Surgical Solutions for Firmer Breasts: What You Need to Know

Posted on December 16, 2023by Mr Mark Gittos - Plastic Surgeon FRACS(Plas)

Say Goodbye to Deflated Breasts with the Help of Plastic Surgery

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of saggy or deflated breasts, you should know that many women are experiencing this. Women experience changes in their breast shape and firmness over time, particularly after pregnancy, weight loss, or simply due to ageing. Fortunately, there are a number of surgical solutions that can help you achieve the firmer, more youthful breasts you desire. In this article, we’ll explore the different surgical options available, as well as non-surgical alternatives and important considerations when choosing a surgeon.

Mr Mark Gittos is one of the top plastic surgeons in UK for breast surgery. Through his commitment to excellence and continuous professional development, Mr Gittos remains at the forefront of advancements in breast surgery, ensuring his patients receive the highest quality care and outcomes possible.

Download Mr Mark Gittos’ Guide to Cosmetic Breast Surgery

What Are Saggy Breasts?

Saggy breasts refer to a natural change in the appearance of breasts over time, which may be influenced by various factors such as age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations. This change is characterised by the breasts losing their firmness and elasticity, resulting in a downward shift in position. It is important to note that saggy breasts are a completely natural and normal part of the ageing process for many women.

As women age, the connective tissue and ligaments that support the breasts, called Cooper’s ligaments, gradually lose their elasticity. This can cause the breasts to sag and appear less full. Additionally, the glandular tissue within the breasts, which is responsible for their shape and size, tends to be replaced with fatty tissue as women age. Since fatty tissue is less dense and firm than glandular tissue, this change can also contribute to sagging.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are other significant factors that can contribute to saggy breasts. During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause the breast tissue to expand, which can stretch the skin and underlying ligaments. Following childbirth, breastfeeding can lead to fluctuations in breast size as milk production increases and decreases. These changes can put additional strain on the breast tissue, leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness over time.

Weight fluctuations also play a role in the development of saggy breasts. Sudden weight gain or loss can cause the skin and connective tissue of the breasts to stretch or contract, respectively. Repeated cycles of weight gain and loss can weaken the skin’s elasticity and make it difficult for the breasts to maintain their original shape and position.

If saggy breasts cause discomfort or affect one’s quality of life, it may be worth exploring options like surgical procedures, such as a breast lift, to address the concern.

Surgical Solutions to Get Firmer Breasts

There are several surgical options available for women seeking firmer, more youthful breasts. The most common procedure is a breast lift, which involves removing excess skin and tightening the remaining breast tissue to create a more lifted appearance. For women who also desire increased volume, a breast lift with implants may be recommended. This procedure involves placing silicone or saline implants inside the breasts to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.

Breast Lift Surgery vs. Breast Lift with Implants

While both breast lift surgery and breast lift with implants can create a more youthful breast contour, they are different procedures with different goals. Breast lift surgery is designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts, while breast lift with implants is intended to increase breast volume as well. Women who have lost significant breast volume and desire both lift and augmentation may be good candidates for a breast lift with implants, while those who are primarily concerned with sagging may opt for breast lift surgery alone.

1. The Breast Lift Procedure – What to Expect

If you decide to undergo breast lift surgery, your surgeon will begin by making incisions around the areola and possibly beneath the breast as well. The excess skin is then removed, and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped and lifted to create a more youthful contour. In some cases, the nipple and areola may need to be repositioned higher on the breast. The procedure generally takes between 2 and 3 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia.

Recovery and Aftercare for Breast Lift Surgery

After breast lift surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several days. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a special supportive bra to help minimise swelling and support your new breast shape. You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks and may need to take time off work to recover. Most women can return to normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks following surgery.

Risks and Complications of Breast Lift Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, breast lift surgery carries some risks and potential complications. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry. However, serious complications are rare, and most women are usually highly satisfied with their breast lift results.

2. The Breast Lift with Implants Procedure – What to Expect

If you opt for a breast lift with implants surgery, your surgeon will start by making incisions around the areola, and possibly beneath the breast and along the inframammary fold. After lifting and reshaping the breast tissue to create a more youthful contour, the surgeon will insert an implant either above or below the chest muscle, enhancing the size and fullness of the breasts. The procedure typically takes between 2 and 3 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia.

Recovery and Aftercare for Breast Lift with Implants Surgery

Following breast lift with implants surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a couple of weeks. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a special supportive bra or compression garment to help minimise swelling and support your new breast shape. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 6 to 8 weeks, and you will need to take some time off work to recover.

Risks and Complications of Breast Lift with Implants Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, breast lift with implants surgery carries some risks and potential complications. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, and complications related to the implants themselves, such as rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture. Additionally, implants may need to be replaced in the future.

Solutions to Get Firmer Breasts without Surgery

Although no non-surgical solutions can provide the same level of firmness and lift as plastic surgery, there are several approaches that may help improve the appearance of your breasts to some extent. It is important to keep in mind that these methods may have limited effectiveness.

For those seeking significant changes or long-lasting results, consulting with a plastic surgeon to discuss surgical options, such as breast lift or breast lift with implants, may be the best course of action.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Breast Lift Surgery in UK

If you’re unhappy with sagging or deflated breasts, you don’t have to live with it. Surgical solutions such as breast lift surgery and breast lift with implants can help you achieve the firmer, more youthful breasts you desire. To learn more about your options and find a qualified surgeon near you, schedule a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon today.

If you do decide to undergo breast lift surgery, it’s important to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon who specialises in breast procedures. Look for a plastic surgeon with a strong track record of successful breast lift surgeries. Be sure to ask plenty of questions during your consultation and review before-and-after photos of previous patients to get a sense of the surgeon’s skill and aesthetic style.

FAQs about Surgical Solutions to Get Firmer Breasts

Can a breast augmentation make the breasts firm again?

Breast augmentation can improve the overall size and shape of the breasts, which may contribute to a firmer appearance. However, augmentation alone may not be sufficient to address significant sagging or loss of skin elasticity. In such cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be combined with breast augmentation to achieve the desired results. The breast lift raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, which can create a firmer and more youthful appearance.

Can I fix my saggy breasts naturally?

While you cannot fully reverse sagging breasts naturally, there are some ways to improve their appearance without surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and wearing a properly fitting, supportive bra can help minimise the appearance of sagging. Additionally, strength training exercises targeting the chest muscles, such as push-ups or chest presses, can help to create a firmer appearance by toning the underlying muscles. However, these methods cannot provide the same degree of lift as surgical procedures like a breast lift.

Can exercise help lift sagging breasts?

While exercise cannot directly lift sagging breasts, it can help improve their appearance by toning and strengthening the chest muscles (pectoralis major and minor) that lie beneath the breast tissue. Exercises such as push-ups, chest presses, chest flies, and dumbbell pullovers can target these muscles and create a more toned, firm foundation for the breasts. This can lead to a slightly lifted appearance and better overall support. However, it is essential to note that exercise cannot reverse significant sagging caused by factors such as ageing, pregnancy, or significant weight loss.

How long do results last after a breast lift?

The results of a breast lift can be long-lasting, but they are not permanent. The longevity of the results depends on various factors, such as the individual’s age, skin elasticity, lifestyle, and genetics. Over time, factors like ageing, gravity, hormonal fluctuations, and changes in body weight can affect the shape and firmness of the breasts. Generally, the results of a breast lift can last several years or even more than a decade. However, maintaining a stable weight, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding significant weight fluctuations can help prolong the results. Wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra, especially during physical activities, can also contribute to maintaining the lifted appearance of the breasts. It is important to keep in mind that every individual’s experience may vary, and some people may require additional surgeries or touch-ups in the future to maintain the desired breast shape and position.

Medical References about How to Get Firmer Breasts

About Mr Mark Gittos FRACS (Plast) – London Plastic Surgeons

Practice locations in London & Essex, UK and Auckland, New Zealand.

Mr Mark Gittos offers high quality, natural-looking cosmetic surgery results and is highly experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4000 Surgeries in the last 26 years.

With world-wide expertise Mr Gittos is an expert in breast, face and body surgery for men & women.

Mr Mark Gittos is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and operates a practice in London UK and Auckland New Zealand. His practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical procedures, each designed to help restore, improve or change a physical characteristic or problem. The first step in every case is to talk through your personal requirements and explore all the options, before deciding on the most effective solution.

Naturally, before any treatment is begun, we will explain clearly the advantages and risk factors; so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you. Visit the practice to find out more.

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