What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to correct breast ptosis, a condition where the breast droops downwards, and in severe cases, the nipple points downwards. This condition, commonly referred to as "sagging breasts," is typical of aging, particularly in cases of large breasts with abundant fatty tissue, and/or after multiple pregnancies and/or sudden weight loss or gain.

 

Who is a candidate for a breast lift?

Stages of Breast Ptosis

The severity of breast ptosis is generally measured in 4 degrees:

• No ptosis: Nipples are two to three centimeters above the inframammary fold;
• Mild breast ptosis: Nipples are at the level of the inframammary fold, and the distance between the inframammary fold and the lower part of the breast is 1 to 2 cm;
• Moderate breast ptosis: Nipples are below the inframammary fold, and the distance between the inframammary fold and the lower part of the breast is 2 to 4 cm;
• Severe breast ptosis: Nipples are not only below the inframammary fold but also point downwards and represent the lowest part of the breast. The distance between the inframammary fold and the lower part of the breast is greater than 4 cm;

Pseudoptosis involves breast sagging, but the nipples haven't descended below the inframammary fold. Pseudoptosis is mainly due to the weakening and relaxation of the fibrous connections supporting the breasts over time.

 

Who is the ideal candidate for a breast lift?

A breast lift is indicated for women with at least moderate breast ptosis who are able to undergo the procedure and anesthesia. In cases of pseudoptosis, the surgeon often recommends a breast augmentation combined with a breast lift, i.e., a breast lift with implant insertion. Mild breast ptosis can, in some cases, be resolved with breast augmentation alone.

 

What are the expected results of a breast lift?

Factors Influencing Breast Lift Results

The results of a breast lift vary depending on several factors:

• The patient's age;
• The elasticity of the skin;
• The severity of ptosis;
• The surgeon's skill;

In most cases, the results are very good and long-lasting, with barely visible scars. The final result is appreciable at least 2 or 3 weeks after the operation, once swelling and bruising have subsided, but this period may be longer or shorter depending on the factors listed above. Younger patients with more elastic skin obtain better results more quickly than older patients with less elastic skin. In all cases, beauty is subjective, so even perfectly successful operations can yield results that the patient considers imperfect.

 

Duration of Breast Lift Results

Even with a perfectly successful operation, time takes its toll, and even skin that has been tightened may gradually appear less toned and require a further lift. The duration of the results of a breast lift depends greatly on the type of operation performed and the patient's lifestyle.

 

Here are some factors that reduce the duration and results of a lift:

• Smoking;
• A diet high in fat and low in water, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals;
• Excessive sun exposure without protection;

 

Recovery and Healing After a Breast Lift

Here are the main stages of recovery after a breast lift:

• Upon waking from anesthesia and for 24 hours, it is normal to feel tired and slightly confused, especially immediately after waking. Discomfort, bruising, swelling, and mild breast pain are normal (pain relievers such as paracetamol are used to manage pain);
• From the third day onwards, normal activities can be resumed, avoiding strenuous effort, sun exposure, and/or hot and humid places (including saunas and Turkish baths);
• After 10-14 days, the doctor removes the sutures;
• After 3-4 weeks, it is possible to resume more intense activities and sports (gym, swimming pool, etc.);
• The patient must wear a bra specifically designed for women who have undergone mastopexy for a few weeks;

These durations vary from patient to patient: always seek your doctor's advice before undertaking any activity.

 

Possible Risks, Side Effects, and Complications

During the first few days, it is normal to experience the following:

• Pain;
• Discomfort;
• Pain;
• Swelling;
• Bruising;
• Quite noticeable scars;
• Reduced sensitivity of the breast skin.

Complications that are not normal, although very rare, are:

• Infections;
• Hemorrhages;
• Allergies related to anesthesia or materials used for the operation;
• Severe breast asymmetry;
• Permanent breast numbness;
• Visible redness;
• Undesirable changes in breast shape and size;
• Very slow wound healing;
• Necrosis of one or both nipples;
• Inability to breastfeed for the rest of one's life;
• Reappearance of new ptosis;
• Intraoperative death (very rare);

Some of these complications are temporary and resolvable, while others may be permanent. The risk of complications can be reduced by having surgery performed in qualified centers and by experienced surgeons, by following your doctor's instructions, and, above all, by quitting smoking before and after the operation.

 

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