Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Some women suffer from breast sagging (ptosis) as result of previous pregnancies, breast feeding, weight loss or simply a result of the normal ageing process. This can lead to low self esteem, a lack of confidence and embarrassment in relationships.
A mastopexy (breast uplift procedure) is an operation performed to tighten the skin of the breasts, make the breasts look and feel firmer and place the nipples in a higher, more youthful position. It is performed under a general anaesthetic and the operation takes 3 hours and requires a hospital stay of 2 days. There are different technical ways the operation can be carried out depending on a number of individual factors including the starting shape of the breast and this determines the extent and location of the incisions and resultant scars on the breast. The excess skin is excised and the breast tissue tightened with stitches. In addition, a reduction in the diameter of the areola (the pink/brown part of the nipple complex) is usually required. The nipple is moved to a higher, more youthful position and the wounds are stitched with dissolving sutures, and covered with light dressings. The resultant scars depend on the exact techniques employed and vary from only a circular scar around the new nipple/areolar complex, to additional scars such as a vertical scar passing from the nipple to underneath the breast. In some individuals, it is necessary to have an additional long curved scar passing in the breast fold. It is important to realise that a mastopexy procedure does not alter the size/volume of the breast but rather its shape. The procedure can be combined with breast augmentation using an implant if an increase in breast size is also desired.
This is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures and has high patient satisfaction and low complication rate.