A mastopexy is a surgery to lift and enhance breast shape. Your skin and breast tissue usually including the nipple are lifted and reshaped so that your breasts sit higher and have a better shape.
If you are concerned by having sagging breasts or would like your breasts to sit higher or be a different shape, you may be suitable for a mastopexy.
If you are soon after pregnancy or still breast feeding, plan to have more children in the future, are planning to lose weight or are overweight, it may not be the right time to have a mastopexy. If you smoke or have significant health problems, this will need to be assessed and you may be advised to wait or not to have a mastopexy.
There are variations depending on your individual anatomy and goals. The standard surgery is done under general anaesthesia although some people are suitable for surgery under local anaesthetic and sedation. Skin incisions are made in a way to allow a nice reshaping and lift of your breast tissue and nipple. Your breast is then reshaped and lifted. Drains are not routinely used. Stitches are usually absorbable.
Mastopexy can be done on its own or in combination with other procedures. Common combinations include breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, labiaplasty and other body contouring procedures.
2 to 2.5 hours depending on the extent of surgery. If other procedures are planned at the same time, the overall surgery time is longer.
You will have tapes on the incisions. You will need to wear a support bra for 6 weeks. Mastopexy is a day case procedure or in some cases a one night hospital stay. You can shower with care after 48 hours.
On average 1 to 2 weeks off work are needed. No heavy lifting or strenuous activity is allowed for 6 weeks. Some forms of exercise can be restarted at 4 weeks. Most exercise is restarted at 6 weeks. Driving is not allowed until you are safe to perform an emergency stop.
Unfortunately, complications can occur after all surgery and you need to be aware of this. Ms Nugent will do her utmost to reduce your risk as much as she can. This includes the health and procedure advice she gives you before surgery, the care and precautions she takes during surgery and the advice she gives you after surgery. Some of the complications that can happen include slow healing, infection, bleeding, poor scarring, asymmetry, pain, numbness or sensitivity in the skin, contour irregularities, seroma (fluid build-up), clots in the legs and lungs, loss of nipple sensation, loss of nipple or breast tissue, recurrence of breast sagging.
Most patients who undergo mastopexy surgery are very pleased with their results and it has a high success rate. Success depends on being prepared for your surgery, choosing the right procedure, the surgery itself and recovering well. All steps in the journey are crucial!
Download the detailed information booklet on this page to read more and book a consultation to discuss your individual circumstances with Ms Nugent!
Before and After Breast Augmentation Images
