Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Surgery, Benefits, Recovery, Results

A breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts. Over time, factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and ageing can lead to the breasts losing their firmness. This surgery helps address these concerns by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.

Anatomy of the Breasts

Knowing the anatomy of the breasts is essential for understanding breast health and surgical procedures like mastopexy. Key components include:

1. Mammary Glands: Responsible for milk production during breastfeeding.

2. Adipose Tissue: Provides shape and volume to the breasts.

3. Cooper's Ligaments: Fibrous tissue that helps support the structure of the breasts.

4. Areola and Nipple: The nipple is the raised area on the breast surface. The areola surrounds the nipple and contains sebaceous glands and sweat glands.

5. Ducts and Lobules: Channels and clusters of cells that produce and transport milk.

6. Lymph Nodes: These are part of the lymphatic system and are important for immune function and drainage of fluid from the breast tissue.

The Breast Size Satisfaction Survey (BSSS) conducted by NCBI in 2020 showed that only 29.3% of women were satisfied with their current breast size. This highlights the need for breast reconstructive surgeries like mastopexy. The indications for those who may benefit from this treatment are:

1. As stated before, individuals who are experiencing significant sagging or drooping of the breasts.

2. Women who have lost breast volume and shape, often after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

3. Those with nipples and areolas that have descended below the breast crease or point downward.

4. Individuals with noticeable differences in the size, shape, or position of their breasts.

The breast lift surgery takes one to two hours to complete, depending on the amount of reconstruction involved. The step-by-step process is given below.

1. Anaesthesia: The patient is administered general anaesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery.

2. Incision: The surgeon makes carefully planned cuts around the areola. These incisions can extend vertically down to the breast crease and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease. The decision depends on the extent of correction needed.

3. Reshaping: Excess skin is removed, and the underlying breast tissue is reshaped and lifted to create a more youthful contour.

4. Nipple and Areola Repositioning: The doctor repositions these to a higher location on the breast mound.

5. Closing the Incisions: The cuts are carefully closed once the desired shape is achieved.

Before breast lift surgery, patients consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and medical history. Once the decision is made, the procedure follows these steps:

Before Surgery 

This pre-surgery phase is crucial for understanding the procedure and setting realistic expectations for the outcome. The patient will be provided with guidelines and undergo examinations, as discussed below.

On the Day of Surgery

On the day of breast lift surgery, the healthcare team will provide the patient with a hospital gown and position them on the surgical table. The other steps involved are:

After undergoing breast lift surgery, immediate changes in the appearance of breasts will be noticeable. These changes will continue over the following months as the tissues settle into their new position. The entire recovery process is described below.

The Recovery Process in Hospital 

After mastopexy, many patients are discharged on the same day of the procedure. It's essential to arrange for someone to drive them home after surgery due to the effects of anaesthesia. 

Post-operative care instructions, including wound care guidelines, activity restrictions, and medication schedules, are also given. 

Recovery Process/Expectation After Hospital Discharge

A tiny tube to drain fluid and reduce swelling would be placed close to one or more incisions. It will likely be removed within a few days after surgery. The following are other factors to keep in mind:

1. Breasts may be swollen for about two weeks, with pain and soreness around the incisions.

2. Scars should fade within 1 to 2 years.

3. Numbness in the treated area might persist for about six weeks. 

4. Take pain medication as prescribed.

5. Avoid bending and lifting to promote proper healing.

6. Refrain from intimate activities for at least 1 to 2 weeks.

7. Post-surgery, wear a surgical support bra continuously for 3 to 4 days. Afterwards, wear a soft support bra for 3 to 4 weeks.

8. Protect the incisions during sun exposure.

9. Patients may resume normal activities after a week.

First Follow-Up Appointment

The first follow-up appointment following breast lift surgery is a crucial step in monitoring the patient’s healing progress and addressing any concerns. The provider will assess their recovery and remove any sutures or drains if necessary. They will also provide guidance on further post-operative care.

The advances in breast lift surgical techniques allow for smaller incisions and less tissue disruption. The method offers several other advantages, including:

1. Same-day discharge

2. Customises the approach to each individual's goals and anatomy

3. Long-lasting results with appropriate post-operative care

According to a study by Pietro G di Summa et al., the overall complication rate of mastopexy is 10.4%. The major breast lift surgery side effects are:

1. Risk of infection at the surgical site

2. Temporary or permanent alteration in nipple or breast sensation

3. Delayed wound healing

4. Asymmetrical results may occur, requiring revision surgery

When to consult a doctor?

Patients should consult a doctor if they experience persistent or worsening pain, swelling, or redness in the breast or surgical site. Other signs that would require urgent medical attention are:

1. Fever higher than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit

2. Excessive bleeding or drainage at the incision site

3. Development of unusual lumps

4. Difficulty breathing or chest pain

The breast lift surgery cost in India can differ depending on many factors, like the surgeon's experience and reputation and the complexity of the procedure. However, the general overview is provided below.

Note: The abovementioned figures are just estimates. Contact HexaHealth to get accurate information. 

Factors that may affect the cost of breast lift surgery include:

1. Geographical Location: The surgery expenses can differ significantly between urban and rural areas, the latter providing lower healthcare costs.

2. Clinic or Hospital Facility: Prices may vary depending on the quality of the facility, amenities provided, and location of the institution.

3. Pre-operative Evaluations: Medical tests and imaging studies may impact the total expense.

4. Post-operative Care: Follow-up appointments, medications, and dressings would affect the total bill.

5. Insurance Coverage: Breast lift surgery is an aesthetic technique and may not be covered by health insurance. This may result in out-of-pocket expenses for the patient.

Breast lift surgery not only lifts and reshapes the breasts but also enhances overall body confidence. It addresses concerns such as breast ptosis (sagging) and asymmetry. This leads to significantly improved physical and emotional well-being. 

For those looking to get top-notch mastopexy, HexaHealth provides comprehensive support every step of the way. From initial consultations to post-operative care, we ensure that patients receive personalised attention. Get in touch!

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