What is mastopexy

With age, after a period of lactation or weight loss, female mammary glands lose their firmness, elasticity, shape and give in to the natural process of prolapse. Thanks to the mastopexy lift, the breasts regain their primary attractiveness.

Mastopexy is a plastic surgery aimed at restoring the aesthetic appeal, shape, elasticity of the mammary glands in women.

Mastopexy - what is it?

The term itself is translated from Latin as "breast lift" and implies plastic surgery, which eliminates prolapse (ptosis). The main purpose of the procedure is to improve the shape of the bust - its tightening, elasticity.

In mastopexy, the nipples are moved above the submammary fold (lines under the breast) and excess skin is removed.

The operation does not include endoprosthetics in its original form. But in some cases, the surgeon decides to place the implant, after which the excess breast tissue is sutured. In addition, mastopexy is often combined with a decrease in the mammary glands (reduction mammoplasty).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Breast Lift and Augmentation

Benefits of mastopexy

The most important advantage of the procedure is the absence of the introduction of a foreign object into the chest. Thereby:

• the risk of complications after surgery decreases;
• the risk of allergies is minimized;
• omission of the breast of any degree is eliminated.

These arguments point to the safety and reliability of mastopexy.

Representatives of the fairer sex at the age of 18 years resort to such an operation.

Disadvantages of mastopexy

There are some conditions that should not be neglected:

• small breast size requires the introduction of implants, otherwise the operation is pointless;
• if there are plans for future motherhood, such plastic should be postponed;
• before lifting, the body weight must be stabilized, otherwise its possible decrease will subsequently lead to new deformations.

It should be borne in mind that this type of plastic surgery, such as mastopexy, carried out before pregnancy or lactation, is a great risk to reduce the result to zero.

But at the same time, it does not affect these processes in any way, because all functions remain unchanged.

Among the disadvantages of the procedure, it is worth noting a partial result, which is due to the uselessness of its implementation on a large bust and severe ptosis.

In rare cases, there is a loss of nipple sensitivity and feeding function. Also, due to the tension of the tissues, the resulting scar can be greatly stretched, which will significantly spoil the result.

Mastopexy: before and after photos

Indications for a mastopexy

Women resort to breast lift for completely different reasons. Among them:

• due to breastfeeding, many manifest ptosis of various degrees and stretch marks - this is what mastopexy can easily eliminate;
• with sudden changes in weight, whether it is losing weight or gaining in kilograms;
• hereditary factor - in some women, sagging breasts are manifested due to a genetic predisposition;
• due to age-related changes in the body, the skin begins to become more flabby, and the mammary glands are deformed;
• asymmetrical breasts;
• body structure and bust size do not match.

From a medical point of view, the indications for its implementation are various degrees of ptosis, each of which has its own symptoms. With pseudoptosis, the mammary gland descends below the inframammary fold, and the nipple, along with the areola, remains above it.

If they are at its level or fall below a small distance, then doctors call this the first degree of ptosis. The second degree is characterized by the lowering of the nipple behind the breast fold up to 3 cm, and the third - more than 3 cm.

Breast lift without implants

Mastopexy - what is it and what is the main purpose of its implementation was indicated above. That is why it is technically easy to perform.

Based on this, there are several types of this operation - periareolar or circular, vertical, anchor (T-shaped incision), dermal and endoscopic.

Each of them involves improving the shape of the bust without endoprosthetics and is prescribed depending on the severity of ptosis.

Vertical mastopexy

This type of breast lift is quite difficult and is recommended by specialists for the second degree of ptosis. Technically, it consists in removing part of the glandular tissue, due to which the nipples and areola may partially lose their sensitivity.

The operation is performed within a couple of hours, during which the incisions are made deep enough and penetrate into the submammary fold. Another feature is the obligatory stay of the patient in the clinic for about a week.

This is due to swelling of the chest and the appearance of severe pain, requiring symptomatic treatment. In the postoperative period for 3 months, the patient must wear special compression garments and avoid stress on the chest muscles.

Periareolar (circular) mastopexy

This method is considered one of the most popular, which is used for pseudoptosis, prolapse of 1 and 2 degrees and anomalies of breast development. A periareolar lift involves an incision around the perimeter of the areola to remove excess stretched tissue.

After that, the mammary gland is attached to the pectoral muscles using special sutures. Due to the fact that the nerve endings are not damaged, its sensitivity is fully preserved. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia for an hour. The main rehabilitation processes last for about a week.

Anchor mastopexy

This species got its name thanks to a special cut that resembles an anchor or an inverted letter T. It runs along both edges of the areola, connecting in a vertical line.

Further, the surgeon makes branching in different directions along the inframammary ligament. The indication for such a mastopexy is pronounced degrees of ptosis, often combined with reduction mammoplasty.

It is this lift that has its own characteristic features. Thanks to the execution technique, the specialist excises a significant amount of skin and other tissues, which contributes to an excellent result and the duration of its preservation.

Among the minuses, it is worth noting significant scars that remain visible after the procedure.

Dermal mastopexy

At the heart of such a lift is an operation to lift sagging breasts as a result of losing weight or breastfeeding. By removing excess folds, the projection of the breast changes and its elasticity improves.

Also, at the request of the patient, the shape of the areola changes. Depending on the degree of omission, a joint increase is possible due to the introduction of implants. Scars after dermal mastopexy wear off over time and become invisible.

Endoscopic lift

An operation such as mastopexy (what is it mentioned above) leaves behind scars that cause discomfort for many. Therefore, a method was developed due to which the effect of this factor is minimized. Endoscopic lifting is performed by punctures that leave only subtle scars.

The technique for performing this method is to puncture the breast, through which fluid is injected to reduce possible bleeding.

Using instruments inserted through the incision under the armpit, the skin is separated from the glandular tissue. A part in the form of a triangle is cut off from the latter. Then the fabric is pulled up and the edges are sewn together. All incisions are sutured.

Don't miss the most popular column article: Breast lift without implants - all methods, methods and procedures. Efficiency, before and after photos.

Breast lift with mesothreads

Due to the fact that this procedure is positioned as a substitute for surgical intervention, many patients have overestimated requirements for the final result.

But from a medical point of view, thread lifting has significant limitations.

It is possible to use mesothreads to correct the shape of the bust at the initial stages of pathological changes and its small size (no more than 3)

This is the only way to stop their course for the coming years. The number of procedures performed after the disappearance of the effect is unlimited.

The skin holds the inserted threads well and over time they become overgrown with connective tissue, which forms a sufficiently strong framework for the mammary gland. Their number for one breast varies from 7 to 10 pieces, the length of each of them is slightly more than 6 cm.

As the reviews of patients who used a thread lift show, the effect lasts for a long time with a small breast. Many women write that even at a full third bust size, this procedure is useless.

This should be taken into account before choosing this method for lifting your breasts. Others are often satisfied with the results.

Mesothreads for breast lift

There are several types of threads that are used in mammoplasty. They are divided into non-absorbable and biodegradable. The doctor's choice of their type is influenced by the patient's age, breast size and the expected outcome. So, surgeons use the following threads:

• Aptos Light Lift Body, which are made from polylactic acid, have a rough surface for good tissue fixation. They gradually dissolve completely. The result obtained lasts about 2 years.
• Aptos excellence body, which are made on the basis of the previous type with the addition of caprolac. It is completely eliminated by the body within a year. Their surface is smooth, but notched. Their effect also lasts 2 years.
• Resorblift, which contain polylactic acid. A feature is their long-term resorption (9 months). They do not cause allergies and rejection by the woman's body. The result is very long - 3 years.
• Aptos needle - non-absorbable threads. They contain polypropylene. It is used for patients over 40 years of age with a sufficiently large breast. The effect is amazing - the bust remains firm for more than 5 years.
• Gold, which were previously used in mammoplasty as warp threads. They are wrapped around their absorbable counterpart. Over time, they were almost completely abandoned, as they have some serious disadvantages. Firstly, the golden threads keep the shape of the breast, but do not tighten it. Secondly, later, with an active lifestyle, they can break down and appear on the surface of the skin.Thirdly, if they are available, it is forbidden to carry out many cosmetic procedures, especially laser ones.

Mastopexy with implants - features of the procedure, photo

If the patient wishes not only to improve the shape of the breast, but also to enlarge it, then a double operation is prescribed - endoprosthetics and mastopexy. Not everyone knows what it is, what features it has.

During its implementation, an implant is inserted into the mammary gland and at the same time it is tightened. The indications are the very desire of a woman to improve her bust, the deterioration of her shape after breastfeeding or weight loss, when replacing endoprostheses with new ones.

There are two types of such an operation - one-stage (combined) and sequential (first a lift is performed, then an increase).

To carry out such a surgical intervention, the doctor must have enough experience, and the patient must be prepared for possible cumulative complications after it.

These include insufficient correction of prolapse of the mammary glands, the occurrence of their asymmetry, displacement of implants, complete loss of sensitivity of the nipple and breast skin.

In addition to this, the most common problem with single-stage surgery is the appearance of rough and wide scars. For this reason, many surgeons first perform mastopexy and prosthetic insertion in two stages.

How is a breast lift surgery

Like any other operation, mastopexy requires considerable preparation. This is necessary in order for it to be successful, and in the process of rehabilitation there are no complications.

