Treatment
One of the most important elements of female beauty and a symbol of motherhood are a woman's breasts. The aesthetic assessment of the size and shape of the female breast is closely related to cultural and ethnic factors.
Having breasts that look acceptable is a normal desire, so changes in their shape can have psychological repercussions that should not be underestimated.
The breasts are organs composed of glandular tissue, fat and skin, and lack bone or muscle support. Therefore, their only fixation is the skin that envelops them. This means that, in many cases, the skin alone cannot keep the breasts upright, especially if they are large and heavy.
Excessive sagging of the breasts, also known as ptosis, is mainly due to excess volume in the breast or atrophy of the gland. It is common for breasts to sag after pregnancy and due to skin stretching.
Breast lift surgery involves raising the areola and nipple, giving shape and firmness to the breasts, resulting in a firm, well-formed bust.
Intervention time
While the duration of a breast lift procedure is subject to the technique chosen, the surgery usually does not exceed 3 to 4 hours.
Recovery after lift surgery
Recovery time is technique-dependent, but patients typically require post-operative monitoring for 12 to 24 hours. While some patients may be discharged after a few hours following morning surgery, an overnight stay at the clinic is strongly advised for optimal postoperative monitoring.
Recovery is very quick if only a lift is performed during surgery, without accompanying volume augmentation with implants. It is a virtually painless procedure, and the patient leaves wearing a sports bra. In practical terms, the patient can manage self-care within 24 hours. A return to work or a somewhat sedentary lifestyle is generally possible after 4 or 5 days, with full sporting activities resuming after 1 month.
Anaesthesia
The breast lift procedure requires light general anaesthesia with minimal pharmacological use. In some cases, when the lift is very small, it is only necessary to sedate the patient.
Effect
The change in shape and placement is immediate. However, depending on the technique and amount of excess skin, slight asymmetries may initially appear due to post-operative swelling.
Results
After a breast lift, patients will see immediate results that are also long-lasting.
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What does breast lift involve?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to reposition the breast tissue, correcting the effects of ptosis (sagging). To achieve this lift, first, the central element of the breast (the areola and nipple) is placed at the appropriate height. Once this has been implemented, we proceed to lift all the breast tissue around the areola and nipple to achieve a beautiful, youthful breast projection, giving shape and firmness to the breast.
In this procedure, it is not necessary to remove breast tissue if the volume is not excessive, only the excess skin.
Benefits
There are many benefits to breast lift surgery, and not just aesthetic ones. The breasts gain harmony, shape and projection, restoring the body's aesthetics and femininity and improving body image.
Beyond aesthetics, this procedure has functional advantages for athletes. Patients with breast sagging often experience considerable discomfort during high-impact activities, such as running, where the breasts move or 'pivot' excessively. The breast lift corrects this by raising and stabilising the breast, integrating it properly with the body to ensure comfort during exercise.
Breasts will evolve naturally with age, weight changes, and skin changes.
Preoperative
Breast lift surgery is associated with minimal risk; however, a comprehensive prior medical examination is mandatory to detect potential abnormalities that might contraindicate the procedure.
This medical examination consists of:
1. Analysis of coagulation parameters and complete blood count (CBC) status.
2. Chest X-ray
3. Electrocardiogram.
We strongly recommend that all patients, including younger ones, receive mammograms before surgery. This provides essential baseline data for accurate postoperative monitoring.
It is also important that, prior to the procedure, the surgeon is informed of any medication you are taking. The surgeon and anaesthetist will indicate the procedure to be followed.
Breast lift surgery postoperative stage
In general, these operations have a very favourable postoperative outcome. They are not painful, and any discomfort they may cause can be easily relieved with common painkillers.
Ninety-five percent (95%) of patients are discharged wearing a bra and are able to shower the next day. The only necessary care involves gentle drying and applying cream to the gauze and scars.
