Breast lift surgery or mastopexy is popular among women looking to address sagginess of the breasts as its advanced possibilities help them achieve an attractive bust line. A number of factors such as pregnancy, significant weight loss or gain, and ageing can take a toll on the appearance of the breasts. Even when there are limitations to surgically recreating the natural supporting structure of the breast, the advanced possibilities of this procedure helps to reshape the breast to appear more youthful and firm.
According to a global survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), 512,248 breast lift surgery procedures were performed worldwide last year. USA was the country where the maximum number of breast lift procedures was performed, with a total of 106,535 procedures.
The procedure mainly involves the following:
- Pleats of surplus skin are removed from underneath the breast
- The breast is re-modeled into a tighter cone
- The nipples are repositioned to a higher level to make them lie at the points of the tightened breasts
- The size of the areola may also be reduced
Even though the procedure helps you achieve an attractive bust line, you may not get the desired fullness. For those candidates, the surgeon would advise a combo procedure of breast lift and augmentation.
The best outcomes are achieved in women with small sagging breasts. However, the procedure can lift breasts of any size. You are a candidate for the surgery if you have completed having children. Women planning to have further children should ideally postpone the operation even though future pregnancy and mastopexy do not interfere with breast feeding. Pregnancy may stretch the breasts again and the procedure effectiveness could be reduced.
No procedure is without risks and so is the case with breast lift surgery. There are rare chances of bleeding and infection. For smokers, there is a small risk of chest problems and those taking a contraceptive pill may have the risk of thrombosis of veins in the legs. However, a qualified surgeon can handle emergencies if any and play a crucial role in offering a safe and optimal outcome. He would also give proper instructions regarding what to do and what not to do before and after the procedure, which can have an impact on the outcome. This includes advice on avoiding habits such as smoking and proper guidance on diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits.