Duration
60-120 min
Anaesthesia
Local with sedation / general
Hospitalization
0-1 night
Return to society
7-10 days

Age, loss of skin elasticity, loss of weight, pregnancy and breastfeeding could lead to breast ptosis. Mastopexy, or breast lift, is the surgical procedure that aims to correct breast ptosis restore a physiologic breast volume while repositioning the nipple-areola complex.

Several techniques of mastopexy have been described; each one has different indications, depending on the degree of ptosis:

  • Periareolar mastopexy: generally indicated in case of mild to moderate ptosis. The nipple-areola complex and the gland are repositioned through a periareolar incision.
  • Vertical mastopexy (according to Lejour). This technique is able to treat moderate cutaneous and glandular ptoses. This technique allows, if desired, a small volume reduction. Scars are positioned around the areola and vertically from areola to inframammary fold.
  • Reverse T mastopexy. This technique is indicated for severe ptosis and allows a good breast reduction and reshaping. Compared to vertical mastopexy, this technique requires an additional scars in the inframammary fold (the resulting scar resembles an inverted T).
Preoperative evaluation

A full breast screening must be performed before any surgery. Mammogram and an ultrasound are performed in each case. Magnetic resonance imaging should be prescribed if necessary. Any suspicious nodule must be investigated to exclude breast neoplasms.

A careful pre-operative interview is essential to understand and collect patient’s desires and clarify the aims, modalities and risks of surgery.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, duration depends on the performed technique and the degree of ptosis.

Post-operative

The patient should wear a post-surgical bra, able to provide for a uniform compression, reducing bruising, bleeding and edema. Post-surgical bra should be worn for 14 days after surgery.

Drains are introduced during surgery and consists in soft silicon tubes that are usually removed 4-7 days after surgery.

Patients can return to their everyday life in 7- 10 days after surgery. Sports and intense physical activity can be resumed between 3 and 4 weeks after surgery.

Immediately after surgery, breasts are swollen and display ecchymoses. These symptoms regress autonomously in 30 days. In case of glandular pexy, breast reaches its final shape in about 6 months, although scars heal far earlier (usually 2-3 weeks after surgery).

Result

Breast lift does not stop the phenomenon of ptosis and cutaneous aging. Moreover, weight oscillations, smoke and pregnancy could compromise the aesthetic result.

Although the result is never definitive, the outcomes and benefits of surgery will be visible for 3-6 years (depending on the type of breast and the intervention performed).

Breast pexy and reduction could lead to inability to breastfeed and to a decreased sensitivity of the nipple.