Wearing a bra throughout the first month is advisable for comfort and optimal healing. Since the breast is swollen post-operation, the garment provides essential support that alleviates discomfort and improves recovery. In addition, during the first 2 or 3 weeks, it is advisable to sleep wearing a bra.
The recovery process is gradual. Patients may return to non-physical work on the fourth day. Normal activities are gradually resumed, and the resumption of sports is possible by the end of the month.
F.A.Q.
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In what cases would breast lift surgery be contraindicated?
There are very few contraindications for breast lift surgery. These depend on the woman's profile. A relative contraindication is smoking, as there is a higher risk of poor healing, so it is recommended to stop smoking a few weeks before surgery.
Another relative contraindication is when the woman has had cancer and has undergone radiotherapy, which requires a high level of expertise on the part of the surgeon. -
What risks are associated with the operation?
The same as for any surgical procedure, essentially bleeding, infection, and complications related to the use of anaesthesia.
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What could possibly go wrong?
Eventually, the loss of sensitivity in the breasts or nipples could become permanent. Incorrectly performed surgery may result in asymmetrical breasts, with one breast positioned higher than the other.
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Is asymmetry a major concern following a breast lift?
No. Minor post-lift asymmetry is common and stems from the natural variability in how internal tissues heal and retract, not surgical technique. Simple, small corrections can be easily performed to quickly resolve the issue.
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What medicines should I avoid before and after the procedure?
Anticoagulants, such as aspirin and certain natural medicines and other alternative medicines. The surgeon will inform you in detail well in advance.
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Can I see an accurate preview of how I will look post-procedure?
While every result is unique, we can help manage expectations with access to 'before and after' cases in our anonymous archive featuring patients with comparable physical characteristics.
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Will I need to wear special bras?
Twenty-four hours after the procedure, you will receive a non-underwired bra, similar to a sports bra. We advise patients to use them for the first month, after which they can use their usual bras, including underwired bras. The provided support bra will enhance the patient's comfort and recovery. This garment stabilises the swollen breast tissue, relieving discomfort and contributing to the healing process. You should even sleep with it on during the first 2 or 3 weeks.
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When I go back to wearing my usual bra, will my size have changed?
If the operation was only intended to lift the breasts, no.
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Will I be able to sleep on my stomach?
After a month, when the area has healed, you can do so, although we usually recommend that you get used to sleeping on your back; your skin will thank you for it, both on your chest and especially on your face.
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Can I have surgery if I am menstruating on that day?
In principle, yes, and many of our patients, due to their work schedules, the need to travel to the clinic, etc., undergo surgery while they are menstruating. We integrate the status of the patient's menstrual cycle into our monitoring plan, recognising and compensating for the hormonal shifts that may influence physiological data.
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Will I still be able to breastfeed after having a breast lift?
It depends on the technique used in the surgery, but at Clínica Planas, more than 80% of patients who undergo breast lift surgery breastfeed without any problems.
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Will lactation be more painful or cause problems due to the operation?
No, it will not hurt any more, nor will you have any problems due to the operation.
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Will the postoperative period be very painful?
While every individual's pain threshold is unique, the postoperative period is most often experienced as being relatively painless. You will experience the typical discomfort associated with healing and a feeling of bruising, but this is not a particularly painful procedure and we will provide you with painkillers to effectively manage any discomfort.
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Will I need to do special exercises to aid recovery?
No, absolutely not.
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When will I be able to shave my underarms?
The very next day.
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Is there any cosmetic treatment that helps soften scars?
