When is a breast lift performed, what are the types and how is the procedure performed?

16 November 2020

Breast ptosis or sagging is a cosmetic problem that worries many women. She adds self-doubt and her sexuality.

If a woman is worried about this, she is embarrassed in front of her husband or boyfriend, it is worth trying a breast lift.

This procedure should not be confused with breast augmentation with implants. The facelift aims to eliminate ptosis, giving the female breast natural elasticity.

What is this procedure, what is it called?

A breast lift is called a mastopexy.The procedure involves reshaping the mammary glands, giving them natural elasticity and an attractive appearance without the use of implants. The operation is performed with minimal surgical intervention under local or general anesthesia.

The degree of ptosis plays an important role in his choice. There are 4 degrees of the disease. Appropriate steps are taken to establish an accurate diagnosis. The degree of sagging is determined by the distance between the fold of the breast and the nipple.

Help!Ptosis is stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 and is measured by the distance between the breast fold and the nipple. A sag of 1 to 2 cm is considered non-critical and refers to grade 1.

If the nipple is 8 cm or more below the breast crease, grade 4 ptosis is placed. Here, surgeons will have to cut a large amount of skin and fatty tissue, and without general anesthesia this will be impossible.

Readings

The skin of the chest is sensitive to any changes in the body. There is no natural muscle structure underneath to maintain its shape. Therefore, it is difficult to keep its original shape throughout life.The reasons that led to the change in its shape are:

A sharp increase or decrease in weight.The tight skin on the chest after losing weight loses elasticity and looks saggy.
Large size chest.Breasts over 3 sizes sag under their natural weight.
Changes in the hormonal background.The lack or excess of hormones contributes to the swelling or "deflation" of the breast.
Operations. For example, when a malignant tumor is removed, the glands become asymmetrical. In severe cases, the mammary gland becomes empty and flabby.
Age.The chest, which has no muscle support, loses its elasticity before the rest of the body.
Ill-fitting bra.If it does not provide adequate support, the mammary glands will sag beforehand.
Breastfeeding.Mammary glands filled with milk can grow 3 to 5 times larger. After you finish breastfeeding, it returns to its original size, but not its shape.
Congenital anomalies.Breasts may not develop properly after puberty. The only way out is to correct the form.

Another problem with sagging breasts is that it is usually accompanied by stretch marks and sagging skin.

Contraindications, restrictions

Mastopexy involves surgery in the body. Any operation has its own indications and contraindications. This type of operation is not prescribed in a number of cases:

pregnancy or planning, since all the results of the operation will disappear;
Within 12 months of the end of hepatitis B, this is how much the mammary glands need to recover from lactation;
presence of tumors in the chest area;
acute infectious diseases;
diabetes mellitus;
renal failure;
cardiovascular dystonia;
under 18 (parental consent and medical emergencies required);
obesity, which is a consequence of metabolic disorders and can lead to complications after surgery.

Before deciding on a mastopexy, the possible positive and negative consequences should be weighed.

Views

Breast lift can be performed with or without surgery.In the first case, the method of tissue excision is used according to different schemes, the second is the effect on the deep layers of the skin. It should be noted that non-surgical methods are best used to prevent ptosis or at its initial stage. Operational interventions help solve the problem in more advanced cases.

Endoscopic

Small areas of skin are incised in the lateral region of the breast.The endoscope and the instruments are introduced through them. The tissue is excised from the inside, so surgery after the scars heal will be invisible.

This is one of the more expensive types of mastopexy. The success of this procedure depends on the qualifications and experience of the doctor performing the operation. But the result will remain unchanged for 10 to 15 years. Endoscopic mastopexy can eliminate ptosis of any severity.

Periareolar (circular)

During this operation, the doctor cuts off the excess tissue around the areola.In this way, you can not only tighten the mammary glands, but also change the diameter of the nipple. The traces after surgery and healing become invisible.

Among the downsides is the potential impact on breastfeeding. In addition, it is only used with 1 and 2 degrees of sag. After surgery, some patients have noted loss of nipple sensitivity.

Vertical

During the operation, the surgeon makes incisions above the breast and along the edges to lift the nipple.This method requires minimal intervention in the structure of the mammary glands and practically does not cause complications and maintains the natural shape of the breast. It can also help shrink the nipple.

This method is used in the early stages of ptosis. It cannot be used if there are already scars on the chest. Also, it will not help severely sagging breasts.

Anchor (T-shaped)

Indicated for severe ptosis or large uncomfortable breasts. During theoperation, an anchor or inverted T incision is made in the chest.Then the surgeon cuts off the excess tissue and the lower part is pulled up.

The operation has a pronounced aesthetic effect, it can be repeated until the patient is satisfied with the result. The disadvantages include the application of a large number of cuts. This increases the rehabilitation period and can lead to complications.

