Mastopexy
Breast sagging (ptosis) is a common problem following pregnancies, weight loss or aging. Sagging occurs when breast skin stretches, and breast tissue and fat degenerate over time. This results in a less youthful appearance of the breasts. Breast sagging can be corrected with a breast lift (mastopexy).
The mastopexy procedure may be performed under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The operation takes about two hours, and patients often return home the same day.
During mastopexy, surgeons reposition the nipple and areola to a higher position and remove excess skin from beneath the breast. Closing the remaining skin lifts the breast mound to a higher position and recontours the breast to give it a more projected and youthful appearance.
If there is inadequate breast tissue to fill the skin and achieve the desired size, a saline-filled breast implant may be placed beneath the breast at the same time, achieving the desired size, shape and projection.
Patients may resume limited activities the day after surgery and normal activities in three to four weeks. Pain usually can be controlled with oral pain medication. Sutures are removed one to two weeks after surgery.
When there is marked sagging, the incisions required and resulting scars are similar to those resulting from a breast reduction. In cases of less breast sagging, mastopexy can often be accomplished with smaller scars.
Potential complications of mastopexy include bleeding, infection and healing problems. Patients may experience some decrease in sensation in the nipple. In addition, some patients may notice minor irregularities in the size and shape of the breasts, and in the position of the areola and nipple.
Following mastopexy, patients may be able to breast-feed because the nipple usually is not separated from the milk glands. If an implant is used, however, problems with the implant can occur.
Following the surgery and healing period, the breast will have a more attractive and youthful appearance. With time, however, there may be further sagging that could necessitate a revisional procedure.
| The nipple has moved below the breast crease. Breast lift repositions the nipples higher, to a normal position. Sometimes it is helpful to use a breast implant at the same time. |  |
|
 |
The skin around the nipple is removed and the nipple is moved to its normal position. The amount of skin removed varies from minimal around the nipple to more extensive depending on the severity. | |
| The skin is brought back together giving the breast a more youthful appearance and fullness. |  |
|
 |
The scars will always be visible. It takes about one year for the scars to mature and obtain a color similar to the surrounding skin. | |
| The length of the scars could vary. If minimal skin is removed the scar remains around the nipple. With more skin removal the scar could continue as a straight line below the nipple. If a lot of skin is removed the scar also involves the breast crease. You will be able to get an idea of how extensive the incisions are going to be during the consultation |  |
Examples of this kind of surgeries performed at our clinic can be found in our gallery.