Mastopexy: plastic surgery that lifts the breasts

Mastopexy is the name of cosmetic surgery to lift the breasts, performed by an aesthetic surgeon.

Since puberty, the breasts undergo various changes caused by hormones, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause. Therefore, over time, the breasts change their appearance and consistency, becoming more fallen. Mastopexy allows repositioning the breasts in a higher position, preventing them from remaining still.

Sometimes the simple placement of a medium-sized or large prosthesis with high projection can solve the aesthetic problem, if it is not too large. See how the placement of breast implants is done.

The price of mastopexy can vary from 4, 000 to 7, 000 reais, varying according to the clinic and surgeon selected. However, adding all the expenses of consultations, exams and hospitalization, the value of mastopexy can be between 10 and 15 thousand reais.

Types of mastopexy

The classic mastopexy is made without using prostheses or silicone, as it is done only to correct the sagging of the breasts, however, when the breast is small the woman can choose to evaluate with the doctor the possibility of applying silicone during surgery, being called mastopexy with prosthesis.

Mastopexy with prosthesis is thus used more often by women who also intend to increase the size of the breasts, creating a more fulfilled silhouette. However, if it is necessary to apply a very large silicone prosthesis, breast augmentation surgery should be done up to 3 months before mastopexy, to ensure that the breast weight does not affect the final result.

Over time, these two types of surgery have been done together more and more often, since most women intend to have the result of slightly increasing the volume of the breast as well as lifting it.

How to Prepare for Surgery

Preparation for mastopexy includes:

• Avoid smoking 4 weeks before surgery;
• Avoid drinking at least the day before surgery;
• Stop the use of anti-inflammatories, mainly with acetylsalicylic acid, antirheumatic, metabolism accelerators such as amphetamines, weight loss formulas and vitamin E up to 2 weeks before surgery;
• Being in an absolute fast of 8 hours;
• Do not wear rings, earrings, bracelets and other valuables on the day of surgery.

In addition, it is important to take all the exams that the plastic surgeon requests to the hospital or clinic.

How is the scar?

In any case, mastopexy can leave scars and, therefore, one of the most used techniques is periareolar mastopexy, which leaves scars more disguised and almost invisible.

In this technique the surgery makes the cut around the areola, instead of making a vertical scar. Thus, after healing, the small marks left by the cut are disguised by the color change from the halo to the skin of the breast. However, it is possible that the use of the cut around the areola does not create a breast lift as firm as the vertical scar.

The scars can take several months until they are completely disguised, so during this time it is very important to pass scarring ointments, such as Nivea or Kelo-cote, for example.

Main types of scar

There are 3 main types of cuts that can be used to make mastopexy:

• Periareolar : it is done only in some cases, especially when it is not necessary to remove a lot of skin;
• Periareolar and vertical : it is done when the areola needs to rise, but it is not necessary to remove much skin;
• T-Inverted : is used most often in cases where it is necessary to remove a large amount of skin.

Depending on the type of breast and the final result, the type of scar can be decided together with the doctor, in order to obtain the best aesthetic result, both of the position of the breast and of the scar.

How is recovery

Recovery after mastopexy is usually quick and easy. However, it is normal to feel mild discomfort, a feeling of heaviness or a change in breast tenderness due to anesthesia.

After the surgery, the woman should have certain care, such as:

• Avoid efforts on the day of surgery, such as long walks or climbing stairs;
• Remain lying down with the head of the bed elevated to 30 ° or seated within 24 hours after surgery;
• Avoid lying down on the stomach or on the side with the operated breast supported during the first 30 days after surgery;
• Avoid sun exposure for 3 months after surgery;
• Wear modeling bra, no seams, for 24 hours for 30 days after surgery and then longer for 30 days, but only overnight;
• Avoid large arm movements such as lifting or carrying weights;
• Massage hands on the breasts at least 4 times a day;
• Perform a healthy diet, preferring vegetables, fruits and white meats;
• Avoid ingestion of sweets, fried foods, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

The first result of the surgery can be seen within 1 month, but the woman can return to work within approximately 10 days after surgery, depending on the type of work. However, it is only 40 days after the surgery that you can re-drive and do light physical exercises, such as walking, for example.