Mastopexy: Make Your Breasts Look Upright Again

10.01.2011 | By: I. M.

Mastopexy is a popular surgical procedure for women who want to defy the effects of breastfeeding and preserve their breasts in their youthful state.

Mastoplexy is the perfect solution for women who aren't satisfied with the sagging of their breasts. (Photoxpress)

Why do women decide to undergo mastopexy?

Ptosis, or the drooping of breasts, a real problem for many women, is a result of various factors, such as losing weight, genes, aging, hormonal changes, not to mention pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast lift is the best solution for those women who are satisfied with the size of their breasts, but would like to change their position. You can use a simple test with a pencil: if a woman places a pencil under her breast and the pencil remains in place without the help of the hand, merely by being held by the breast, then a woman would benefit from mastopexy. Even though there are no age limits for the procedure, physicians insist that breasts have to be fully developed. Mastopexy is more suitable for women who have already given birth.

Preparations for mastopexy

First, you discuss your wishes with the chosen surgeon, on the basis of which a photograph is made, together with a model for the desired shape of your breasts. Of course, one has to consider possibilities that are in tune with reality. A few weeks before the procedure, you aren't allowed to take certain medicines and vitamin supplements. It is also advisable that you stop smoking, at least for the time being, as smoking can lead to complications. Your doctor will also warn you that the surgery may have to be repeated, in case the first one doesn't turn out according to your plans. You will also be warned about the possibility of slow healing of scars.

Additional procedures

To have fuller breasts, i.e. when there isn't enough tissue, women sometimes also decide for an implant. When the patient expresses a wish to have smaller breasts, breast reduction can be made simultaneously. In the first case - in case of breast augmentation, the patient should bring photos of breasts that she likes both in terms of their size and shape, to make the communication with the surgeon easier.

Different types of mastopexy

The procedure lasts from two to four hours and is carried out under general anaesthesia. There are several surgical techniques for mastopexy, and they're named after different types of cuts and scars. Severe ptosis (drooping of breasts) requires a more extensive procedure and results in longer scars. The degree of ptosis is determined by your physician. Mastopexy in the shape of a half-moon is suitable for patients with slightly expressed ptosis, where the redundant skin can be found only in the upper part of the breast. Circumareolar mastopexy is also suitable for the patients with a projecting nipple or areola. Vertical mastopexy is suitable for mild to moderate ptosis, while simultaneously one can also reduce the size of areola. The cut goes around the areola and then downwards. L-mastopexy or reversed T-mastopexy is on the other hand a classical mastopexy technique, appropriate for moderate to severe ptosis. Again, the areola can also be made smaller.

Recovery after the procedure

Right after the procedure, the breasts seem positioned somewhat higher than you would expect. However, after a few weeks or a month, when swellings disappear and the skin gets used to the new shape, your breasts will be positioned as planned. The pain can be alleviated with analgesics. The stitches have to be removed within approximately fourteen days, and it's also advisable to use special plasters for several months after the procedure - plasters that prevent the stretching of the scar.

It is important to follow doctor's orders and wear a specialized bra that provides appropriate support to the operated breasts. For four to six weeks after the surgery, physical exercise has to be limited to short walks. The feeling of touch usually returns after a month. In the mean time, the patient may feel a pricking sensation that she can soothe with painkillers.

Risks of mastopexy

Complications are not very common, but there is a risk of asymmetry, bleeding, infections and visible scars. Also, breasts will eventually start to sag again. If a suffusion appearing after the procedure gets bigger and is hard to touch, and if the pain only gets worse, you have to call your surgeon, because hematoma has to be treated surgically.