Breast lift
In a breast lift I remove excess skin and lift the breast tissue and nipple. This gives your breasts a firmer, higher shape again. If you would also like more volume, a breast lift can be combined with an implant or your own fat.
Where:Velthuis Kliniek Rozendaal, sometimes at the Alexander Monro Hospital
At a glance
- Duration
- 1.5 to 3 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthetic
- Hospital stay
- Day surgery or 1 night
- Back to work
- Light work after 2 weeks, heavy work after 6 weeks
- Exercise
- After 6 weeks
Who is it for?
- Your breasts sag after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or with age
- Your nipples point downwards or sit below the breast fold
- You do not want bigger breasts, but you would like a more youthful shape
The procedure
The operation is done under general anaesthetic. The type of incision depends on how much skin needs to be removed: around the areola, with a vertical line, or in the shape of an anchor.
I move the nipple to a higher position and reshape the breast tissue. Excess skin is removed.
If you would like more volume, I can add an implant or your own fat during the same operation.
Recovery, step by step
First 2 weeks
Take it really easy. You wear a firm sports bra day and night.
Weeks 2 to 6
You gradually build up your daily activities again. Keep wearing the bra day and night. No sport and no heavy physical work.
After 6 weeks
You can exercise and do heavy physical work again.
After 6 to 12 months
The scars become paler and flatter. You can see the final result.
This is a general guide. We will discuss your own recovery time in the consultation.
Risks and complications
Care matters in every surgical treatment. Complications cannot always be prevented, but we do everything we can to keep the risks as small as possible.
In the consultation I take the time to explain what you can expect from the treatment and which risks may be involved. That way you can make a well-informed, confident choice that is right for you.
- Bleeding after the operation or bruising
- Wound infection
- Slow wound healing
- Scars that stay thick or red
- Changes in or loss of nipple sensation
- Small differences between the two breasts
- Some renewed sagging of the breasts over the years
You can also read the official information from the Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery (NVPC). It is only available in Dutch:
In the consultation I always explain this further, in English if you prefer.
Insurance cover
A breast lift is a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the result last?
The result is long-lasting, but gravity, changes in weight and another pregnancy all have an effect. Keeping a stable weight helps.
Can I still breastfeed afterwards?
Often you can, because the nipple stays connected to the breast gland. It cannot be fully guaranteed. If you would still like to have children, we will discuss the best timing.
Will the scars be very visible?
At first, yes. After a year they are usually thin and pale, and they are hidden by a bra or bikini.
A good conversation is the first step.
In the consultation I take the time to answer your questions. You go home with honest advice and no obligation.