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Who can have a mastopexy?

The breast lift technique is a surgery for any women who, as a result of different factors such as ageing, pregnancy and breastfeeding, sudden weight changes, etc. have lost elasticity and firmness in their breasts. And who are looking to recover the lost shape and volume. The end result of a mastopexy is a natural, attractive and rejuvenated breast.

There are two types of sagging breasts: those in which flaccidity has been caused, among other factors, by excess weight of the breasts, and those in which, due to ageing, the skin quality, pregnancies, etc., the skin has sagged, despite the breasts being of a normal or even small size. In the first case, a mastopexy is associated to a breast reduction so that the final bust is not only firm, but is also attractive and balanced in proportion to the rest of the body. In the second case, the use of breast implants is often advised for an attractive end result.

A breast lift is not recommended for women who, despite having sagging breasts, plan to get pregnant. We recommend they wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding in order to achieve the best results. It must be noted, however, that a mastopexy does not interfere with breastfeeding.

Breast implants in mastopexy

Many women with sagging breasts think that their bust is large and wide, but what in fact has happened is that it has become flattened. After breast lift surgery, where the breasts are raised and become rounder, they discover that their breasts are, in fact, much smaller than they thought. In these cases, the end result is notably improved if a breast implant is inserted during the same surgery.

The implants used in breast lifts with implants are made of high quality cohesive silicone gel, which are currently the safest in the market. There are many types of breast implant, and selecting one or another will determine the volume, the shape, the profile, the projection and other factors required in the end result. The IM CLINIC medical team can advise you on all these aspects depending on your needs and to ensure attractive, natural breasts. There is more information on breast implants in this post.

What does a mastopexy involve?

A mastopexy or breast lift might require different surgical techniques to obtain the best result in each case: lift, reduction, breast implants, etc. Basically, it is designed to make the smallest incision possible that becomes virtually invisible over time. The incision might run downwards from the areola or simply be made around the areola, depending on each patient’s diagnosis. After this incision, the excess skin is removed. Different types of internal reinforcement can also be performed, through the use of the patient’s own glandular tissue, muscles or fascia (fibrous tissue surrounding the breast). Breast implants might sometimes be required to fill any lost volume, and the nipple-areola complex (NAC) might be adapted and repositioned at a higher, central point of the breast for an attractive, rejuvenated and natural result.

In maxtoplexy, does the implant go in front of or behind the muscle?

The breast implant can be placed within the retropectoral (behind the muscle) or retroglandular plane (behind the mammary gland). There are other positions, but these are the two most common.

At IM CLINIC we prefer to place the breast implant behind the muscle because this makes mammographic control of the breast easier. As well as this, the breast implant is partly supported by the muscle, whereas it is the skin that supports the weight in retroglandular placement, and this ages very quickly as a result of this weight. Retropectoral placement also allows for breastfeeding with complete normality.

Duration, anaesthesia and hospitalisation in mastopexy

The breast lift is a relatively short surgery. It normally takes from two and a half to three hours. General anaesthesia is normally used in a mastopexy. One overnight stay in the clinic is normally sufficient.

The results of breast lift surgery

Once the swelling has gone down, the breast will begin to look more natural after around one week. Stitches will be removed eight to ten days after the operation. After this, the healing process normally takes three to six months, depending on each patient.

The small incision required for breast implant placement will leave a scar that will become invisible after a short time, thus avoiding any type of mark.

Recommendations after a breast lift

It is normal to feel a little tired for the first 24 hours after surgery and to feel some discomfort in your breasts and nipples for the first few days.

You will have drainage for the first 48 hours. This drainage is used to reduce swelling and any postoperative discomfort. It is normally removed during the first check-up visit, but this will depend on your progress.

You will wear a special bra (similar to those used for sports) for the month following surgery and possibly a band if you have had breast implants.

During your first check-up with the doctor, postoperative massages and lymphatic drainage will be recommended that will help in reducing swelling and in recovery after surgery.

You can resume your social life a few days after surgery. Returning to work will depend on the type of job you do, and may take longer if it requires strenuous physical activities with the arms. Follow your surgeon’s advice.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE: AFTER MASTOPEXY SURGERY

You should wait between 10 and 15 days before starting to drive again. This will depend on the patient’s mobility, however, depending on her progress.

Once the drainage has been removed, you can shower normally but being particularly careful with your incisions. It is important to dry them properly. We advise applying cold air (never hot!) from a hair dryer.

You will wear a bra and possibly a breast support band after surgery. You must wear them 24 hours a day for at least the first month, depending on the advice given by your plastic surgeon.

You will have your first visit to check your drainage 48 hours after mastopexy surgery. Your plastic surgeon will assess your case and decide whether to remove it or wait a few more days. Drainage can be left in place for up to 5 days after the operation. This drainage reduces swelling and discomfort.

If you smoke, you should try to stop before your breast augmentation surgery. This will improve your health and your healing capacity.

Will I feel any discomfort after the mastopexy?

You might feel some discomfort and tightness of the breast skin during the first 48 hours. If the nipple-areola complex has been repositioned, you might also notice a certain soreness for the first few days. This discomfort can be controlled with the medication prescribed by your doctor.

When does the breast start to change after surgery?

The patient’s recovery is much quicker once the drainage has been removed. The swelling will start to go down 10 days after breast lift surgery. You will start to see the results of the operation within one month, when the bands and the bra are removed. However, you will not see the full end result until 6 months later.

Is swelling and bruising normal after breast augmentation surgery?

This procedure is entirely normal and may last for up to one month post-surgery.

It is possible for one breast to recover before the other?

In breast augmentation, recovery is not necessarily the same for each breast. It is very likely for one breast to be more swollen than the other, with more bruising than the other or for discomfort to last for longer in one breast than the other. This is normal procedure.

Sensitivity, shape, different size, and pain?

The breast will be relatively insensitive for a while after breast augmentation surgery. A different size of the breasts, swelling and pain are completely normal and will depend on each patient, as will the shape of the breast. The breasts will initially look rounder and will be swollen. After a few months, the breasts will recover and have a natural appearance and feel.

Do you know what IM Care is?

IM Care is the commitment of IM CLINIC to care for you for the first year after your mastopexy surgery. You will have a 24-hour hotline for your peace of mind, and our medical team will visit you regularly to ensure the results are as expected.