When you book your initial consultation for a breast lift or mastopexy surgery, you want to know what will happen and how to prepare. During your consultation, you can expect a detailed discussion about your goals, a physical assessment, and clear guidance on the options available to you. This helps you understand what results are realistic and whether a breast lift is the right surgical procedure for your needs.
You will talk through your medical health history, lifestyle, and any concerns you may have. Your surgeon will explain the procedure, recovery process, and potential risks in straightforward terms. This is your time to ask questions and make sure you feel confident about your choices.
By the end of the consultation, you should have a clear plan tailored to your body and goals. You will receive the information that may assist in your decision about the breast surgery.
Key Takeaways
- A consultation gives you a clear understanding of the procedure
- You will discuss your goals, health, and surgical options
- You leave with a personalised plan for your next steps
Key Steps in a Breast Lift Consultation at West Coast Plastic Surgery
During your breast lift surgery consultation, you can expect a structured process that helps your surgeon understand your health, your goals, and the best way to achieve them.
Each step gives you important information and ensures the mastopexy procedure is safe and tailored to your needs.
1. Medical History Review
Your consultation begins with a detailed review of your medical history, including any past surgeries. The plastic surgeon will ask about any existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders, as these can affect healing and outcomes.
You will also need to provide information about previous surgeries, including caesarean sections, breast procedures, or any operations involving anaesthesia. This helps the surgeon understand how your body responds to surgery and recovery.
Medications and supplements are also important to disclose. Blood thinners, certain herbal remedies, and even vitamins can increase bleeding risks. If you smoke, the surgeon will discuss how this impacts the healing process and may recommend quitting before this breast surgery.
Family history of breast cancer or other breast conditions will also be noted. This ensures that any potential risks are considered before moving forward with a breast lift procedure.
2. Discussion of Concerns and Goals
You will have the chance to explain what bothers you about your breasts and what you hope to achieve. Common concerns include ptosis, uneven breast appearance, or loss of firmness after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
The surgeon will ask you to describe your goals in clear terms. For example, you may want a change in breast position or shape that aligns with your goals or a firmer contour. This helps the specialist plastic surgeon recommend the most suitable approach.
You may also discuss whether you are interested in combining other surgical procedures. This conversation ensures your expectations are realistic and aligned with what the breast surgery can achieve.
Photographs of before-and-after results from other patients may be shown to give you a sense of possible outcomes. These images help you understand the range of results and what is achievable.
3. Physical Examination
A physical examination is an essential part of the consultation. The surgeon will assess the size, shape, and breast position, as well as the elasticity of your skin.
Measurements will be taken to evaluate nipple position, breast volume, and the degree of ptosis. This information helps determine the most suitable breast lift technique.
The surgeon may also take clinical photographs of your breasts. These are used for planning purposes and kept as part of your confidential medical record.
If you are considering breast augmentation or reduction in addition to a lift, the surgeon will assess how breast implants or breast tissue removal could change the overall result. This examination ensures your surgical plan is individualised.
4. Explanation of Procedure Options
The surgeon will explain the different surgical techniques available for a breast lift. These may include a periareolar lift (around the nipple), a vertical lift, or an anchor-shaped incision for more significant ptosis.
Each option has its own benefits and limitations. For example, smaller lifts may involve shorter scars, while more extensive lifts provide greater reshaping but require longer incisions.
If you are considering breast augmentation, the surgeon will explain implant types, placement, and how they can be combined with a lift. For those interested in breast reduction, the discussion will cover how breast tissue removal is integrated with lifting techniques.
You will also learn about anaesthesia options, surgical time, and the expected steps during the operation. This explanation helps you make an informed decision about your breast lift procedure.
5. Risks and Recovery
The surgeon will outline the risks associated with breast lift surgery. These may include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, or delayed wound healing.
You will also be informed about the possibility of needing revision surgery in the future. While complications are not common, understanding the risks helps you prepare realistically.
Recovery instructions will also be discussed. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few weeks. The surgeon will explain how long you should take off work, how to care for your incisions, and when you can return to exercise.
You will also learn about wearing a supportive surgical bra during recovery. This helps maintain breast shape and supports healing.
6. Costs and Practical Information
The consultation will include a clear breakdown of costs. This usually covers the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, hospital charges, and any follow-up appointments.
You will be advised whether Medicare or private health insurance may cover part of the costs. In most patients, breast lift surgery is considered cosmetic, but exceptions may apply if there are medical concerns.
Payment options may also be discussed. This allows you to plan ahead and understand the financial commitment before scheduling surgery.
You will also receive practical instructions about scheduling, pre-operative tests, and what to arrange at home for your recovery period.
7. Questions to Address
At the end of the consultation, you will have time to ask questions. You may want to ask about the surgeon’s qualifications, experience with breast lift procedures, and how often they perform this surgery.
It is also helpful to ask about expected scarring, long-term results, and how weight changes or pregnancy may affect your breast firmness and outcome. The surgeon can provide clear answers based on your individual situation.
You might also ask about follow-up care, including how many post-operative visits are included and what support is available if you have concerns during recovery.
Bringing a written list of questions can help you remember everything you want to cover. This ensures you leave the consultation feeling informed and confident about your next steps.
Are You Considering a Breast Lift Consultation? Contact West Coast Plastic Surgery Today!
Booking a consultation is the first step toward understanding whether a breast lift aligns with your goals and health needs. At West Coast Plastic Surgery, you will receive personalised medical advice in a supportive, informative setting. Every question is welcomed, and every concern is addressed with clarity.
If you’re ready to explore your options in a respectful and medically guided way, we invite you to schedule your consultation today. The consultation provides a space to discuss whether a breast lift is appropriate for your circumstances of your surgical planning – at your own pace, and on your terms.
Contact us today!