Breast ptosis, or droopiness, is a condition that can affect women of all ages. Although we tend to associate breast ptosis with older women, young women also often suffer varying degrees of droopiness after breast feeding, hormonal disturbances or significant weight loss. With the increasing acceptance of cosmetic surgery procedures by the population, more and more women are choosing to undergo corrective surgery on their breasts to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Indication
Breast lift, Mastopexy - if the breast tissue and skin has lost its shape and elasticity due to childbirth or weight loss. Mastopexy does not change the amount of breast tissue a woman has, but it can change the shape dramatically, which in turn can affect the overall breast size and projection. Breast-lift surgery restores breast shape to a more youthful appearence by reshaping the breast tissue. It is possible to combine the mastopexy with augmentation using implants to achieve a better shape and fulness of the breast. Due to the broad variation of breast shapes and conditions, a skilled plastic surgeon will explain the possibilities and take the decision about which procedure, or combination of procedures is indicated in your case.

Operation
Breast-lift surgery reshapes the breast tissue, removing excess skin and relocating the position of the nipple-areola complex. Breast tissue must be surgically contoured from an elongated shape into a more youthful conical structure. This is the breast remodelling process.

After accurate pre-operative planning, the appropriate amount of skin will be removed. In most cases it is possible to leave the nipples and the areolas connected to the glandular tissue. Then the shape of the breast is moulded into the desired circular form and the skin is fitted adequately. The size of the resulting scars will relate to the extent of the operation and the amount of tissue that has to be resected. Modern plastic surgery focuses on creating a minimal scar in return for achieving the most desirable aesthetic outcome.
In a breast lift the excess skin is resected and the breast is given a new shape, in most cases, the size of the areola is reduced as well.

In some cases, breast lifting needs to be combined with the insertion of implants to produce an optimum result. The combined breast lift and breast augmentation (see more information here) procedure can correct drooping and give more fullness and youthful appearance to the breast. The desired breast size should be discussed with the plastic surgeon.

Anesthesia
For both operations, breast lift and mastopexy with augmentation, general anaesthesia is the choice of the majority of patients.

Duration of stay in the clinic
Mastopexy is not usually a painful operation, but discomfort can persist for a week. We recommend an approximate length of 2-4 days in-patient care to get some rest and to recover from the operation.

After the procedure
You will need 10-14 days for recovery and healing. To avoid tension on the wounds and thus promote the formation of better scars, it should be avoided to elevate the arms over ones head in the beginning. For a period of about 6 weeks one should sleep on the back and on the side rather than on the stomach. After the operation it is crucial to wear a special bra for about 4-6weeks to help forming the breast and in order to reduce tension on the wounds.