Training

The patient first consults with the surgeon who will perform the lift. Having listened to her wishes, the doctor examines the breast and takes measurements. On this basis, he informs the woman about what types of this procedure she needs, possible results, complications.

After that, it is necessary to undergo a detailed examination. Results are required:

• a blood test that will show her group, Rh factor, and also detect HIV and hepatitis;
• breast examinations (mammography);
• fluorography;
• examination by a gynecologist and mammologist.

It is important to consult with an anesthesiologist, after which he informs about the type of anesthesia and its possible side effects. At least 2 weeks in advance, the patient should give up cigarettes, alcohol and any drugs that affect blood clotting.

Dinner the day before should be light, and on the day of surgery, eating is prohibited. Drinking water is allowed no later than a couple of hours before the start of mastopexy.

How is it going

A breast lift is performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is used only for small incisions and in combination with sedatives.

Surgical intervention takes about 3 hours, depending on the type of mastopexy. This factor also affects the incision itself, which defines the site for skin removal.

The patient should immediately understand that this type of plastic surgery, such as mastopexy, will leave behind scars. This nuance will gradually disappear, and if you do not want to wait, then it is easily polished with a laser.

If the mastopexy was performed successfully, then the woman can return home in a couple of days. It is forbidden to lift weights for about a month. After a year, you need to re-undergo mammography.

Rehabilitation

How fast recovery will be during the postoperative period depends on the type and severity of the surgery. The standard indicator is up to 2 months.

Bruises, swelling disappear 2 weeks after the procedure. Also, doctors strongly recommend wearing compression underwear.

Although rehabilitation is well tolerated by the patients, some restrictions must be observed - in the next 1.5 months after the operation, you cannot go in for sports and visit the solarium and sauna.

The visible results of a breast lift appear after 2 months. Finally, they can be observed at least six months later, since during this period the scars fully mature and the scars become subtle.

Contraindications

Many women know what mastopexy is. But at the same time, the majority, in pursuit of gorgeous breasts, ignore a number of contraindications, because of which this operation cannot be performed. These include:

• exacerbation of diseases of internal organs;
• oncological and infectious diseases;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• diabetes;
• problems with blood clotting;
• scars in the chest area in large numbers.

Mastopexy is a salvation for women giving birth and breastfeeding. However, experts strongly recommend postponing it if the patient is planning another pregnancy. As a result of childbirth, the achieved results will be reduced to zero.

Stitches after mastopexy: how to care

After 2 weeks, you need to go to the clinic where the operation was performed to remove the stitches. During this time, you need to change the dressing yourself and treat them with antiseptics.

It is forbidden to wipe the seam area with a towel, so as not to cause unnecessary damage to the skin

Recovery will accelerate if you give up your intimate life during this time. In the first week, it is recommended to sleep only on your back. After a month and a half, scars and the entire breast area can be lubricated with moisturizers that do not contain vitamin E.

One of the frightening problems that all patients face is the condition of the skin of the mammary glands. It loses its appearance, many people note dryness and irritation. The way out of this situation is to use creams.

If redness and burning appear, then doctors recommend using ointments and compresses with a calming effect based on herbal ingredients.

It is worth mentioning that cracking under the breast may occur 3-4 weeks after the operation.This is because the air trapped in the chest pocket passes through the fatty tissue. After a couple of weeks, this phenomenon will disappear on its own.

How much does a breast lift cost

The cost of this procedure depends on the reputation of the clinic and the plastic surgeon. Many women refuse mastopexy only after knowing the price for it. Indeed, the amount of 40,000 rubles. not everyone can afford it.

But there are many cases in which this procedure is necessary not only to satisfy whims, but also to restore a normal psychological state.

It should be borne in mind that the most expensive are operations carried out in the capital of the country. Here the starting price starts from 60,000 rubles. The further from Moscow the clinic is, the cheaper the operation will cost. But in pursuit of the money saved, it is important not to forget about the qualifications of the surgeon.

If we took the average statistical data of this procedure throughout the country, then the cost:

• breast lifts ranges from 50 to 100 thousand rubles;
• combined operation - 180-300 thousand rubles;
• breast augmentation varies from 150 to 300 thousand rubles;
• braces with mesothreads starts from 80,000 rubles.

Mastopexy is considered one of the most effective and safe plastic surgeries to restore the natural beauty of the female breast.

When deciding on such a procedure, you need to choose an experienced specialist who will correctly assess the condition of the breast and prescribe the appropriate type of plastic

This is the only way to expect the desired result in the form of a toned, beautiful and elastic bust.

Useful video materials about mastopexy: what it is, who is shown how the operation goes

Doctor's recommendations after a mastopexy with breast augmentation:

Complications after breast augmentation: WHAT TO FEAR?

Virtual examination by a mammologist: