Female breasts go through intense changes and ptosis in shape, size and position through the years as a result of weight change, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast ptosis is not only a natural consequence of the above, as it is also common in younger ages.
Breast Lift or Mastopexy is the cosmetic surgery procedure that restores and repositions breast shape. Breast ptosis is defined by the position of the nipple with regard to the inframammary crease (the line where the bottom of the breast meets the chest wall). Women seeking this operation typically seek for an aesthetic result that will provide them with a youthful-looking and firmer breast.
There are many variations to the design of the incisions for breast lift, depending on the excess skin. In most cases, the incision runs from the base of the areola to the inframammary fold (LeJour Mastopexy technique). Then, excess skin is removed and the remaining breast tissue is drawn together, eliminating any skin wrinkling around the nipple. Finally, breast incisions are closed with the use of dissolvable sutures and the breast is supported with a surgical bra.
In small breasts, lift involves an incision around the edge of the areola (peri-areolar mastopexy). In cases of bigger breasts, an incision from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease may also be necessary for achieving the best possible results (inverted “T” mastopexy).
There are rare complications following breast lift surgery (mastopexy). Scarring, lost of sensitivity and numbness around the nipples are possible side effects that usually fade over time.
