Breast Lift or Mastopexy is the surgical intervention that allows the rise of the breast and increase the size in the same procedure if the patient wishes.
The breast lift, technically called mastopexy, is a surgery that lifts and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the tissues to form the new breast.
A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and the loss of skin elasticity result in the sagging of the breasts (technically known as breast ptosis) These changes can result from:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Weight fluctuations
- Aging
- Gravity
- Inheritance
Sometimes, the areola enlarges over time, and a mastopexy also allows the reduction of them.
Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of the breasts. If you want the size of your breasts to increase, consider taking advantage of the surgery to do a prosthesis augmentation at the same time. To make breasts smaller, consider combining breast lift and breast reduction surgery.
Candidates for mastopexy or breast lift :
A breast lift is a good option for you if:
- You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight.
- You don’t smoke.
- You are upset by the feeling that your breasts have lost shape and volume.
- When you can’t stand the nipples being below the breast fold.
- The nipples and areolas point downward.
- One breast is lower than the other.
What to expect during your consultation :
The success and safety of your breast lift procedure depends largely on your complete sincerity during the visit. We will ask you a series of questions related to your health and lifestyle:
- Why you want the surgery, your expectations and the desired outcome.
- The consumption of medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
- Previous surgeries.
- Family history of breast cancer and the results of previous mammograms or biopsies.
Your surgeon will also take measurements and examine your breasts, skin quality, nipple placement and areolas.
Take the opportunity to clarify doubts and possible results, risks and possible complications of surgery during the first visit.
Before surgery:
- We will ask you for an analysis, electrocardiogram and chest x-ray.
- We will also order a basic mammogram before surgery and another one year after surgery to help detect any changes in breast tissue.
- Quit smoking 20 days before surgery.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and derivatives.
Breast lift surgery:
- Mastopexy is performed in an operating room. Admission is required, discharged the next day or as determined by the doctor.
- Breast lift is performed under general anesthesia, keeping the patient asleep during the operation.
- Mastopexy lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. Sometimes, whenever prostheses are not necessary, drains (tubes that are removed the next day before discharge) are left to prevent the accumulation of blood.
- After surgery, a surgical bra is placed that it is advisable to use during the first month after surgery.
Postoperative:
- You should wear sports bras without rings while your breasts heal.
- You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your breasts after surgery, medications to apply or take by mouth to help healing and reduce the risk of infection.
- Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
The results of mastopexy will be long-lasting. Over time, your breasts may continue to change because of aging and gravity. However, you’ll be able to keep your new look longer if:
- You maintain your weight.
- You maintain a healthy lifestyle.