Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Technical name: Mastopexy
Body Parts: Breasts
Recommended Age: After complete breast development
Anesthesia: Depends on the doctor and the case
Surgery time: On average 3 hour
Clinic stay: From 24h to 48h
Scar: Less visible as possible
Pre-operative: Lab exams and mammogram
Post-operative: Bandage in the shape of a bra during the first 24 hours after surgery; avoid sleeping "face-down" for 10 days after surgery
Recuperation period: 10 to 20 days
Results Duration: The duration may vary from person to person

What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

The breast lift surgery or Mastopexy is a procedure that attempts to improve the appearance of the sagging breasts or breasts in which the nipple faces down. A breast lift or Mastopexy is not meant to enlarge the size of the breasts.

In fact, a breast reduction is often performed at the same time as a breast lift or Mastopexy procedure. Just as often, breast augmentation is performed along with a breast lift or Mastopexy. In this technically challenging surgery, the plastic surgeon attempts to improve the shape and symmetry of the breasts while keeping visible scar formation to a minimum.

Who are best candidates for Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)?

Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts, at least, for a time. No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity or of future pregnancies after the Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy is carried out.

Sagging breasts are usually caused by pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight fluctuations and the force of gravity. The skin looses its elasticity; the breasts loose their shape and firmness and begin to sag.

Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume, for example after pregnancy, Breast Implants inserted in conjunction with Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.

The best candidates for Mastopexy are women:

- unhappy with sagging breasts, are out of shape or volume

- with nipples and areolas that point downward

- with stretched skin and enlarged areolas

- with one breast lower than the other

It is also important to be healthy, non smoker, emotionally-stable and realistic about what the surgery can accomplish.

Anesthesia for the Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Anesthesias for the breast liftsurgery or Mastopexy are intravenous sedationand general anesthesia. In case of general Anesthesia, you will sleep through the entire operation. If the option is intravenous sedation, sedatives will be injected to help you relax.

The best anesthesia method for the breast liftsurgery or Mastopexy depends on your individual case and what your doctor recommends. You will decide with him what is better for you.

Intended results from a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them during consultation.

The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts but breasts of any size can be lifted. You must consider the fact that if you become pregnant again, the surgical results may be altered, and a new procedure may be necessary afterwards. If you are planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your Breast Lift.

While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies, pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure. Mastopexy usually does not interfere with breast-feeding, so if by any reason you become pregnant again, you may be able to nurse once again.

Every effort will be made to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it is important to remember that breast lift surgery or Mastopexy scars are permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for some time, and then gradually become less obvious, sometimes fading into thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can even wear low cut tops.

You should also keep in mind that a breast lift surgery or Mastopexy won't keep you firm forever; the effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will eventually take their toll once more.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift) Procedure Description

Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy usually takes one and a half to three and a half hours. Techniques vary according to your breast size, shape; position and size of the areolas; degree of breast sagging and skin quality and elasticity. The most common technique is called limited scar.

In Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy, one incision is made around the areola, the second one runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The last one is horizontal beneath the breast and follows its natural curve.

After the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher, more youthful appearing position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. The areola can also be reduced in size, especially when they are stretched because of sagging breasts. The sensation and ability to breast-feed are usually preserved.

The goal of aesthetic plastic surgery always is to achieve the best result with the least visible scarring. This has led to the search for newer techniques to Breast lift or Mastopexy procedures.

If you are having an implant inserted along with your Breast lift surgery or Mastopexy, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.

Recovering and Healing After Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. To minimize swelling and support your breasts, you will need to use an elastic bandage or support bra. In some cases, a small tube is temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess of blood or fluid. The recovery period depends on patient’s age, health and size of the incision.

Notes on Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Just like any surgerical procedure, there are some risks involved with the breast lift surgery or Mastopexy. It is important to ask your plastic surgeon everything you would like to know and share with him all your feelings and fears.

Remember that, for long lasting results, it is important to maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.

It is also extremely important to follow your physician’s instructions, ensuring the best results from the breast lift surgery or Mastopexy. The incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the healing process.

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