Mastopexy, better known as breast lift surgery, is a cosmetic procedure carried out by a qualified plastic surgeon to alter the shape of the breasts. It is a type of elective surgery chosen by patients who are unhappy with the way their breasts look.
While it does not change the size of the breasts, mastopexy can make a significant difference to their appearance. The surgeon reduces sagging and makes the breasts firmer by cutting away excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue. They can also reduce the size of the areolae, make sure the breasts are evenly sized, and elevate the position of the nipples.
This short guide will detail the procedure, explaining what to expect and how to best prepare for the surgery.
What to expect from breast lift surgery
The following are things you can expect during a typical breast lift:
- A hospital visit: Breast lifts are often performed in hospitals or private surgical clinics.
- Anaesthesia: Mastoplexy is an invasive surgery, which means it involves surgical instruments entering the body by puncturing or cutting tissue. This means anaesthetic is required. A breast lift can be performed while the patient is under general anaesthetic or given a local anaesthetic and sedatives. If you prefer, check which your surgeon plans to use first.
- No overnight stay: Two or three hours is the typical amount of time it takes for the surgery to be completed, and you can go home later the same day.
Although the surgery is meant to improve body confidence, you may have to wait around two weeks to really see the benefits. This is because in the immediate aftermath of the procedure, your breasts will appear swollen and bruised, and there will be scarring and redness around the incision sites. There will also be stitches, which may dissolve by themselves or might require a further appointment to remove.
How to prepare for breast lift surgery
If you are thinking about having cosmetic surgery, you will want things to go as smoothly as possible and to achieve the best results. The best way to make sure this happens is to prepare in advance. To prepare for mastopexy, you should:
- Get a mammogram: Your surgeon will probably want to see two spaced a few months apart. This is to give them an idea about how your breasts naturally change over time, as well as spot any risks that would make surgery a bad idea.
- Stop smoking: You already know it’s unhealthy in general, but it also slows the healing process by decreasing blood flow in the skin.
- Avoid some medicines: Blood thinners such as aspirin can increase bleeding and should not be taken in the lead-up to surgery.
- Arrange recovery assistance: Pain and soreness after the surgery might make some aspects of your daily life difficult, and you certainly won’t be able to drive home from the hospital or clinic. Make sure you’ve got someone who can help you.
A breast lift is a fairly common procedure with a good safety profile. With a highly trained plastic surgeon and a well-prepared patient, it can help improve self-confidence and restore a positive body image.
