Breast Lift Without Implants
Breast sagging can develop as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, rapid weight changes, ageing and genetic predisposition. Sagging can be bothersome aesthetically and can limit clothing choices. A breast lift without implants aims to give the breast a firmer, more lifted appearance using the breast's own tissue, without placing an implant.
A breast lift without implants, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia by a specialist in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery. For detailed information about the operation, you can visit our breast lift page.
What Is a Breast Lift Without Implants?
In this operation, the breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, excess skin is removed if necessary, and the nipple is moved to a new, higher position. The aim is not to enlarge the breast with an artificial material, but to achieve a firmer shape with the existing tissue.
A breast lift does not increase breast volume on its own. If an increase in volume is also desired, an implant or, in suitable cases, fat injection using the person's own fat can be considered at the same time. The volume increase achieved with fat injection is limited, and part of the transferred fat is absorbed by the body over time.
Who Is It Suitable For?
A breast lift without implants can be a suitable option for people whose breasts sag and who are generally satisfied with their breast volume. People who do not want to use silicone implants can also consider this method. For people who expect breast enlargement, methods with implants may come into consideration.
Candidates need to be in a general state of health suitable for surgery and to have realistic expectations about the result. If a pregnancy or significant weight change is planned in the near future, the timing of the operation should be discussed with the doctor, as these can affect the result. The doctor decides on suitability after an examination.
Preparation Before Surgery
Before the operation, the size of the breast, the degree of sagging, skin elasticity and general health are assessed, and any tests considered necessary are requested. The position of the incisions, and therefore of the scars, is planned according to the degree of sagging.
The doctor may ask you to keep your weight stable for a while before the operation. Blood-thinning medicines and some herbal products may need to be stopped a certain time beforehand, as specified by the doctor; you should tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you take. Because smoking has a negative effect on healing, you should not smoke before or after the operation.
How Is the Operation Performed?
A breast lift without implants is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 1–3 hours, depending on the breast structure and the technique used. The type of incision is determined by the degree of sagging:
- With mild sagging, a single incision around the nipple may be enough.
- With moderate sagging, a vertical incision running from the nipple down to the fold under the breast is added.
- With advanced sagging, a technique combining incisions around the nipple, vertically and in the fold under the breast (inverted T) may be preferred.
After the breast tissue has been lifted and shaped, the nipple is moved to its new position and the incisions are closed with suitable suturing techniques. If the doctor finds the breast volume excessive, some tissue may also be removed; in this case the procedure is planned together with a breast reduction.
The Period After Surgery
After the operation, the patient usually stays in hospital for one day. Mild pain, bruising and swelling in the breasts are normal in the first days; pain is controlled with the medicines recommended by the doctor. During recovery, the special bra or compression garment recommended by the doctor is worn for the recommended period.
It may usually be necessary to wait 1–2 weeks before returning to light work; a full return to daily life often takes 4–6 weeks. During this time, heavy lifting and work or exercise that strains the back and chest muscles should be avoided; light activities such as walking can be done as recommended by the doctor. Creams or silicone products for scar care should be chosen according to the doctor's recommendation. The breasts take on their final shape within a few months.
Risks and Limits of the Method
Because no implant is used, implant-specific problems such as rupture or capsular contracture do not arise. However, as with any surgical procedure, a breast lift without implants also carries risks: these include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, some asymmetry and changes in sensation in the nipple or breast skin. Changes in sensation are mostly temporary; rarely, they can be permanent.
Scars do not disappear completely, but they fade over time and become less noticeable. How long the result lasts varies from person to person depending on age, skin structure, pregnancy and weight changes; some sagging may recur over time. For the factors that affect how long the result lasts, you can read our article Is a Breast Lift a Permanent Operation?
Breast sagging cannot be permanently corrected with non-surgical methods. Complications such as infection, migration of the gel and lump formation have been reported with gel fillers injected into the breast, and some professional organisations warn against the use of fillers in the breast.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın