Breast Lift/Mastopexy
Female breasts go through intense changes and ptosis in shape, size and position through the years as a result of weight change, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast ptosis is not only a natural consequence of the above, as it is also common in younger ages.
Breast Lift or Mastopexy is the cosmetic surgery procedure that restores and repositions breast shape. Breast ptosis is defined by the position of the nipple with regard to the inframammary crease (the line where the bottom of the breast meets the chest wall). Women seeking this operation typically seek for an aesthetic result that will provide them with a youthful-looking and firmer breast.
Technique
There are many variations to the design of the incisions for breast lift, depending on the excess skin. In most cases, the incision runs from the base of the areola to the inframammary fold (LeJour Mastopexy technique). Then, excess skin is removed and the remaining breast tissue is drawn together, eliminating any skin wrinkling around the nipple. Finally, breast incisions are closed with the use of dissolvable sutures and the breast is supported with a surgical bra.
In small breasts, lift involves an incision around the edge of the areola (peri-areolar mastopexy). In cases of bigger breasts, an incision from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease may also be necessary for achieving the best possible results (inverted “T” mastopexy).
What to expect after surgery:
- Sutures are removed in 12 days.
- The pain is usually minimal and easily controlled with painkillers.
- Scars on your breasts after breast lift surgery will eventually soften and fade over time to a satisfactory degree.
- Loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts is often temporary, lasting only a few months postoperatively.
- It can take 5 to 6 months to fully see the outstanding results of your surgery; however the first results are noticeable right after the procedure.
- In general, it might take 10 days until you feel comfortable to return to your everyday activities. If your activities only involve office work, you can expect to return on the third postoperative day.
Risks and Side Effects
There are rare complications following breast lift surgery (mastopexy). Scarring, lost of sensitivity and numbness around the nipples are possible side effects that usually fade over time.
Useful Information
- In combination with breast augmentation surgery, a breast lift can produce fantastic results.
- The longevity of the results is permanent. However, pregnancy, weight gain or weight loss, along with ageing factors may affect the results.
- Before undertaking any breast surgery, it is advisable to have at least one mammography or breast ultrasound to be used as a reference point.
- Loss of nipple sensation and being unable to breastfeed following breast lift surgery are two problems very rarely associated with this type of surgery.
