What is Mastopexy?

Mastopexy, usually known as a breast lift, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape your breasts.

Why Do You Need Mastopexy?

Mastopexy is indicated if your:

Breasts are sagging or have lost shape.
Nipples and areolae are pointing downward or stretched out of proportion.
Breast is at a lower position than the other.

Mastopexy lifts your breasts and gives them a firmer appearance.

Who can Perform Mastopexy and Where?

Mastopexy is performed by a plastic surgeon in a hospital or surgical facility.

How Does Your Surgeon Prepare You for Mastopexy?

Once you decide to undergo mastopexy, your surgeon may:

Study your medical history including medications and other surgeries.
Physically examine your breasts to provide you with treatment options.
Measure your weight and height to ensure you are fit for the surgery.
Evaluate your skin tone quality and take preoperative photos of your breasts.
Help you to understand the benefits of mastopexy and risks involved.

Before the actual procedure, your surgeon may schedule a mammogram, ask you to stop smoking, and avoid medications that may result in bleeding.

How is Mastopexy Performed?

Mastopexy can be done on breasts of any shape or size. The procedure your surgeon follows will differ depending on:

The size and shape of your breasts.
The new lifted position of your breasts.

Depending on the condition, your surgeon may:

Sedate you and use local anaesthesia (numbs only your breasts and area around them).
Provide general anaesthesia (recommended) to make you unconscious.

Post-anesthesia, your surgeon will:

Make an incision (cut) around the areola. The cut will run along the breast creases, vertically and horizontally.
Lift and reshape your breasts and move your areolae to the correct position.
Remove extra breast skin to give your breasts a firmer look.
Close the incisions with stitches, sutures, surgical tape or skin adhesives.

The procedure typically lasts for two to three hours.

What are the Risks Involved in Mastopexy Surgery?

Like any surgery, mastopexy involves various risks including:

Bleeding, blood clot, infection, poor healing and uneven breasts.
Adverse or allergic reaction to anaesthesia or any material used.
Fluid or blood collection in the breasts.
Scars – typically soften and fade over time, rarely last.
Change in or loss of breast or nipple sensation (mostly temporary).
Partial or total loss of the nipples or areolae (very rare).
Difficulty in breastfeeding due to lack of milk production (occasionally).
Long-term swelling, bruising and pain (uncommon).
Healing issues, especially if you are a smoker.
Damage to other parts like the lungs (rare).
Heart attack or stroke or even death due to heart strain (very rare).

It is important to talk to your surgeon on safety and outcomes before you make the decision to undergo the surgery.

Post-Surgery Care

Following the surgery, your doctor:

Applies dressings with gauzes on your breasts.
Supports your breasts with a surgical bra.
Drains any excess blood or fluid from your breast.
Recommends medication for pain and soreness.
Performs other post-surgery procedures as required.

Additionally, your surgeon may ask you to:

Avoid straining, bending, lifting, sex and some daily activities.
Sleep on your back or on your side to keep pressure off your breasts.
Prop up your back with pillows while sleeping to keep your chest raised.

Recovery from Mastopexy

Although your surgeon may allow you to go home on the same day of surgery, full recovery may take anywhere between 2 and 12 months. You are likely to have good long-term results if your breasts are small. Otherwise, you may experience sagging again in the future. It is important you control your weight for long-lasting results.

How is Mastopexy Beneficial to You?

Mastopexy will:

Reduce sagging and raise the position of the nipples and areolae.
Alter the shape of your breasts and make them firmer.
Give your breasts a balanced and youthful appearance.
Boost your self-confidence and self-image.
Barely change the size of your breasts.