Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)

Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, is a aesthetic surgical procedure that is designed to lift and reshape sagging or drooping breasts. This procedure can be performed on women of any age, but it is most commonly performed on women who have experienced changes in the shape and size of their breasts due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or the natural aging process.

The goal of a breast lift is to restore a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing shape to the breasts by removing excess skin and tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher, more natural-looking position. Mastopexy can be performed alone or in combination with breast augmentation, which involves the use of breast implants to increase the size and fullness of the breasts.

Breast Lift Surgery Types

There are several different techniques that can be used to perform a breast lift, and the choice of technique will depend on the specific needs and goals of the patient. Some common techniques include the traditional breast lift, which involves an anchor-shaped incision around the areola, down the front of the breast, and along the crease under the breast; the vertical breast lift, which involves a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision down the front of the breast; and the minimal scar breast lift, which involves a circular incision around the areola and a shorter incision along the crease under the breast.

Breast Lift Surgery Steps

Regardless of the specific technique used, the breast lift procedure typically involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: The patient will be given either general anesthesia (which will put them to sleep during the procedure) or local anesthesia with sedation (which will numb the area and help the patient relax).
Incision: The surgeon will make the necessary incisions, taking care to place them in a way that will minimize scarring.
Tissue removal: The surgeon will remove excess skin and tissue from around the breast and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more natural-looking position.
Stitching: The surgeon will close the incisions using dissolvable stitches, and may also use surgical tape or skin glue to help the incisions heal properly.

After the procedure, the patient will be wrapped in bandages and may need to wear a special support bra to help hold the breasts in place while they heal. The patient will likely experience some pain and discomfort, and may need to take pain medication for a few days after the procedure. Swelling and bruising are also common side effects of the procedure, and should resolve within a few weeks.

Breast Lift Surgery Mastopexy Recovery

The recovery process after a breast lift will vary depending on the individual patient, but most people are able to return to their normal activities within a week or two. However, strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for several weeks, and the patient should follow their surgeon’s instructions for caring for the incision site and monitoring for any signs of infection or complications.

Overall, a breast lift can be an effective way to restore a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing shape to the breasts, and can help boost the patient’s self-confidence and sense of well-being. As with any surgical procedure, however, there are potential risks and complications that should be carefully considered before deciding to undergo a breast lift. These may include scarring, infection, changes in sensation in the breasts or nipples, and the need for additional surgery in the future.