What is Mastopexy?
Mastopexy is a cosmetic surgery which corrects the contour and nipple placement of a woman’s breasts. This surgery is commonly recommended for women with sagging breasts, often caused by pregnancy, aging, gravity, heredity, weight fluctuation, or breast feeding. The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, as well as tightening of the tissue surrounding this area to reshape the breast, and support the new contour.
The surgery typically lasts about one-and-a-half to three hours, and patients should be able to leave the same day as the operation. It is recommended that the patient does not engage in any sort of physical activity for a period of about 6 weeks following the surgery. The breasts will remain sore for some time after your mastopexy, but this should reside within the first week.
There are generally three different mastopexy techniques. The most common is the “vertical scar”, or “lollipop” technique, which significantly elevates the breast with a somewhat short scar, and doesn’t involve the usual incision under the breast. Most women are candidates for this type of mastopexy, but largely dependent on the breast contour and nipple location. Another approach will leave an anchor-shaped scar, and is typically used for patients with larger breasts. There is also a procedure known as “doughnut” mastopexy, where the incision is made near the nipple, and doesn’t leave scars on the regular skin areas of the breast.
As with any surgical procedure, please be sure to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced team of board certified plastic surgeons before you plan to have a mastopexy. It is best to communicate as to the best of your ability your expectations to your surgeon in order to receive the most desirable and satisfactory results.