Mastopexy - Breast Lift
BREAST LIFT - MASTOPEXY
The breast consists internally of a massive gland and fibrofatty tissue and is covered externally by a skin envelope in the center of which - at a young age - has the nipple with its areola. As we grow older, three mechanisms develop in the breast: a) its interior (mass and fibrofatty tissue) atrophies resulting in a loss of volume and firmness b) the fibrous tissue cannot sag to maintain the shape of the breast internally, and c ) the skin externally shows relaxation. As a result, the nipple gradually migrates from the most prominent point of the breast to the lowest. The distance of the nipple from the inframammary groove determines the degree of prolapse (stage I-IV). In addition to age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and breast hypertrophy are the causes that lead to sagging.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Sagging breasts are surgically corrected and the surgery is called mastopexy or breast lift. The purpose of the surgery is to restore the youthful shape of the breasts, in a higher position on the chest, while maintaining their size and aesthetics. During surgery, excess skin is removed and the breast is shaped to regain its conical shape. There is always an incision around the nipple or this may be continued with a vertical, L or shaped incision which is hidden under the breast. When the breasts, in addition to drooping, have a larger size, a reduction mastopexy is performed, while when the patient, in addition to an erection, desires a larger size, an augmentation mastopexy with implants is performed.
WHO IS THE SURGERY FOR?
Mastopexy is aimed at young women who, either after weight loss or for hereditary reasons, have sagging and drooping. But mainly it is aimed at women who have completed their family planning, have stopped breastfeeding for 6-12 months and their weight has stabilized.
WHAT IS THE TYPE OF ANESTHESIA?
Mastopexy is performed under general anesthesia in an organized clinic. The duration of the surgery is 2.5 to 4 hours. After the surgery, it is advisable to stay in the clinic for a few hours and immediately mobilize the patient.
WHAT WILL THE SCARS BE LIKE AFTER THE SURGERY?
The type of scars depends on the surgery that will be chosen. As a general principle, small prolapses are corrected with periampullary incision alone or periampullary and vertical incision. Larger prolapses are corrected with a periampullary and vertical incision or a periampullary and L or incision. The marks are covered by the bra. For the majority of women, however, these are negligible compared to the relief they feel from the improvement in the shape and density of their breasts. To avoid misshapen or hypertrophic scars, you will be given instructions immediately after the stitches are removed, and you will be put on a follow-up program if you have a history of keloids.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST?
The results are permanent and will remain stable for the next 10 years, as long as the woman does not become pregnant or gain a lot of weight. However, mastopexy breasts will behave just like non-operated breasts, obeying the law of gravity and gradually becoming downward-sloping over time. However, this fall will be smaller, compared to what would have happened if the surgery had not preceded it, and in some places it can be prevented by using special sports bras.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THE SURGERY?
Mastopexy cannot correct the quality of the skin of the breasts, it only corrects their shape. The patient should be aware that stretch marks and thinning of the skin cannot be improved with surgery. But it can change the shape and size of the nipples if they have grown too much or are asymmetrical. One of the most serious limitations of breast lift surgery is the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as the 12 months that follow. Patients who have not completed their family planning can undergo a mastopexy, but there is a chance that they will need to repeat the surgery in the future. Finally, patients with serious health problems, who cannot receive general anesthesia or those with a dysmorphic syndrome should be prevented from cosmetic surgeries.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A BREAST LIFT?
The doctor will evaluate your general condition and your history and, if he decides that you are suitable for the surgery, he will inform you about the possible complications and what needs to be done to reduce the possibility of their occurrence. You will also be asked to stop using supplements and medications that affect blood clotting and to refrain from smoking. The anesthesiologist will then talk to you about the type of anesthesia you will receive and the possible complications.
WHAT YOU SHOULD YOU DO BEFORE SURGERY?
Depending on your age, you will be given instructions on the medications you may be taking and should be discontinued or replaced, as well as on the additional testing you may need to do with a mammogram and breast ultrasound.
The doctor will explain the value of smoking cessation and proper nutrition in wound healing. One week before the surgery you will need to take measurements to order a special bra, have your photo taken and sign the consent form.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR AFTER THE OPERATION?
You stay in the clinic for the first 24 hours, but your time off work must have been calculated at 2 weeks. This doesn't mean you won't be able to do light work much sooner, but you'll generally feel overwhelmed. It is also recommended to refrain from sports for 1 month.
Leaving the surgery you will wear a special bra which you will keep for 6 weeks. You will likely have a drain that will be removed in the first 24 hours, and you will need to be mobilized as soon as possible. Pain and swelling when present are easily treated. Because the sutures are intradermal there is no need to remove sutures. In case you are thinking about a future pregnancy, ask the doctor to explain whether and to what extent breastfeeding and the result of the surgery are affected.
WHAT IS THE COST?
The cost is calculated by adding up the cost of the clinic where the patient is operated and treated, the fee of the Plastic Surgeon and the Anesthesiologist. The purchase of special bras must be included in the expenses.
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