Breast Lift — Mastopexy
Mastopexy
Breast lift
What is it?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that corrects breast sagging (ptosis) associated with ageing or breasts that have become more empty after weight loss or pregnancy. It reshapes the breast tissue to restore breast form, repositions the nipple to a suitable height and removes excess skin stretched by pregnancy or weight changes.
When additional breast volume is also desired, mastopexy may be combined with the placement of a silicone implant. The technique depends on the degree of ptosis and is selected after assessment during the consultation.
When the breast already has sufficient volume, it may be possible to lift the breast and use the patient’s own breast tissue to increase projection, in a technique known as an “auto-prosthesis”, without silicone implants. The most suitable option can only be defined accurately during a consultation.
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Procedures that may be combined
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about mastopexy.
What is mastopexy used for?
Mastopexy improves breast shape, restores a younger appearance and corrects breast sagging or ptosis.
What is a mastopexy?
It is surgery that reshapes breast tissue, removes excess skin and repositions the nipple to restore breast shape.
Does mastopexy reposition the nipple and remove excess skin?
Yes. The nipple is repositioned to a suitable height and skin stretched by pregnancy, weight changes or loss of tissue elasticity may be removed.
Can mastopexy be performed with implants?
Yes. When additional breast volume is desired, mastopexy may be combined with silicone implants.
What is capsular contracture?
The formation of a tissue capsule around a breast implant is a normal response of the body. Capsular contracture occurs when this capsule becomes thicker and tighter, causing increased firmness, distortion of the breast or pain. More severe cases may require further surgery to treat the capsule and remove or replace the implant.
Are implants always necessary?
No. When sufficient breast volume is present, the patient’s own breast tissue may be reshaped to increase projection without implants.
What does the “auto-prosthesis” technique mean?
It is a technique that uses the patient’s own breast tissue to increase projection without silicone implants.
Can implants move out of position after mastopexy?
A breast implant may move or no longer remain in its originally planned position. This may cause asymmetry, a change in breast contour or an inappropriate distribution of volume. It may be related to changes in the tissues, trauma or capsular contracture. When the alteration is significant, implant repositioning or replacement may be required.
How is the mastopexy technique selected?
The choice depends on the degree of ptosis, breast volume and breast shape and is defined after assessment during the consultation.
How long does the operation take?
The stated duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
Mastopexy is performed under general anaesthesia.
How may breast implant rupture present?
Implant rupture is a tear or opening in the outer shell of the implant. It may cause changes in breast volume or shape, pain, firmness, swelling or asymmetry. However, some silicone implant ruptures cause no obvious symptoms and may not be detected by physical examination alone. Imaging may be required when rupture is suspected.
What scars can result from mastopexy?
Scars may be around the areola and vertical, or may also include a horizontal scar in the inframammary fold, forming an inverted T.
Is a hospital stay required?
The operation may be performed as an outpatient procedure or involve one day in hospital.
What is BIA-ALCL?
BIA-ALCL is a rare lymphoma of the immune system associated with breast implants. It usually develops in the fluid or capsule surrounding the implant rather than in the breast tissue. The risk is higher with textured implants. It may present several years after surgery with persistent breast swelling, fluid around the implant, pain, hardening or a mass. In patients without symptoms, preventive implant removal is not recommended solely because of concern about BIA-ALCL. When diagnosed early and confined to the capsule or peri-implant fluid, it generally has a favourable prognosis and is frequently treated by removing the implant and surrounding capsule.
When can I return to work?
Return to work may be possible after about 5 to 7 days, provided the activity does not involve physical effort.
When can exercise be resumed?
More intense exercise may be resumed from 6 weeks. A compression bra recommended by the team should be worn during this period.
What are the symptoms sometimes referred to as “breast implant illness”?
Some patients with breast implants report fatigue, muscle or joint pain, memory or concentration difficulties and other systemic symptoms, sometimes grouped under the term “breast implant illness”. There is currently no specific test or recognised diagnostic criteria confirming this condition, and a causal relationship with breast implants remains poorly understood. Each situation should be assessed individually and other possible causes should be excluded.
What are the main risks of mastopexy?
Possible problems include discomfort, swelling, delayed healing, sensitivity changes, haematoma, infection, excessive scarring, hyperpigmentation and firmer areas caused by fat necrosis. When implants are used, additional risks include seroma, displacement, rupture and capsular contracture, as well as systemic symptoms whose causal relationship remains poorly understood and the rare risk of BIA-ALCL.
How long do the results last?
Results last for many years, although ageing, trauma, weight changes or pregnancy may alter the breast. When implants are used, replacement may be required over a lifetime, particularly in patients operated on at a young age.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
