Mastopexy or breast lift surgery is an elective surgical procedure to lessen the degree of breast ptosis (drooping breasts). Drooping breasts are common in women who have been pregnant, have breast fed, or have gone through substantial weight loss. In any case the desired outcome is a perkier & more full looking breast.
Several degrees of ptosis dictate the type of surgery required. A full breast lift involves an incision underneath the breast, incisions around the areola, and an incision between the areola and the base of the breast. The approach allows for the most amount of change in the shape of the breast as well as the position of the nipple. A patient with a lesser degree of ptosis can benefit from a less invasive procedure referred to as a modified breast lift. This technique only makes an incision around the areola. This procedure allows for less change to be made in the shape of the breasts but reduces scarring.
A breast lift is not considered to be a permanent solution. Aging breast tissue and the effects of gravity will continue to take their toll. Some opt for a ‘touch up’ down the road to improve the overall look. In this case, a full procedure is not required and recovery is considerably shorter.
Post surgery, it is sometimes recommended to wear a push-up bra or special supportive dressing to keep everything in place. Initial recovery is achieved in approximately a week and during this period it is important to limit activity. Four to six weeks following the procedure regular activities including light exercise can be resumed.
