Mastopexy - breast lifting.

Mastopexy is the procedure consisting in lifting up and shaping flabby, pendulous breasts that have lost their volume and turgour, e.g. after giving birth and breastfeeding or as a result of a significant weight loss.

The procedure improves the shape of the breasts in several ways. The surgeon lifts up the breast tissue, removes the excess skin from the lower parts of the breast and shapes the remaining skin, changing the position of the nipple upwards. If the areolas are excessively extended, they may be reduced in size. Patients who undergo breast lifting may also decide on breast enlargement. In such a case the implant is placed underneath the breast tissue or the pectoral muscle.

The most commonly applied technique of breast lifting consists in incisions performed along the natural contour of the breast. The resultant scar, which is permanent, with time becomes more less visible. It runs around the areola and further down the breast and along the skin fold under the breast. Other techniques of breast lifting that eliminate the vertical, horizontal or both kinds of incisions are also in use. The choice of the kind of incision depends on individual factors and surgeon’s recommendations.

After the procedure the breasts are wrapped in gauze dressing or placed in a surgical bra. The patient should wear supporting bra for several weeks. Swelling, reduced sensitivity of the breast or the nipples are normal post-surgical reactions and they disappear gradually. Return to work is possible after about one week.