Mastopexy

If you have sagging breasts or nipples that point downwards, a breast lift surgery or mastopexy can correct these changes and boost your self-confidence. Please continue reading to learn more about this aesthetic plastic surgery that can remove excess skin and change your breast shape.

What is a mastopexy?

A mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, is a plastic surgery procedure that is done both for cosmetic reasons and for reconstructive surgery. A plastic surgeon performs breast lift procedures essentially to change the shape of the breasts. During a mastopexy breast lift, excess skin is removed and the skin envelope and breast tissue is reshaped to raise or lift the breasts.

Why is breast lift surgery done?

With age, the breast tissue becomes less elastic and firm, leading to breast sagging. This can occur due to several reasons, including pregnancy when the breasts are heavier. This causes the breast ligaments and surrounding tissue to be stretched. Changes in breast tissue can also occur as a result of weight fluctuations that cause the skin of the breasts to stretch and become less elastic. Another reason for a sagging breast is gravity, which over time causes the breast ligaments to stretch.

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, can lift sagging breasts and reshape the breast contour. It can raise the nipples and areolas (the dark skin surrounding the nipples) higher. At the same time, the size of the areolae can be reduced. This might be necessary, for example, to keep the areolae in proportion to a smaller breast size in women who have breast reduction surgery.

Do I need mastopexy?

Many women choose this type of surgery to regain the youthful shape of their breasts. You can consider a mastopexy / breast lift if you have breast ptosis (sagging breasts that have become flatter and longer over time). A breast lift can also raise the nipple position which tends to fall below the breast crease when the breasts do not have enough support. If you are bothered by nipples and areolae pointing down, a mastopexy can fix this problem. The surgery can also reduce the size of areolae that have stretched and become too big in proportion to the breast size. A breast lift surgery can also correct any asymmetry, for example, uneven breasts (one breast is lower than the other).

An experienced plastic surgeon can provide medical advice whether you are a good candidate for a breast lift. This type of surgery may not be right for everyone. For example, if you plan to have children in the future, the breasts can stretch during pregnancy and offset the results of your mastopexy. If you have had recent weight gain, it is a good idea to get to a healthy weight with diet and exercise before undergoing a breast lift.

Does mastopexy reduce breast size?

As noted, mastopexy is a breast lift procedure. A different type of procedure called a breast reduction surgery can be done if you want mammary reduction (smaller breasts).

Does mastopexy affect breast tissue and breastfeeding?

Breast feeding is usually possible after breast lifts. This is because plastic surgeons do not separate the nipples from the underlying breast tissue while removing extra skin. This means the blood supply is not disrupted during a breast lift. However, some women do experience difficulties with producing enough milk after having surgery on the breasts, so this is definitely a consideration. Also, as noted, a pregnancy can offset the results of a breast lift.

Can you get breast implants after mastopexy?

A breast lift is done primarily to correct breast ptosis (sagging). It does not significantly change the size of the breasts. For women who want bigger breasts, plastic surgeons can do a simultaneous augmentation mastopexy. A breast augmentation can be done with breast implants or autologous fat transfer.

How to prepare for mastopexy?

Consultation

Before scheduling breast lift mastopexy procedures, a plastic surgeon will see you in office consultation. At this time, your doctor will review your medical history and medical record. You should tell your doctor about any family or personal history of breast cancer. Be sure to take any images or results of medical tests such as mammograms and breast biopsies with you to this appointment. Tell your doctor about any previous surgeries and give them a complete list of your medications.

Examination

Your doctor will perform a physical exam to assess whether you need a breast lift, breast augmentation (breast implants), breast reduction surgery, or a combination of procedures for the best results. They will evaluate your skin tone and how much extra skin you have. Your surgeon might take pictures for before/after mastopexy comparison.

Pre-Surgical Instructions

Your plastic surgeon will discuss realistic expectations from the breast lift surgery. They will also make sure you understand the risks and benefits. Your surgeon might schedule a mammogram (breast X-ray) before your surgery. You will receive detailed instructions from your plastic surgeon, including to stop smoking, avoid certain medications like anti inflammatory drugs that can increase the risk of bleeding, and arranging for someone to drive you home and stay with you during your recovery from the breast lift.