Laser

This is a relatively new type of breast lift. It is widely used in the west, but in our country there are a small number of clinics with the necessary equipment. The laser can be used to lift and enlarge the breasts.This does not require the use of a scalpel.

Laser lifting is effective in the early stages of ptosis. It will take about 6 treatments to achieve the desired effect. They are carried out with an interval of at least 14 days. The procedure does not require the introduction of anesthesia, since it is painless. In some cases, unpleasant sensations may arise.

Mesothreads

If the breast has lost its previous elasticity and is causing internal discomfort in a woman, doctors recommend a mesothread implantation procedure. It does not leave marks on the skin and does not present any complications.

Being in the mammary glands, the threadsgradually become overgrown with adipose tissue and create a supporting effect.The threads continue to work for 6-8 months, after which they absorb completely and do not require removal.

Non-surgical methods

Women with Grade 1 sagging breasts are advised to use non-surgical breast lift methods. They help restore the elasticity of the skin and restore the mammary glands to their former shape:

Myostimulation - with the help of electrical impulses sent through the connected electrodes, the elasticity of the skin is restored and stretch marks are removed.
Lipolifting - transplantation of fatty tissue from the abdomen and inner thighs to problem areas of the chest. Guarantees a 100% adipose tissue transplant.
Microcurrents with sera - induces active production of elastin and collagen, accelerates cell turnover, reduces sutures and stretch marks.
Mesotherapy.

The choice of the type of facelift is also influenced by the degree of stretching of the breast skin, its asymmetry and size. The surgeon will assess the general condition and select the safest and most effective option for each individual case.

Preparing for plastic surgery

Before obtaining the surgeon's authorization for a breast lift,must consult other specialists: gynecologist, therapist, mammologist and anesthesiologist.You will also need to pass a number of tests:

general and biochemical blood test;
blood test for diabetes mellitus;
general urinalysis;
analysis for hepatitis, HIV, syphilis;
ECG;
Breast ultrasound;
;
fluorography.

For 14 days before and for the same period after the operation, you should not smoke, drink alcohol, drink drugs that affect blood density, including oral contraceptives. You should also give up strenuous physical activity. Immediately before the operation, no food should be consumed 12 hours before the operation. You can drink tea or water.

How do you do it, is it dangerous?

How is the operation going?Mastopexy is safe.It starts with a chest mark. The surgeon marks the incision sites and the skin areas to be removed with a marker. Then the patient is given anesthesia. It can be of several types:

intravenous

;
inhalation;
local.

Stages of mastopexy:

the surgeon makes incisions along the marks;
additionally shapes the end result and cuts off excess skin and fatty tissue;
if necessary, the surgeon reduces the circumference of the nipples;
After that, sutures and an antibacterial bandage are applied, drains are inserted (you can read more about what sutures are and how long they heal after the operation).

Running time 1. 5 to 3 hours.

What happens in the postoperative period?

The patient regains consciousness almost immediately after the operation.Chest pain begins when we recover from anesthesia. The doctor who performed the operation should advise on pain relievers and antibiotics to take during the postoperative period.
3 days after mastopexy, the patient is observed in the hospital.If no complications arise, she is released. The doctor should assess the main outcome - whether the stitches are starting to tighten and whether there is asymmetry. After a week, the stitches are removed.
Edema is observed during the first week after the operation.The chest looks like stone. During the first month, the swelling persists, bruising may appear. After 1-3 months, they disappear completely, you can assess the result. During this time, the stitches heal completely, the edema and hematomas disappear.
Corrective underwear should be worn for the first six months, which will help keep fit, use ointments that accelerate skin regeneration. This will help to pass the rehabilitation period faster.
In addition, within 6 months after the operation, you should not visit the baths, sauna,so as not to infect the open sutures. It is forbidden to go to the gym and lift weights - this contributes to the divergence of the seams.

Patients who decide to have mastopexy should also be aware of the possible complications. These include pain in the area of the mammary glands, bruising and bruising, swelling at the incision sites, inflammation of the tissues, and loss of sensitivity.

Before and after photos

Further in the photo you will see what a big breast looks like before and after a facelift.

Cost of the procedure

The cost of the service depends on the type of operation, the qualifications of the surgeon and staff, the status of the clinic. The price also includes a training program, the purchase of corrective underwear, patches, anesthesia.

Mastopexy is an opportunity for each woman to experience her sexuality and attraction again. But, before deciding on a serious step, you should study the information about this operation, compare the positive aspects and possible risks, and only then make the final decision.

Mammoplasty is a type of surgery to correct the shape and size of the breast. The specialist changes the contour, the volume of the mammary glands, the shape of the nipples and areolas.