Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss or ageing can lead to loss of volume and skin laxity in the breast tissue, resulting in sagging. A breast lift aims to reshape the existing breast tissue into a higher, fuller appearance.
Planning follows different scenarios according to the patient's anatomy and expectations. One of the determining criteria is the amount of existing tissue:
- In patients with sufficient tissue volume, the existing breast tissue alone can be reshaped, with no need for an implant.
- Where breast tissue has markedly diminished, a silicone implant is placed and the tissue is reshaped over it.
- In advanced sagging or with dense tissue, a two-stage surgical approach can give safer and more satisfying results: in the first stage the breast tissue is lifted and excess tissue removed; in the second, the desired volume is reached with an implant.
During a breast lift, incisions are made to move the nipple to a higher position and to remove excess skin. These incisions generally leave an anchor-shaped scar, known as the “inverted T”. To achieve a better form and to correct any asymmetry, the procedure may also be combined with fat grafting.
Recovery After Surgery
- Return to daily life is generally possible within 2-3 days.
- Avoiding strenuous exercise and movements that place tension on the scars is advised for the first 6-8 weeks.
- A support bra is worn for 2 weeks after surgery.
When a lift is performed together with an implant, recovery parallels that of breast augmentation.