from the sun’s UV rays causes premature collagen loss, which can contribute to eventual breast sagging over time. Limiting sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and taking other precautions can deter this natural collagen breakdown.

Pregnancy Can Alter Breast Lift Results

Pregnancy: Pregnancy triggers radical changes in breast size and shape due to extensive tissue growth and stretching to prepare for lactation. If you become pregnant following a breast lift, even years later, these changes may potentially alter or reverse your lift results.

Ageing Impacts Skin Elasticity

Ageing: As skin ages, it gradually loses elasticity and collagen content. This natural loss of firmness over time allows breasts to droop and descend despite an initially successful lift. Genetics impact the speed of this aging process.

By proactively managing these key factors where possible, patients can help extend their breast lift results and enjoy the benefits long-term. Lifts may need to be refreshed or repeated in the future depending on individual circumstances, but effects can still last for many years.

FAQs for Is Breast Surgery Permanent?

Schedule a Consultation With CREO Clinic Today

To find out more about the results of breast lift surgery, book a 1-on-1 consultation with CREO Clinic’s head surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo. With extensive experience in planning and performing breast lifts, Dr Tillo will be able to discuss a bespoke treatment plan designed specifically for your needs.