Redefining Femininity: Mastopexy, the Secret to Full and Contoured Breasts
Mastopexy, or breast lifting, is the surgical procedure through which sagging breasts, with reduced volume and very loose skin, are reshaped and lifted. Simultaneously, large areolas can be reduced, resulting in reshaped breasts with a harmonious contour, a younger appearance, and fuller volume.
Main causes of breast sagging are:
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- drastic dieting – massive weight loss
- bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve) – multiple kilograms lost cause
- loss of fatty tissue in the breast area
- aging process
About the Breast Lift Procedure
Most often, breast lifting is recommended after you have given birth and no longer plan to have another child.
Over time, breasts develop a ptotic (sagging) appearance, even those with implants. The larger the mammary gland or implant, the faster the breast descends.
Breast lifting is a procedure that varies from patient to patient, depending on the degree of ptosis and the volume of the gland.
WHAT WE ACHIEVE WITH BREAST LIFT SURGERY
- areola reduction
- removal of excess skin
- lifting (ascension) with repositioning of the mammary gland
- although the procedure does not remove glandular tissue, an improved cosmetic appearance is achieved
- often, however, the operated breast will have a slightly smaller cup size.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, lasting on average 3 hours, requiring one day of hospitalization. Return to regular activities occurs after 2 weeks.
MAIN TYPES OF MASTOPEXY
- Breast Lift with Implant (Silicone Implant) – When the mammary gland is small with moderate ptosis (slightly sagging breasts), placing a silicone implant lifts the breast and increases its volume. This type of surgery is suitable for women who want breast augmentation.
- Benelli Mastopexy – uses only a periareolar incision (around the areolas) and is suitable for breasts with a small degree of ptosis. The main advantage is the aesthetic appearance of the scar, hidden at the edge of the areola, but the degree of lifting achieved is minor.
- Periareolar and Vertical Scar Mastopexy – the most common breast lift method, combining periareolar and vertical incisions. It is suitable for moderately ptotic, medium-volume breasts, providing significant lifting with acceptable aesthetic scars, with the vertical scar becoming discreet over time. The mammary gland is lifted to give projection to the new breast. Often, a small implant may also be used under the gland to provide a natural breast shape.
- Inverted T or Anchor Scar Mastopexy – For grade 4 breast ptosis, an inverted T mastopexy is recommended. The breast is significantly lifted, but there are three scars: periareolar, vertical, and inframammary. Sometimes, if the gland is very small and excess skin is significant, augmentation may be combined with the mastopexy.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF BREAST LIFT
Like any surgery, mastopexy carries risks that should be understood before undergoing the procedure.
The most common include:
- reduced nipple sensitivity
- bruising
- swelling
- breast asymmetry
- minor bleeding
These are normal and part of the surgical healing process.
Rarely, the following may occur:
- infections
- hematomas
- seromas
- delayed healing, which can result in larger scars.
Postoperative progress will be carefully monitored to take the necessary therapeutic measures to manage complications. Loss of areola sensitivity or necrosis is very rare.
It is important to know that breastfeeding after mastopexy may sometimes be compromised. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo the procedure after deciding not to have another pregnancy or after completing weight loss.
IS THERE A SCARLESS BREAST LIFT?
No, absolutely not!
Be skeptical when you hear about breast lifting without scars. The goal of mastopexy is to remove excess skin and reposition the gland, which cannot technically be done without incisions (even with modern technological advances).
All women are delighted with the results, and scars fade over time to match skin color, becoming unnoticeable. A lifted and firm bust is the desire of any woman seeking a harmonious body, boosting self-esteem and significantly improving social and personal life.
