AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
The sagging of the breast results from the decrease in the parenchyma volume and the type of skin and supporting structures that do not retract but yield to the force of gravity. Therefore, the breast or mammary gland adopts a lower position on the chest wall, thus losing its youthful appearance.
The characteristic of a healthy adult woman involves a slight sagging of the breast that depends on the quality of the tissues, previous pregnancies, and significant weight changes, which is normal and tolerable for some patients.
Breast lift, also called mastopexy or breast lift, consists of raising and improving the shape of the breasts. Over time and after events such as pregnancy, the breasts tend to sag and droop; with surgery, the breasts’ more harmonious and aesthetic appearance is sought. It can be done with or without a prosthesis or breast implant, depending on the available breast tissue and the needs and expectations of the patient.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST LIFT?
If you have noticed changes in your breasts after events such as pregnancy or significant weight changes, a breast lift may help improve the shape of your breasts.
Likewise, if you are a young patient who notices that your breasts are too droopy, large, and flaccid, this surgery can also help you.
Mastopexy does not alter future pregnancies, but lactation or the amount of milk production may be affected. The breasts can change after a new pregnancy and need retouching or further surgery.
HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?
Depending on the severity of the breast descent, the type of technique and associated scars will be required.
For slight decreases in the breast lift, the scars will be located around the areola (periareolar) to relocate the position of the nipple-areola complex.
When the skin is laxer and slacker, and the breast descent or sagging is moderate or severe, the scars will be in the lower pole and vertically or in the shape of an inverted T or anchor to compensate for the excess skin. There are techniques with L or J scars. In other words, the more sagging the skin will require more resection, and the scar will be longer. If, on the contrary, the skin is firm, it is possible to perform a breast lift with the scar around the nipple-areola complex.
The surgery lasts between 4 and 6 hours and is done under general anesthesia. It can be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction, abdominoplasty, or facial surgery. Still, you must consider that the greater the number of procedures and hours of surgery, the more surgical risks, and the time it will take to recover increase.
Breast lift is an outpatient surgery; however, hospital follow-up is recommended for postoperative care when combined with other surgeries.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS Q&A.
- Pain: There is tolerable and easily controllable pain by medication, which will gradually decrease.
- Inflammation: During the first days after surgery, your breasts may feel somewhat inflamed; they will appear purple to a lesser or greater degree depending on the characteristics of your skin, constituting a regular event of surgery due to tissue manipulation. Over the days and weeks, the inflammation will decrease.
- Return to activities: After 7 to 10 days, the patient can gradually return to daily activities.
- Exercise: At least 3 -4 weeks are required to perform physical activity of moderate to high intensity.
- Sun protection: Avoid direct exposure to the sun during the first months; sunblock and moisturizing skin creams are recommended.