Mastopexy, the breast lift

Mastopexy is a procedure designed to correct sagging breasts by removing excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue and repositioning the nipples. Mastopexy is not intended to increase the size of the breasts, but rather to restore their youthful, more toned position and shape. Breast augmentation, on the other hand, is a procedure designed to increase the size and volume of the breasts using silicone breast implants. However, it is possible to combine mastopexy with breast augmentation if the aim is simultaneously to lift and increase the volume of the breasts.

Different mastopexy techniques can be used, depending on the degree of breast ptosis (sagging breasts) and your specific needs. Periareolar mastopexy involves a circular incision around the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple). It is generally used for cases of mild breast ptosis. It slightly lifts the breasts and reduces excess skin. Inverted T (or anchor) mastopexy produces an inverted T-shaped incision, comprising an incision around the areola, a vertical incision from the areola to the fold under the breast, and possibly a horizontal incision in the fold under the breast. This technique is used for more severe cases of breast ptosis, and enables the breasts to be lifted significantly and remodeled more completely. This is the most commonly used technique. To avoid a horizontal scar, your surgeon may prefer vertical mastopexy, also known as L-shaped mastopexy. This technique involves a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision running from the areola to the fold under the breast. This technique is only suitable for cases of moderate ptosis. Internal mastopexy is the least invasive. It involves creating internal stitches to lift the breast tissue without removing excess skin. It is, however, only suitable for cases of mild to moderate ptosis, but offers faster recovery with less visible scars. The choice of mastopexy technique will depend on a number of factors, including the degree of breast ptosis, the size and shape of your breasts, skin quality, your personal expectations and your plastic surgeon’s recommendations.

It is generally possible to breastfeed after mastopexy, but it is important to be aware that this procedure entails a risk, albeit minimal but not non-existent, of altering the ability to breastfeed. This risk varies greatly depending on the surgical technique used. If breastfeeding is important to you, talk to your surgeon. He or she will recommend the most suitable technique.