Yes, and they are essential. Skin care before and after the operation will have a powerful influence on the final appearance of the scars. We will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific case and the healing progress of the scar. Surgeons and patients now have a comprehensive array of tools available to promote rapid healing and minimise scarring. Despite the final result varying based on individual factors such as skin quality and age, our first priority is always the successful compression of the surgical scar. Thanks to technological advances, silicone sheets are now used effectively; for patients with a silicone allergy, materials such as paper adhesive tape serve as suitable replacements. Maintaining continuous compression of the surgical area is essential, regardless of the chosen compression system. Then there is a wide range of cosmetics, from essential oils, with particularly excellent results in the case of rosehip oil, to healing and repairing creams. We also use laser treatment to improve the final colour and blend the scar with the surrounding skin. Compression, cosmetic procedures and laser treatment, used according to the progress of each individual case, provide a very good aesthetic solution in the vast majority of cases.
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Will my scars allow me to wear a bikini and sunbathe without my top?
Scars are positioned to be entirely covered by standard swimwear (bikini tops), ensuring confidence and discretion. With regard to sunbathing without a bra, some of our patients who have undergone surgery do so after one or two years, which is the time needed for the scar to heal properly.
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How many days is it prudent to wait before travelling?
You can start the very next day.
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How many days is it prudent to wait before lifting weights?
Arm movement is not restricted by the procedure. For example, you might be back to driving the very next day. Please rest assured that we will let you know how long you should wait. Of course, you can lift a book, even a hefty one-volume edition of Don Quixote is fine—go ahead and get cultured. But please, do not attempt to lift your adorable child (no matter how much they beg) or any heavy luggage. It is simply a matter of behaving prudently until the healing process is complete.
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Will I be able to use the bath or should I shower for the first few days?
Keep the scars dry for the first 10 days (do not let them get wet). We recommend showering. When will I be able to go to the swimming pool and the gym after the lift procedure?
It is advisable to wait one month after the operation before resuming exercise. You can go to the swimming pool or beach and sunbathe about 15 days after the operation, always with moderate sun exposure and without exposing the scars. -
When will I be able to go for a body massage?
Massage will begin right at the clinic. To reduce swelling in the breasts as quickly as possible, you will immediately be placed in the hands of a beautician specialising in manual lymphatic drainage massage. You will receive instructions regarding the continuation of these massages, their individual duration, and how long you should maintain them.
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Will mammograms be just as reliable? Should I have them done more frequently?
They will be just as reliable, and there is no need to have them done more frequently than previously indicated by your gynaecologist or breast specialist.
Videos Breast Uplift
Expert opinion
Serving as a notable feature of feminine identity and the essential emblem of motherhood, breasts hold significant aesthetic and functional importance. The aesthetic assessment of the size and shape of the female breast is closely related to ethnic and cultural factors, but ultimately, having attractive breasts is a normal desire, so a change in their shape can have psychological repercussions that should not be underestimated.
Breast ptosis (excessive breast sagging) is primarily caused by factors such as breast size, skin quality, multiple pregnancies, and significant weight fluctuations. Our breast lift surgery corrects the position of the breasts, providing the silhouette with a rejuvenated and harmonious look.
Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a technique designed to restore a more youthful appearance to the breasts. The procedure involves elevating the areolas, filling the upper breast pole, and removing excess skin.
The result is a proportionate and harmonious bust line that will continue to evolve naturally over time, being subject to changes caused by aging, fluctuations in body weight, and the effects on skin elasticity. In some cases, when the breast has not only sagged but also lost volume, it will be necessary to insert a breast implant.
The breast lift procedure addresses sagging and drooping, often caused by pregnancy or breastfeeding, restoring the breast's feminine appearance and form. The breast will regain its proper shape and projection. While some degree of residual scarring is unavoidable after a breast lift, these marks will diminish over time. Your surgeon is committed to minimising their visibility through precise surgical placement and technique.
Related treatments
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Breast Reduction
Breast reduction has as main objective the modification of the shape and size of the breast, achieving an aesthetic improvement and gaining in quality of life. -

Breast augmentation with own fat
The volume and shape of the breast can be improved by implanting the patient's own fat, without the need for a breast implant. -

Hybrid Breast Augmentation
The hybrid breast augmentation brings us closer to the best possible perfect and natural breast
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