If you are planning to get an affordable breast lift surgery abroad, the below information will be useful.
Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, will help raise your sagging breasts, giving them a better, perkier appearance.
According to latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of women seeking breast lift has almost doubled since the year 2000.
Infact, breast lift has become twice as popular as breast implants now.
Cost of breast lift surgery abroad
The cost of breast lift at these selected destinations is as:
- Breast lift in Thailand - starts from $2800
- Breast lift in India - starts from $1800
- Breast lift in Malaysia - starts from $2200
You can consider a breast lift at any age after your breasts have developed completely; it will not affect your breast feeding capacity.
If your breasts have always been pendulous, or have become loose due to heredity, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, gravity, or aging, you should consult a plastic surgeon to seek improvement with breast lift surgery.
However, pregnancy might compromise the results of a breast lift surgery, so if you plan to get pregnant in future it would be wise to defer the surgery.
You are, if:
- Your breasts are adequate in size but are loose and sagging
- Your nipples point downward and are lower than your breast crease
- You want to improve breast contour
- If your breasts are unequal, uneven, or asymmetrical in shape
Also, to make a good candidate for breast lift you must be a healthy adult, free of any major diseases that can complicate the healing process, and must have realistic expectations of the surgery.
Based on the size and shape of your breast and position of areola, the degree of breast sagging, as well as the elasticity and quality of your skin, the surgeon will discuss with you the different techniques of breast lift.
Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia; the surgery lasts about three hours.
- Anchor incision – runs around the perimeter of the areola, vertically down and then horizontally along the breast crease. This allows for some breast reduction along with breast lift; recommended in cases of excessive breast sagging
- Keyhole incision – around the areola and vertically down towards breast crease (lollipop lift). This is performed in cases of moderate sagging
- Periolar incision – around the areola
This results in least scarring; but only recommended in women with mild-to-moderate degree of breast sagging
If you are looking for correction of moderate sagging, and want to go for breast augmentation with breast lift, a surgery technique called the “crescent” lift is used.
A cresent shaped incision is made just along the upper half of the areola and the underlying skin is removed.
The excess loose tissue is removed and underlying breast tissue is reshaped and tightened to improve contour and firmness of the breast.
The areolas are reduced if required, and the nipple and areola is repositioned to give a raised appearance to the breasts.
The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, which will vanish in a few days.
- You may stay overnight at the hospital, if you get the surgery in Asia. In the West, they usually want you to leave in a couple of hours
- The bandages and drains will be removed before you leave or during your first followup visit the next day
- Expect some pain after the surgery
- Pain varies from patient to patient but it can be managed with medication
- Take antibiotics to avoid infection
- The post-surgical discomfort is mostly because of the swelling, so cold compress will be recommended
- Remember to not overuse icepacks over the surgical site
- You might be given a compression bra which is specially designed for breast surgery patients
- Another way to resolve swelling is to stay in an elevated position and even sleep at an inclined position (at an angle of 25-45 degrees)
- Avoid smoking for atleast 2 weeks after surgery
- Do not indulge in any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise; running or exercise after breast lift surgery is allowed only after proper healing of the surgical site
- Take optimum nutrition to help in healing
Week 1 after breast lift surgery
Proper rest and medication is crucial in the first week after your breast lift surgery.
You can resume light motion like walking after two days, but do not try to do too much.
Week 2-4 after breast lift surgery
You should start to feel better as the pain subsides, but the swelling may still be there. It will take a couple of more weeks to resolve; don’t fret.
Visit the doctor for a follow-up and report how you feel. If you want to return to the gym, the doctor may allow it as long as you stick to low-impact cardio exercises like stationary bike.
Week 4-6 after breast lift surgery
You can reclaim your old life as you start to feel like your normal self, but in some women the swelling may still not have subsided completely.
At this stage, you should feel fine to return to office and get back to the normal chores of everyday life.
However, do not try to take on too much all together; gradually ease back into your routine over a period of 2-3 weeks.
Some incision marks will be concealed under natural tissue and the rest will fade with time. Discuss the possibility of having the smallest post-surgery scar but remember that smaller incisions can correct only lesser degree of breast sag.
You must not compromise on surgery results for fear of big scars. A detailed discussion with your cosmetic surgeon will help you decide.
To prepare for breast life surgery, you will be asked to:
- Share your past and present medical history with your cosmetic surgeon
- Get some routine lab tests or a medical clearance by your GP
- Stop taking blood thinners likes aspirin
- Inform the doctor of any other drugs you are regularly taking
- Stop smoking; limit alcohol intake to 2-3 drinks per week
- Get a mammogram before and after the surgery to check for changes in breast tissue
- Try to arrange for help at home or place important items on lower racks as your arms will have limited mobility for 2-3 weeks
Based on 1016 ratings shared by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast lift has a satisfaction rate of almost 95%.
The results of breast lift will be visible as soon as the swelling fades.
The result should be long lasting given you do have any significant weight fluctuations or pregnancies.
However, remember that the effect of aging and gravity can cause changes in breast appearance over several years.
Although there are not many incidents of complications after breast lift, no surgery comes without some risks. The risks associated with breast lift include:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Excessive bleeding or hematoma formation
- Infection
- Abnormal scarring
- Altered nipple sensation
- Unsatisfactory results such as asymmetrical or uneven breasts
- Fluid accumulation
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Am I a good candidate for breast lift?
- Do you think the result I want can be achieved with surgery?
- What is your education and total experience?
- How many breast lift operations have you performed?
- What are the potential complications?
- Have any of your patients developed complications after breast lift?
- Do you have before and after pictures of breast lifts?
- How long will I be required to stay in the hospital after breast lift?
- When can I fly back home after breast lift surgery?
- When can I return to work after breast lift?
- Will breast lift affect my nipple sensation or breastfeeding capacity?
- Which kind of breast lift should be performed in my case?
- Can I contact you over phone/email after surgery?
If you are planning to go abroad for breast lift surgery, the above questions should make you feel comfortable.
You can use our service to find the best hospitals for breast lift surgery.