Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, lactation and the force of gravity have an effect on the female breast. As the skin loses elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and start to fall down. To solve this aesthetic problem, plastic surgery counts on an operation very similar to the mammary reduction that is carried out in cases in which the breast, without being too big in size, has suffered a significant drop. In these cases, however, the cut of tissues is minimal, since it is used (sometimes with the help of a prosthesis) to give volume and appropriate projection to the breast, once it has been remodeled in its initial position. The breast lift surgery is known as Mastopexy or Breast Ptosis.

What does it involve?

The mastopexy is a surgical procedure used to raise and improve the shape of the fallen breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola when it is very large. In a first visit, the size and shape of the breasts, the firmness of the skin and the state of the patient’s health are assessed.
In general, the breast lift is performed under general anesthesia with admission to the clinic for a night. The mastopexy lasts about two hours.
The incision defines the area of skin that must be removed and defines the new location of the nipple. After removing the surplus skin, the nipple and the areola move to the new position. The skin that surrounds the areola sutures then gives the shape of the breast.
The sutures are placed around the areola, in a vertical line down from the areola and along the furrow below the breast. In certain cases, when the breast is small and there is only a little drop the incision is only placed around the areola. After the surgery a bandage or a special bra is worn.

Can prosthesis be also placed in this operation?

In most cases the breast lift is carried out accompanied by a filling with a small prosthesis to improve the upper neckline. Sometimes, when there is too much breast volume in the highest area of the breast, the mastopexy has good results without having to add any type of prostheses. Although the effects of the mastopexy are durable, they are not permanent, and it will depend on factors such as new pregnancies, variations of weight and age. But if prosthesis are placed the effect will last more.

Can you see the scars?

It will depend on the technique used. If the incision is done just around the areola, it is virtually imperceptible after some time. However, if the technique of incision in anchor or inverted-T is used, although they are shorter than in the mammary reduction, they will be more noticeable, but they will always remain hidden behind a bikini. The scars remain rosy and hard during the first six months, and then they gradually become less visible eventually becoming white lines.

How is the post-surgery evolution?

The evolution is very similar to that of a breast reduction. Depending on the activity being carried out the patient can join work within a few days. After the breast surgery is common to find oneself somewhat tired, coming back to almost normal life from the second or third day onwards. The discomfort can be controlled very well with medication, although the breasts are swollen and more sensitive. The sutures will be removed after the second week. A kind of sports bra must be worn during the first month.