Mastopexy is a surgical procedure performed to lift and firm the breast. As the years go by, this part of the body is affected by the structural and functional changes to which it is subjected, in addition to the inevitable gravity that causes sagging and drooping.
Changes in volume due to alterations in weight, pregnancy and lactation, along with the deterioration of the mammary gland due to physiological hormonal variations, changes in skin elasticity, excess volume and sun exposure times and lack of use of the bra are what induce a flaccid and sagging breast.
Procedure before a mastopexy
In Aesthetic Medicine, mastopexy is combined with a breast reduction in those cases of excess volume and in which the patient also wishes to reduce the size.
During the first consultation, the specialist will evaluate and perform an exploration of the patient’s breasts and, in some cases, a mammographic study will be requested. In addition, the different surgical methods will be explained, the final size and shape will be discussed and the most appropriate procedure for you will be discussed. The type of anesthesia to be applied, the need or not to be admitted to the clinic and the costs of the intervention will also be explained.
Also, be sure to inform them if you smoke or take any medications or vitamins, the number of pregnancies you have had and if you wish to become pregnant again or breastfeed. Any questions you may have, especially those related to your expectations about the results, are important to ask your doctor.
What does Mastopexy consist of?
Mastopexy surgery usually requires admission to the clinic, being discharged in one or two days depending on the case. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, with the patient remaining asleep for 2 to 4 hours.
Currently, there are different techniques, but generally the incisions produced are anchor-shaped and are placed around the areola, in a vertical line downwards from the areola, and in a horizontal line in the crease below the breast. Through these incisions the excess skin is removed and the areola and nipple are resituated in their new position.
In most cases the areola remains attached to its blood vessels and nerves, maintaining the usual or almost usual sensation; however, in cases of large pexias it may be necessary to completely separate the areola and include it in a new position, thus losing the sensation. After surgery drainage tubes are placed, which will be removed in one or two days, and a bandage around the breasts.