Mastopexy is a surgical procedure performed on women who have sagging breasts due to pregnancy, significant weight loss or genetic factors. The breast, without a doubt, plays a fundamental role in the beauty and grace of the female body. A full and firm breast is associated with the idea of youth and health and exerts a strong sexual attraction in males. However, due to genetics and, even more often, due to the passing of time, the breast generally tends to empty and sag. A similar phenomenon can also occur at a young age due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Under the hormonal influence of pregnancy and following breastfeeding, the breast swells and increases in volume. The skin covering the mammary gland is pulled and gradually loses its elasticity due to the weight of the breast. After breastfeeding and after the end of the hormonal stimulus, the breast loses the volume acquired and empties. The skin, now tense and inelastic, is unable to perform its supporting function, it is unable to regain the tone and elasticity of before and, consequently, the breast appears sagged, empty and with stretch marks. Another phenomenon similar to pregnancy is also rapid and excessive weight loss, which causes the breast to empty and sag. Furthermore, the force of gravity and the gradual changes that the female body undergoes with the passing of the years, progressively lead to a similar blemish. This problem could be solved with the intervention of mastopexy (breast lift), which eliminates excess skin and lifts the mammary gland to its natural position. The purpose of this intervention is to remodel the breast, lifting it and improving its shape, giving it a fuller appearance. Consequently, the breast will appear firmer, more voluminous and more beautiful, restoring the youth and beauty of the past to the female body.
What should we know about the procedure?
- Before the procedure, pre-operative tests are performed (blood count and blood group, coagulation tests, biochemical, viral, pregnancy and urine tests, visit with the cardiologist and ECG, visit with the anesthetist, etc.).
- Starmed applies totally intravenous general anesthesia, which keeps blood pressure low, reduces the risk of bleeding and hematomas, minimizes the risk of nausea and vomiting and, for this type of surgery, is safer and more comfortable for the patient, as well as allowing the surgeon to work in optimal conditions.
- The average duration is 2 – 4 hours.
- Application or not of silicone gel prostheses, with a lifetime guarantee, depending on the initial condition of the breast.
- Drains are applied as needed and must be kept for 1 – 2 days.
- One night of hospitalization in the clinic.
- Mild – moderate and normally tolerable pain.
Hematomas and edema on the chest that gradually disappear within 10 – 14 days. - Rapid recovery period, with gradual improvement in the appearance of the breast, the result is considered definitive 4 – 6 months after the operation.
- Small scar around the areola, another vertical mark and in some cases a horizontal mark in the lower part of the breast, which are usually thin and barely visible.
Post-operative advice:
- Use of oral antibiotics, usually up to 5 days after surgery.
- Removal of drains 24 – 48 hours after surgery (in those cases where they are placed).
- Wound dressings every 3 – 4 days with the clinic staff.
- Removal of stitches 10 – 15 days after surgery (in those cases where they are not absorbable).
- Avoid forced movements and weight lifting for two weeks to one month after surgery.
- Do not drive for the first 1 – 2 weeks after surgery.
- Wear the appropriate sports bra for 1 month.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun.
- Gradual resumption of physical activity at least 2 months after surgery, according to the advice of Starmed staff.
- Post-operative checks with Starmed staff according to our clinical protocols.