What happens during a mastopexy procedure?

A breast lift cosmetic surgery is done at an outpatient surgical facility or hospital. This surgical procedure can be done using sedation and local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Plastic surgeons use various surgical techniques to remove excess breast skin, reshape and reposition the breasts, reduce the size of the areolae, and shift the nipples to a higher position. The breast skin excision can be accomplished by making a circular incision around the areola, a vertical incision extending down from areolae to the breast creases, or a horizontal incision along the breast creases horizontally. The breast mastopexy usually takes 2-3 hours to complete. Most patients don't need to stay overnight in the hospital and can go home the same day.

How painful is a mastopexy?

The majority of patients report mild to moderate pain during the healing process after a breast lift mastopexy. The pain is usually the greatest for the first couple of days and subsides thereafter. Your plastic surgeon can prescribe pain medication to reduce any discomfort after a breast lift.

What to expect during mastopexy recovery?

After you undergo a breast lift surgery, your breast skin will be covered with a sterile gauze and surgical tape or skin adhesives. You will be in a surgical bra for support. There might be drains (small tubes) at the surgical sites to drain any excess fluid or blood.

It is common to have some swelling and bruising for two to three weeks after a breast lift procedure. There can also be some pain and soreness at the incision sites. Pinkness or redness in the skin and numbness in the nipples can linger for several weeks.

You will need to sleep on your side or back to keep pressure off the breasts. Also, be sure to avoid any heavy lifting, straining, or bending for a couple of weeks. You will need to avoid sex after a breast lift for at least two weeks. You need to stop smoking during recovery to reduce the risk of wound healing complications. Your doctor will give you instructions on caring for your breast skin and resuming activities like bathing, showering, and washing your hair. Your surgeon will provide medical advice, but it is generally recommended that you continue to wear a surgical bra for support for 3-4 weeks.

You will return to see your plastic surgeon in the office a few days after your breast lift to have drains and stitches removed.

What are mastopexy risks and complications?

Like any major surgery, a breast lift poses several potential risks, including bleeding, infection, reaction to general anesthesia, reaction to skin adhesives or surgical tape, scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, poor healing of the skin envelope, asymmetry or irregularity of the breasts, partial or total loss of the areolae or nipples, and difficulties with breast feeding.

How long does a breast lift last?

The results of a breast lift are permanent. However, with time, the skin loses its elasticity and the breasts can sag again due to gravity. Maintaining a healthy weight can help you retain your mastopexy results for longer.

A breast lift can be done in women with any breast size. However, in general, women with smaller breasts and less sagging achieve longer lasting breast lift results. In women with larger and heavier breasts, the breasts tend to sag more quickly.

Breast lift results are visible immediately. However, the shape of the breast shape can change over the next few months as the breast tissue and surrounding tissue settles into the new position. Nipple and breast sensation will continue to improve over time.

The scars from a breast lift can be red and prominent at first but will soften and fade over the next 1-2 years. The scars are hidden within the bra and not visible in a bathing suit.

Notably, you might notice that you need a smaller bra size after a breast lift even if you have not had a breast reduction procedure. This is because of your breasts have become rounder and firmer.

How much does mastopexy cost?

A breast lift is usually considered a cosmetic surgery and is not covered by health insurance. However, in some patients when it is done as part of breast reconstruction, a mastopexy may be covered by insurance. On average, based on estimates by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average breast lift cost is around $4,500.

Finding a mastopexy surgeon

Want to find out more about mastopexy breast lift? The MeTime app makes it easy to find leading plastic surgeons in your area who perform breast lifts. You can chat with experts, share photos with complete confidentiality, do a video consultation to get answers to your questions, and obtain a quote for breast lift. You can also find out about other cosmetic surgeries like breast implants, breast augmentation, and more. Download the MeTime app today!