Also known as a breast lift, mastopexy is a surgery that allows the elevation of the breast, with increased projection of the upper pole and aesthetic repositioning of the areola and nipple, through the removal of excess skin and remodelling of the breast tissue with redefinition of its contour in a more attractive shape.
It is indicated when a woman wishes to achieve a more rejuvenated appearance of the breast, which has sagged and changed over time due to the loss of skin elasticity and support capacity, with loss of volume and projection, sometimes with asymmetry, as a consequence of:
It is indicated for women who are expected to be satisfied with the breast volume and projection that will result from the remodelling of their own breast, who wish for a natural result and do not feel the need for additional volume or projection through the use of implants (mastopexy with augmentation), and who are:
The location and extent of the scars are adapted to each case, depending on the degree of sagging, loss of elasticity, and the amount of breast tissue available for remodelling.
In very mild mastopexies, the surgery may be performed through an incision limited to the periareolar area, but it usually also involves a vertical incision below the areola, and in some cases, a horizontal incision may also be necessary (resulting in an inverted T-shaped scar), camouflaged in the lower breast crease, whose length depends on the amount of excess skin to be removed.
Mastopexy is performed through incisions that vary in location and extent, through which the skin is removed, with the upper repositioning of the nipple–areola complex, and remodelling and support of the breast tissue are carried out, enhancing the desired projection and volume through the placement of breast implants. During the breast remodelling process, asymmetry in volume and the size of the areolas can also be corrected, if necessary.
Breast reduction is performed under general anaesthesia, often with a laryngeal mask, a lighter type of general anaesthesia that allows the postoperative recovery to be faster and better tolerated.
The results of mastopexy surgery with implants are immediately visible, through the increase in volume and improvement of the aesthetic appearance of the breast and neckline. In the following weeks, the associated swelling improves, as well as the fading of the scars, with a very favourable result in self-image.
The benefits are felt at various levels, notably:
2–5 days until returning to work.
After a short hospital stay of around 24 hours, recovery can normally take place at home.
You must follow the prescribed medication and all other recommendations from the medical team. You will be followed by your team for dressing changes for 10–12 days.
Some limitation in arm movements is advised during the first week, but without restriction on daily personal care and routine activities. Intense exercise and strenuous effort should be avoided during the first days.
It is recommended to wear a postoperative bra for 4–8 weeks.
