Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

What is breast lifting (mastopexy)?
Breast lift (Mastopexy) operations are intended to tighten and lift saggy and loose breasts with downward-pointing nipples.

Who undergoes breast lift (mastopexy)?
Middle aged patients who have saggy breasts due to childbirth or weight loss, but who have enough breast tissue to be reshaped undergo this operation in general. If the patient doesn’t have enough breast tissue, mastopexy should be supported using small sized implants.

What should be done prior to surgery?
As in all plastic surgeries, the patient should quit smoking minimum two weeks prior to the operation and should also avoid smoking for two weeks after the operation. Anticoagulant drugs, such as Aspirin etc. should be quitted minimum 10 days before the operation. The patient should discontinue any other medication or dietary supplement (medication that include Ginseng, CoQ, Gingko Bloba etc.) 1 week before the surgery. The patient should also disclose any other significant condition to their surgeon.

What is the surgery technique?
The operation takes 2 to 2,5 hours under general anaesthesia. Though it depends on the sagginess of the breasts, incisions are usually made around the nipples, and following a vertical line downwards. The nipple is replaced in an upper position, the breast is given a lifted and conical shape, and the excessive skin is removed. If augmentation via implants will also be included in the surgery, a small size implant is placed on the muscle.

What to expect after breast lift surgery (mastopexy):
The operation is generally comfortable for the patients. They can be released from the hospital the following day and the patients do not suffer from a lot of pain. Supporting bra is worn following discharge, and patients are advised to use the post-surgical bras for minimum 3 weeks. They can have a bath after the second day. Patients can resume their works at the end of the first week. Patients should avoid sports activities putting pressure on their arms for the first 1.5 months. Breasts are slightly swollen and hard immediately after the surgery. Surgical oedema is the reason for these kinds of complaints. Breasts become softer and find their normal look at the end of the second month.