Mastopexy is a breast surgery procedure to lift sagging breasts, using plastic surgery techniques to move the nipple and areola (area around the nipple) upward and reshape the shape of the mammary gland.
Why undergo a mastopexy?
Breast sagging occurs for various reasons, usually aesthetic, such as weight loss or after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. On the other hand, in some cases, breast sagging can also be related to health factors, such as hypertrophic breasts or discomfort caused by the weight of the breasts.
What does mastopexy consist of?
Once the patient decides to undergo a mastopexy, the plastic surgeon performs an examination of the breasts to decide what technique to use and how and where the scars will be; the most common scar is shaped like an inverted “T” or anchor, although, if the required elevation is not very large, the scar will be around the areola and in a vertical line from this to the crease under the breast.
The procedure usually lasts between two and three hours and is performed under general anesthesia, although sometimes it can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, and always requires a minimum of 24 hours of hospitalization.
Postoperative period of mastopexy
Postoperative care is simple, since it simply requires a few cures with antiseptic on the scars, which are usually covered by adhesive sutures. Recovery is gradual but not very painful and the suture is removed in approximately two weeks.
For a more optimal postoperative period, it is recommended to rest at home for a few days and wear a sports bra for a month.