Mastopexy (breast lift): who is it indicated for?

Mastopexy, or breast lift, is a surgical procedure during which a plastic surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes the tissue to improve the shape of the breasts. Mastopexy is recommended for patients with sagging (ptosis) breasts, but it is not intended to change their size. If a woman wishes to enlarge or reduce her breasts, a lift can be performed in combination with the appropriate surgery or as part of a mommy makeover.

Causes of breast ptosis

A woman's breasts can undergo significant changes throughout her life. The mammary glands lose their firmness and the skin becomes less elastic. There are many reasons for changes in the appearance of the breasts, including:

• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the ligaments that support the breasts can stretch as the breasts become fuller and heavier. This stretching can cause significant sagging of the breasts after pregnancy, regardless of whether the woman breastfed her baby or not.
• Weight gain or rapid weight loss can also cause the skin of the breasts to stretch and become less elastic.
• Age and gravity. With age, the ligaments of the breasts can stretch, leading to sagging.

During surgery, a plastic surgeon can reduce breast ptosis and improve the position of the nipples, as well as lift the areolas (the areas around the nipples) so that they look harmonious and proportionate after surgery.

For women who would like to have a breast lift but are planning to become pregnant in the near future, a plastic surgeon may advise postponing the surgery until after breastfeeding. This is because the breasts may sag again during pregnancy, which would negate the results of the plastic surgery.

How is a breast lift performed?

Mastopexy is usually performed within 2-3 hours under general anesthesia, but in some cases, sedation and local anesthesia may be used to numb only the relevant part of the patient's body.

There are several techniques used to remove excess skin from the mammary glands and change the shape of the breast tissue. A qualified plastic surgeon will select the appropriate technique based on your individual needs.

Incisions for a breast lift can be made:

• around the areolae (the darker area around the nipples);
• downward from the areolae to the inframammary folds;
• horizontally along the inframammary folds.

The surgeon may make deep incisions in the breast to change the shape of the breast tissue. Incisions can also be used to reduce the size of the areola. First, excess skin is removed, and then the nipples are moved upward. The incisions are closed with sutures, surgical tape, or skin glue.

Features of the rehabilitation process

After mastopexy, the patient is fitted with a surgical bra. Drainage tubes will be placed at the incision sites to remove excess blood or fluid. They are usually removed after a few days when the dressings are changed or removed.

For 2-3 weeks after the operation, the woman may experience swelling and bruising in the breast area and tenderness around the nipples. Numbness of the nipples, areolas, and breast skin may last for about six weeks.

In the first few days after mastopexy, the patient should take pain medication as recommended by her plastic surgeon. She should also avoid physical activity and sleep on her back or side to avoid putting pressure on her breasts.

The plastic surgeon will explain to the woman when she can resume everyday activities such as washing her hair, showering, etc. He will also tell her when to come in to have the stitches removed, if non-absorbable stitches were used.

The patient should wear her surgical bra around the clock for 3-4 days. Then she will need to wear a soft support bra for 3-4 weeks.

Results of mastopexy

A woman may notice changes in the appearance of her breasts immediately.

The shape of the breasts will continue to improve and will be fully formed within a few months. The size of the breasts may decrease slightly after the lift, as the breasts become firmer and take on a new, more harmonious shape.

By maintaining a stable, healthy weight and exercising regularly, you can preserve the results of your breast lift for a long time.