Breast lift or mastopexy
Index:
- What is mastopexy?
- Why is mastopexy performed?
- What happens during mastopexy?
- How to prepare for mastopexy?
- Post-operative care
What is mastopexy?
Mastopexy, or breast lift, is a form of plastic surgery that raises sagging breasts in order to correct ptosis. Throughout a woman’s life, her breasts will naturally sag as she ages, as breasts lack muscle tissue, meaning they cannot be strengthened. While it is not necessary to correct natural sagging, some women choose to in order to restore volume and fullness to the breasts.
Why is mastopexy performed?
Mastopexy is performed to correct sagging breasts, which can occur as a result of gravitational pull, ageing (as fat and tissue decrease in the breasts), pregnancy, or weight loss. Smoking and sunburn can also affect the elasticity of the breasts. Sagging can occur in both large and small breasts. While sagging breasts do not affect physical health, they may affect self-esteem, and as a result women may wish to have the ptosis corrected.
What happens during mastopexy?
During the mastopexy procedure, your surgeon makes several cuts on the breasts, depending on the technique that they are using. Skin can be removed from around the areola, and from under the breasts, or only one area. The breast is then reshaped, making it ‘tighter’, and the nipples are repositioned, with the areola being reshaped on some occasions to fit the new breast size.
Sometimes breast implants can be inserted during the same procedure, in order to perform a breast uplift and enlargement.
How to prepare for mastopexy
At consultations before your breast lift surgery, your surgeon will assess your breasts and take photographs for records. They will assess the size and position of your nipples and mark where the cuts will be made. They will discuss what you want to achieve from the procedure in-depth.
Before undergoing a mastopexy, your surgeon will explain what you must do in preparation. If you smoke, you will be asked to stop at least six weeks before the operation, as smoking increases the risk of infection and slows recovery.
You will be advised not to eat or drink anything for about six hours before the operation. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
Post-operative care
After breast lift surgery, you’ll need to:
- Wear a suitable bra (elastics, without underwire and with adjustable straps) and a bandage for a month
- Remove the bra only for showering
- Not wear an underwire bra for several months after the intervention
- Massage the area to reduce inflammation (if recommended by the specialist)
- Avoid lifting heavy things, strenuous exercises and sudden movements
Your surgeon will also give you advice on mastopexy aftercare and how to clean the wound. Speak to your specialist if you have any questions or worries after the procedure.
How long do breast implants last?
By Mr Venkat Ramakrishnan
2021-10-22
Breast implants are a popular cosmetic treatment, but do they last forever? Leading plastic surgeon Mr Venkat Ramakrishnan is here to explain and gives his recommendations for which implants to choose. See more
What is breast uplift surgery?
By Mr Jonathan Britto
2021-10-22
Breast uplift surgery can be an alternative option to having breast implants where the surgeon uses the natural breast tissue to reshape and uplift the breasts into a natural, youthful position. Expert plastic surgeon, Mr Jonathan Britto explains the process in detail. See more
What is a mummy makeover?
By Mr Maisam Fazel
2021-10-22
Mummy makeovers are now making waves in the UK, with the procedure on the rise as cosmetic surgery becomes more widely accepted. Mr Maisam Fazel, expert in the procedure, talks about the mummy makeover, and what you should consider beforehand. See more
Breast implants vs. breast uplift
By Mr Navid Jallali
2021-10-22
Breast enhancement surgery is the UK’s most popular aesthetic surgical procedure with over 13,000 operations carried out per year. Breast enhancement surgery can come in the form of implants, breast uplift (mastopexy) or a combination of both (augmentation mastopexy), but which of these is best for you? Expert consultant plastic surgeon Mr Navid Jallali MD FRCS (Plast) is here with some information and advice about these procedures. See more
-
Mr Jonathan Britto
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Blepharoplasty
- Facial reconstruction
- Facial paralysis
- Breast lift or mastopexy
- Breast reduction
- Facelift
-
Mr Abdul Kasem
SurgeryExpert in:
- Breast cancer
- Benign breast lumps
- Breast reconstruction
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Breast lift or mastopexy
-
Mr Kelvin Ramsey
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Breast reconstruction
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift or mastopexy
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Breast reduction
- Skin cancer
-
Mr Matthew James
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Facial plastic surgery
- Blepharoplasty
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift or mastopexy
- Facelift
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
-
Mr Fulvio Urso-Baiarda
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift or mastopexy
- Breast reduction
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction
- Liposuction
- See all