Mastopexy (Breast Lift) Procedure

Breast Lift in Sydney – Procedure

What happens during a mastopexy (breast lift) in Sydney?

When you book your appointment to discuss having breast lift in Sydney, you will be sent a Patient Information Form. Completing this and returning it prior to your appointment will streamline your appointment.

Mastopexy or breast lift alone is extremely difficult to meet criteria for a Medicare Item Number (45558). It is safest to assume that you will not be able to use an item number, and that your operation is therefore considered cosmetic. Due to that, from the 1st July 2023 onwards, Federal Guidelines state that you will also need to complete a screening questionnaire for Body Dysmorphic Disorder when making your appointment.

Consultation appointments prior to your mastopexy (breast lift) in Sydney

At your first appointment, you should expect to spend about an hour with Dr Gavin Sandercoe. During this time he will take a thorough history and examination. Measurements of your abdominal dimensions, and the quality & thickness of overlying tissue, will help plan which is the most appropriate surgical technique for you. Digital photographs are taken to assist with planning and explaining any asymmetries or limitations. 3-D photography is usually used to assist planning.

Dr Gavin Sandercoe is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with training and experience in many techniques of breast lift. He does not favour one particular technique – instead, he will help you understand which type of surgery will best suit your breasts and your recovery needs.

Dr Gavin Sandercoe will discuss what you wish to achieve from your procedure. The risks and expectations of the procedure are then discussed and you are given a take home information package to review before your second consultation. You are offered a second consultation to give you the opportunity to ask more questions that may have arisen after reading your information package, and to confirm your aims and choices for your breast lift in Sydney. The Federal Guidelines for Cosmetic Surgery that came into effect on 1st July 2023 classify most cases of mastopexy or breast lift surgery as purely cosmetic, so a second consult is mandatory.

The day of your mastopexy (breast lift) in Sydney

Dr Gavin Sandercoe only performs mastopexy or breast lifts in Sydney in accredited hospitals and day surgeries, ensuring that your safety is paramount. Prior to your operation, you will have planning marks drawn on you and a digital photograph taken – this is usually performed on the Tuesday prior to your operation (3rd consult before the operation).

You are put to sleep by a specialist anaesthetist (general anaesthetic), and pain relief and antibiotics are given through a drip before the operation is started. The antibiotic helps to prevent an infection from developing in the incisions, thereby minimising your risks of post operative complications.

The breast and nipple incisions are made and any breast tissue removal is performed. The nipples are sutured into their new position and you are sat upright to check for symmetry. Drains may be placed into the pocket. The incisions are then closed and dressings applied. Your surgical bra will be fitted before you wake up & go to the recovery room.

Most breast lift procedures are performed as a day surgery procedure, as most women feel well enough to leave on the evening of the operation. An overnight stay can be arranged if you wish. Dr Gavin Sandercoe will monitor you to ensure your safety during and after your breast lift in Sydney.

What are the risks of breast lift (mastopexy) in Sydney?

You can click on the above link to go to a webpage that discusses the risks of mastopexy or breast lift surgery. Alternatively, below is Dr Gavin Sandercoe‘s consent document that outlines the risks of breast lift or mastopexy in Sydney. Please read this document, and watch the video of the risks being explained, prior to your appointment with Dr Gavin Sandercoe.

Mastopexy Risks 2023 PDF

Learn more about the procedure for a breast lift (mastopexy) in Sydney

If you’re interested in more detail about what the breast lift procedure entails, here’s an animated video created by the American Society for Plastic Surgeons showing the procedure. Dr Gavin Sandercoe would also be happy to discuss the surgical process with you in detail and answer your questions about it during your consultation appointments.

Watch ASPS 3D Animation: Breast Lift

Patient Education Library