The breast lift , more commonly known as breast lift , is a great demand for cosmetic surgery.
Mastopexy is indicated for women who wish to lift a sagging breast (breast ptosis) or reduce and modify the shape and size of the areola.
Breast ptosis can depend on a multiplicity of factors: skin characteristics, fat component, glandular component, pregnancy, breastfeeding, drastic and sudden weight loss, aging, menopause, etc.
The breast ptosis can be classified into four different degrees depending on the relaxation of the breast and the nipple-areola complex position relative to the inframammary fold. The surgical treatment of breast ptosis consists in the excision of the excess skin, in the plication of the gland with fixing in a higher position, in the repositioning of the areola-nipple complex in a superior position and in the eventual insertion of prosthesis.
The breast lift is a very safe procedure, little painful, executable day hospital and marked by times of post-rapid recovery operators, provided, however, that is performed by a specialist in plastic surgery and within authorized facilities. Classification of breast ptosis, taken from “Aesthetic mammoplasty”, G. Botti, SEE, 2005, Florence
WHO IS MASTOPESSI INTERVENTION ADVISED FOR?
Women who require this type of intervention are especially those whose breasts have lost their original shape and volume due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, gravity and aging. Breast lift is particularly indicated for women with small and sagging breasts because in the case of very abundant breasts the aesthetic result obtained can be subsequently compromised by the effects of gravity. Mastopexy is normally performed without breast implants, but in some cases anatomical, round or ergonomic Mentor, Motiva or Polytech implants can be used.
A BIT OF HISTORY
The first operations of mastopexythey date back to the early 1900s. In 1907 Girard used a submammary incision fixing the gland to the pectoralis major muscle at the height of the second rib. In 1923 Lotsch invented a new technique, still widespread, which consisted of lifting the breast by moving the areola-nipple complex and removing excess skin through a vertical incision. In 1927 Joseph proposed a different technique based on two incisions, the first rhomboid in the direction of the axilla and the second to sculpt an upper peduncle that was used to relocate the areola-nipple complex in the chosen location. Also in those years M.me Noel resorted to incisions along the outline of the areola in order to raise the areola resecting the skin placed above it. Regnault in 1966 associated the technique of mastopexy to introduction of prosthesis. Finally, starting from the 80s Gruber, Jones and Benelli were the promoters of the periareolar technique to correct moderate degrees of breast ptosis, while for theMastopexy with a high degree of ptosis, various surgical techniques were devised which provide vertical, “L” or “T” inverted scars .
ARE THERE AGE LIMITS FOR SUBJECTING MASTOPEXIS INTERVENTION?
There are no age limits to undergo this type of intervention, but it is preferable to wait for the complete development of the breast and postpone the intervention in women who are planning future pregnancies as pregnancy causes a stretch of the skin that could frustrate the results obtained. A mastopexy surgery can be performed three months after the end of breastfeeding.
WHAT OTHER INTERVENTIONS CAN BE CARRIED OUT TOGETHER WITH MASTOPEXIS?
The mastopexy can be performed alone or in association with other surgical techniques such as breast augmentation, reduction mammoplasty or other cosmetic surgery.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF THIS TYPE OF INTERVENTION?
Breast lift is a relatively simple surgical procedure. When this type of surgery is performed by a plastic surgery specialist who is experienced in breast modeling, the results are generally very good. However, it is a real surgical procedure where complications (bleeding, infection) are rare but can happen and be easily resolved only if the intervention is performed by a specialist in plastic surgery within duly authorized structures. To decrease the risk of complications, however, it is important to carefully follow the advice and instructions that the surgeon will give you before and after the operation. Smokers should reduce cigarette use because smoking can increase the risk of complications and cause healing delays.
HOW IS THE PRE-OPERATIVE VISIT DONE?
Before proceeding with the breast lift operation, it is necessary to undergo an accurate visit during which the surgeon will examine the size and shape of the breast, areola and nipple as well as the quality and characteristics of the muscles and breast tissues. in order to identify the degree of breast ptosis, the shape and size of the breast that best suits your physical conformation and the most appropriate surgical technique. The mastopexyin fact, it is particularly suitable for women with small and sagging breasts who have retained part of the original volume, while in the case of very large breasts or who have lost all or part of their volume, it is advisable to associate breast augmentation with an additive or reductive breast surgery in order to restore shape, volume and firmness to the breast.
During the visit, the surgeon will have to evaluate your current and previous health status in order to exclude the presence of complications (high blood pressure, scarring or clotting problems) that could affect the final result of the surgery. It will also provide you with all the necessary information on the type of diet to follow before and after the intervention and on the intake of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS PRACTICED?
The breast lift operation is generally performed under general anesthesia without intubation (i.e. only with the aid of the laryngeal mask) and requires one or two nights of hospitalization in the clinic. Small mastopexy can be performed on a day-hospital basis and under local anesthesia with sedation (this means that the patient will be awake, but relaxed and insensitive to pain). Before the operation, the anesthesiologist will proceed to a careful pre-operative visit and prescribe a list of routine tests such as: electrocardiogram, CBC, PTT, fibrinogen, electrolytes, glycemia, nitrogen, creatinemia, serology (hepatitis B, C and HIV virus). Breast examination with breast ultrasound and / or mammography
WHERE ARE THE ENGRAVINGS MADE?
Depending on whether they are small, medium or large mastopexy , the incisions can be made only around the areola or descend vertically up to the submammary sulcus and along the lower fold of the breast (so-called anchor-shaped or inverted T incision).
DOES MASTOPEXI LEAVE SCARS?
The mastopexy will leave permanent scars that will still remain hidden inside the bra or swimsuit.
HOW LONG DOES THE MASTOPESSI INTERVENTION LAST?
The surgery lasts from an hour and a half to about three hours, is absolutely painless and ends with a small dressing and the use of a bra.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE COURSE?
In the 48 hours following the mastopexy surgery you will have to rest. In the first two days, swelling and bruising may appear around the treated region.Very rarely, infections, bleeding, keloid scars and changes in the sensitivity of the areola and nipple may occur (especially in smoking patients). Starting from the third day, you can resume a normal life while avoiding strenuous activities, saunas, Turkish baths and sun exposure. After 7-10 days you can resume your work if not too tiring. Three weeks after the intervention of mastopexy, you can gradually resume all normal activities including sports.
WHAT TYPE OF RESULT CAN BE OBTAINED WITH MASTOPESSI?
The result of a mastopexy surgery is generally very good and long-lasting but not permanent, as it will always be conditioned by your lifestyle (weight gain and loss, smoking, pregnancy, etc.) and by the inevitable effects of gravity and aging.
MASTOPEXI: COSTS
The cost of breast lift surgery is conditioned by several factors including the type of anesthesia practiced, the type of hospitalization (day-hospital or hospitalization), the difficulty and the presumable duration of the surgery and the type of technique chosen. The total cost of the mastopexy surgery can therefore vary from € 6,000 to € 10,000.
