Breast lift (mastopexy)

With age, band and ligamentous structures of the breast partially lose their elasticity; they become stretched, causing the breast to sag. Pregnancy and lactation often lead to a decrease in the volume of glandular tissue, which further exacerbates ptosis (descent) of the gland. These negative changes that affect the self-esteem of women create additional inconvenience.

Ptosis process is a natural process and is imminent for large breast. But not all women suffer progressing changes and pass all stages. The ratio between the breast base width and its height is very important. If this ratio is 4:1, there are virtually no reasons for the descending of the gland. But if the ratio is 3:1 or less, the sagging of the breast will surely occur.

• Ptosis of the 1st stage – the nipple is located at submammary furrow or 1 cm below it.
• Ptosis of the 2nd stage – the nipple is located 1 to 3 cm below the submammary furrow.
• Ptosis of the 3rd stage – the nipple descended for more than 3 cm below submammary furrow and is located on the lowermost part of the gland.

Depending on the ptosis stage, breast fullness, its level of fixation on the chest wall and compliance of linear proportions, one or another method of surgical correction is being chosen.

Breast lift procedure

Mastopexy is one of the most popular operations. Dozens breast lift methods are developed, each of them has its own advantages and some disadvantages at the same time. The main mammoplasty tasks are elimination of breast ptosis, installation of NAC (nipple-areola complex) in the proper position, creating a sufficient filling of the gland upper semi-sphere. All these factors are essential for the formation of a positive image. At the same time, the surgeon should try to minimize the scars and comply with all anti-relapsing measures.

In case of severe involution (decreasing of the glandular tissue volume), the mastopexy should be completed with the installation of implants or lipofilling (transplantation of auto-fat).

Anesthesia: the most efficient application is using the general anesthesia combined with local infiltration anesthesia.

Duration of breast lift surgery varies from 2 to 3 hours.

Post operation period

After performing the mastopexy, the patient stays in the hospital under the supervision of medical personnel for 24 - 48 hours. Inspections and bandaging are prescribed individually, depending on the degree of surgical trauma. The compressive linen is put on immediately after the surgery. It must be worn for one month after surgery. This linen supports the breast until the tissues are not fixed completely and the skin incisions are healed. In the first week after a breast lift, there is a moderate pain and a discomfort during movement. Unpleasant sensations gradually decrease, and after 10 – 15 days, you can gradually resume the usual physical activity. The final formation of scars takes 10-12 months.