Breast lift (mastopexy) is a procedure to lift and reshape breasts. As a result of the natural aging process, the breast sags. This is inevitable. The connective tissue decreases in elasticity and fat and glandular tissue also recede. As a result, there is less tissue and excess skin, the breast hangs. Often the breast also hangs after pregnancy and breastfeeding or after severe weight loss.
Indications (areas of application)
- Sagging, drooping breasts
- Nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are below the fold of the envelope
In the process, low nipples are also brought to a higher, more youthful position. Depending on the situation and desired result, breast lift can be combined with breast implants or breast reduction (mammareduktionsplastik).
Before surgery
Before surgery, an intensive medical history discussion should be conducted that includes the patient’s medical history and motivation for the procedure. The procedure, any side effects, and the consequences of the surgery should be discussed in detail. Note: The requirements of the explanation are stricter than usual, since courts in the field of aesthetic surgery demand a “relentless” explanation. Furthermore, you should not take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), sleeping pills or alcohol for a period of seven to ten days before a breast lift. Both acetylsalicylic acid and other painkillers delay blood clotting and can lead to unwanted bleeding.Smokers should severely limit their nicotine consumption as early as four weeks before the procedure to avoid jeopardizing wound healing.
The surgical procedure
The breast lift is performed under general anesthesia. Afterwards, you will stay in the clinic for about three to eight days.The incision depends on the desired result. Often, removal of a single ring-shaped strip of skin is sufficient. The scars are located around the areola and are therefore almost invisible. If this is not sufficient, incisions can be made from the areola downwards or in the breast fold.If the breast becomes very small as a result of the lift, breast implants can be inserted to achieve the desired result.In the case of very large breasts, which often sag at a young age, a lift is usually not sufficient, as the weight of the breasts would soon cause the bust to sag again. For best results, a large breast lift should be done in combination with a breast reduction (mammareductionplasty).In all breast surgeries, care is taken not to damage the sensitive nerves and vessels of the nipple to ensure that both sensitivity and the ability to breastfeed are preserved.The wound is then sutured and so-called drains are placed to allow blood and tissue fluids to drain.A tight bandage supports the breast after surgery.
After the operation
The nipples take several months to return to normal sensitivity.A complete result is usually achieved after about six months.
Possible complications
- Major bleeding during or after surgery, with the risk of needing a blood transfusion or follow-up surgery (rare)
- Major bleeding after surgery
- Wound healing disorders in the surgical area due to infection, this can lead to the following complications: Abscess formation (encapsulated pus accumulation), possibly also circulatory disorders with the consequence of necrosis (death of tissue) and / or melting of fatty tissue.
- Breast asymmetry due to one-sided scarring.
- Scarring possibly keloid formation (bulging scars / scar proliferation with skin discoloration).
- Sensory disturbances in the area of the scars
- Due to the positioning on the operating table, it may come to positioning damage (eg, pressure damage to soft tissues or even nerves, with the consequence of sensory disturbances; in rare cases thereby also to paralysis of the affected limb).
- In case of hypersensitivity or allergies (e.g. anesthetics/anesthetics, drugs, etc.), the following symptoms may temporarily occur: Swelling, rash, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, dizziness or vomiting.
- As after any surgical procedure, thrombosis may occur, with the possible consequence of embolism and thus pulmonary embolism.Thromboprophylaxis leads to a reduction in risk.
Benefit
A firm bust is an expression of youth and beauty and contributes significantly to well-being and enjoyment of life.