Mastopexy: Learn all about breast lift surgery

It is common to see many women resorting to silicone implants in order to increase and provide symmetry to the breasts. But have you ever heard of mastopexy? This is the most suitable surgery for women who have sagging breasts, as it allows them to be repositioned at a higher angle.

Below, we list all the necessary information for those who have questions and want to know more about the subject. Check out!

What is mastopexy?

Flávio Quinalha Gomes, a plastic surgeon at the Mais Excellence Medical clinic, says that mastopexy is a surgery that has the effect of minimizing the sagging of the breasts, leaving them natural and taller. “It is usually indicated for women who have excess skin caused by aging, weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding”, he adds.

Mastopexy: how does it work?

When it comes to surgery, there are many questions that come to mind, so it is important to understand how the whole process works and to ask a professional for any questions before performing any procedure.

In the case of mastopexy, plastic surgeon and member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, Karina Gilio, explains that the technique basically consists of using excess skin and muscles to reshape the breasts, making them more rounded and pert. In addition, she also explains that a woman can choose to have one of the two types of mastopexy that exist.

Types of mastopexy

• Mastopexy without prosthesis: when the woman’s own tissue, fat and skin are used to reconstruct the breasts.
• Mastopexy with prosthesis: when the prosthesis is used to increase the volume of the breasts.

With or without prosthesis, the purpose of mastopexy is to minimize the sagging of the breasts. But the end result may differ from one to the other. Some women prefer to leave their breasts natural, while others opt for a prosthesis to achieve a bigger and firmer effect.

How to prepare for surgery

Before going to the operating table, it is necessary to follow some instructions so that the mastopexy is performed safely and completely effectively. It is worth remembering that the plastic surgeon is the most suitable professional to perform this type of procedure.

• Exams: blood count, coagulogram, fasting blood glucose, breast ultrasound, mammography and electrocardiogram are the main tests to be done.
• Fasting: Before surgery, a minimum of eight hours of fasting is required.
• Extra care: not smoking, not drinking alcohol and maintaining a balanced diet are other important measures.

It is crucial to follow all medical guidelines to obtain a good result during and after the surgery. Gomes also points out that, on the day of the operation, it is recommended that the woman takes an adult companion, documents and all the exams already carried out.

How is the mastopexy scar?

Gilio explains that the scar will depend a lot on the amount of skin and the level of sagging of the patient’s breasts. Given proper attention to these details, three types of scar are possible.

• Periareolar: indicated for patients with small breasts and who do not have much sagging and excess skin.
• Vertical: vertical incision that runs through the areola. The technique is used when the woman has mild or moderate sagging.
• Inverted T: is an incision that goes from the areola to the inframammary fold. Scar indicated for those who have the highest degree of sagging and excess skin in the breast region.

Gomes reiterates that scars require incisions in different places so that the breasts are lifted and molded correctly. Therefore, determining the type of scar is an important step that must be discussed and defined with the doctor.

Postoperative recovery and care

In order for the recovery from the surgery to be complete and as peaceful as possible, it is necessary for the woman to take extra care with her routine. Gilio and Gomes warn about the main ones:

• Medications: Taking medication prescribed by the doctor helps to relieve post-surgical pain and discomfort. The list may contain pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
• Rest: it is recommended that the patient rest for 15 days after surgery. At this time, hands and arms should not be raised above the shoulders.
• Exercises: walking is allowed after one month of surgery.
• Avoid smoking: tobacco impairs the healing process and, therefore, it is recommended to avoid smoking in the post-surgical period.

Not sleeping on your stomach, waiting at least three weeks to drive, wearing a post-surgical bra and cleaning the scar with mild soap and water are other measures that help recovery be even faster. Upon noticing any unusual discomfort, the doctor should be contacted immediately.

Reports from those who have had a mastopexy

To do or not to do the mastopexy? This is a question that comes to the minds of many women. To learn more about the subject, see testimonials from those who underwent the surgery.

Price, post-surgical and result of mastopexy

Karen shows the result of the mastopexy with prosthesis after two months of surgery. She talks about the recovery process and breast care.

Mastopexy risks and size

After having undergone two mastopexies, Antonella decided to have the surgery for the third time with the application of the silicone prosthesis. The youtuber tells about the risks, her experience and the importance of looking for a trained professional.

Mastopexy care

On her channel, singer Kelly Key shares the post-surgical care that ensured a complete recovery and imperceptible scars on her mastopexy.

Listening to women who have already had mastopexy helps a lot to better understand how the surgery works. In addition to clearing all doubts with the doctor, seeking reports is a way to obtain valuable tips to be followed both in the pre and postoperative period.

Risks and possible complications

• Infections: The incidence is low, but it is possible for infections to be contracted in the postoperative period of mastopexy.
• Sensitivity: Some women find sensitivity changes in the nipples and breasts.
• Allergy: Allergy to dressing material or even medications are also imminent risks.
• Increased blood pressure: hypertension is not a contraindication for performing mastopexy, but it increases the risk of complications in those who suffer from the disease.
• Deep vein thrombosis: these are clots formed within the deep veins of the upper and lower limbs of the body.
• Bleeding: Bleeding and/or bruising may occur after surgery.
• Discoloration or change in skin pigmentation: the skin around the breasts may have a different color and appearance than normal.
• Opening the stitches: Surgical stitches can also become inflamed, causing redness, heat, swelling and the formation of local secretion.

Gilio and Gomes explain that the risks of mastopexy are the same as with any other surgery. First of all, it is essential that the patient carry out a battery of tests and be sure to mention any detail about her health.

How much does mastopexy cost?

Getting organized financially is also a step in preparing for the surgery, as mastopexy is not a low-cost operation.

According to Gilio and Gomes, mastopexy can cost from R$15,000 to R$20,000, and may vary according to the chosen doctor, hospital, team structure and anesthesiologist.

Mastopexy by SUS

The SUS (Unified Health System) only covers some plastic surgeries. In the case of the breasts, when the breast needs to be reconstructed due to cancer. But as each case is different, the ideal is for the woman to undergo a consultation at the health center. “Only after the evaluation will the doctor say whether or not the patient can undergo the procedure.”, concludes Gilio.

It can be said that mastopexy is one of the surgeries that provide the highest level of reconstruction of a woman’s breasts. If, after reading everything on the subject, you identified yourself and were interested in having the operation, it’s time to start looking for a qualified doctor and carry out all the necessary tests.