Mastopexy
Breast Uplift
Breast uplift, technically known as mastopexy procedure, is used to raise and reshape the breast. Breast uplift can also reduce the size of the breast areolas and help to restore sagging breasts to give them more youthful appearance.
Breast uplift is often combined with augmentation with an implant (augmentation mastopexy) or fat grafting in cases when women wish to restore the volume that was lost due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding, aging or weight loss.
Breast uplift with fat grafting can restore shape, volume, size and sagging of the breast in women who wish to have breast implants permanently removed.
Consultation will allow assessment and detailed discussion about what is possible taking under consideration personal circumstances and desires. There will be an opportunity to discuss alternatives, long-term implications and risks of surgery as well.
Before arranging a consultation, it is important to think carefully about what one would like to achieve to be able to discuss specific concerns and desires in detail. If you are in good physical and mental health, have no breast disease and have reasonable expectations then you will be an appropriate candidate.
If you are planning to have children, results of surgery will be affected. It might be better to postpone surgery.
What to expect from the consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired size and anything related to the appearance of the breast that you feel is important to you. This will help the doctor to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. You will be asked about your medical history, current medications, drug allergies, smoking and history of breast disease including family history. Physical examination will be carried out and factors such as size, shape, nipple position and skin quality will be assessed. Measurements will be taken which are necessary for planning for the surgery. It might be possible to create 3D simulations in order to determine the approximate degree of uplift you wish to have. Medical photographs might be taken as well. Explanation will be given as to which techniques would be most appropriate depending on the assessment and desires. You will receive a letter summarizing the consultation along with surgery fees.
Clinical psychology consultation might be suggested in order to better assess your expectations and the degree the problem is affecting you. Joined effort from multidisciplinary team helps to improve the overall outcome of surgery. If you are are over 40 years old, you would be required to have a screening mammogram before surgery.
The information below will provide basic explanation about what is involved in surgical procedures used for breast reduction. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
What does the surgery entail
Techniques used for mastopexy vary, but the most common ones involve an anchor-shaped or a lollipop-shaped scar that circles the areola, extends vertically downwards and to the breast fold. Ms Majdak-Paredes will utilise latest techniques to minimise the length of the incision necessary for surgery. The technique will allow best possible contouring of the breast. Scars usually settle down well over time. Newer procedures offer better longevity to such uplifts including in combination with an implant.
Breast uplift is usually carried out under general anaesthetic and takes approximately 2-3 hours. Small amount of breast tissue, particularly from below the nipple, might be removed during the procedure and will always be tested for any possible abnormality.
Recovery from mastopexy alone takes 2-4 weeks. Front fastening medical or sports bra is recommended for 4-6 weeks.
You would require a nurse appointment a week after surgery and a consultant appointments 4-6 weeks after surgery or earlier if required. You will need a front-fastening surgical bra which will help to support the breast, reduce the swelling and provide comfort.
Risks and implications will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Mastopexy alone should not affect future breast cancer screening or interpretation of screening mammograms. However, if you have any concerns regarding implications of breast uplift surgery on future breast cancer screening it would be prudent to see a Consultant Breast Surgeon or Clinical Oncology Consultant to discuss this in detail.
