Mastopexy / Breast Lift Surgery
Mastopexy is a procedure that lifts the breast and nipple to a higher position, usually at the level of the infra mammary crease where it is present in youth. The procedure re-shapes the breast and tightens the skin envelope to give a more fuller, lifted and projected appearance. A breast implant can be used at the time to give further augmentation.
With the passage of time the breast mound naturally descends and this is accelerated by weight change, pregnancy and breast-feeding. This results in ptosis of the breasts with stretched skin, loss of elasticity, changed shape and decrease in tone. Mastopexy involves liftting the descent of the breast and nipple to its original or higher position. The procedure involves moving the Nipple-Areolar complex (NAC) to a higher position and re-shaping the breast gland. Mastopexy can be combined with breast augmentation as breast volume may also be lost.
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Mastopexy / Breast Lift Information
At Artiste Plastic Surgery Mastopexy is performed for the following reasons:
- Ptosis of the breastÂ
- Ptosis of the nipple (with or without the breast gland)
- To lift the breast and nipple higher
- Excess skin, stretch marks and loss of elasticity of the breast
- Emptiness of the breast gland
- Massive weight loss
- As part of an augmentation procedure
The choice of technique depends upon patient wishes and what factors need to be addressed surgically.
33 Year Old Female Breast Augmentation + Mastopexy
25 Year Old Female Breast Lift + Reduction
20 Year Old Female Breast Lift + Mastopexy
Breast Lift TECHNIQUES
An areolar skin approach is useful where only a small lift is required with no re-shaping of the breast gland.
Peri-areolar incisions are used for moderate lifts and moderate reshaping of the breast gland. An implant may be inserted with this approach.
The vertical incision is the most utilised and versatile approach at Artiste Plastic Surgery where excess skin and significant re-shaping of the breast gland and NAC can be performed to lift the breast higher. An implant may be inserted with this approach.
In patients with weight loss a traditional anchor scar (Inverted T scar) provides the best technique for dealing with excess skin, shaping the gland and lifting the NAC position. An implant may be inserted with this approach.
Common Concerns
The procedure will be illustrated in detail and you will be given a detailed instruction sheet on expected post-operative course and potential complications during your consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons.
It is recommended that you are a stable weight for at least 3-6 months to obtain the best possible results.
It is advised to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and after surgery.
FAQs
Mastopexy is performed as day surgery or overnight surgery, with the patient being discharged with oral medications to deal with moderate discomfort and a support bra to support the breasts during healing. Patients can expect to return to work within 1 week and normal physical activity after 4 weeks if no implant was used.
A breast implant alone can volumise and lift mild ptosis of the breast. So in short yes it can. However often most patients have moderate ptosis with excess skin and gland that needs reshaping of the nipple areolar and breast tissue with a mammaplasty.
Ptosis is a term used in plastic surgery referring to descent or falling of anatomical structures. Breast ptosis is the descent of the breast gland and/or NAC. The degree of ptosis and patient preference of shape/size dictates what surgically needs to be done.
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