Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and gravity have a negative effect on woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to lift and reshape sagging breasts.
Who can have breast lift surgery?
The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can achieve. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last long in large breasts.
Although many women prefer mastopexy, it may be a good idea to postpone a breast lift if you are planning to have more children. Although there are no specific risks to future pregnancies (for example, mastopexy does not usually prevent breastfeeding), pregnancy may cause your breasts to stretch again and counteract the results of the procedure.
How is breast lift surgery performed?
There are several types of breast lift that patients can choose from, the most common being the mini lift. This lift is suitable for people with less pronounced breast sagging. In a mastopexy, the surgeon makes an incision on the outside of the areola. Excess tissue is then removed and the nipple-areola complex is moved up or down 1-2 cm.
In cases where the breasts are very saggy and the areola has dropped below the crease, your doctor may recommend a traditional full mastopexy. In this type of breast lift, the nipple can be raised by 8 cm or more, depending on the desired final result. An inverted T-shaped incision is made, following the natural curvature of the body from the outer edge of the areola downwards and along the breast crease. Excess tissue is removed and the nipple is lifted into a more favourable position.
Recovery after a breast lift
Although recovery time varies from person to person, most patients considers the recovery period to be quick and manageable. The doctor will recommend minimal strain, bed rest and reduced activity for a few days. During the first week, small drainage tubes will be inserted to remove fluids and gauze will be used to close your stitches. These stitches will disappear completely within a month. You may experience some tenderness or even a lack of sensation in the areola/nipple area. This is normal and temporary.