BREAST UPLIFT

What is a MASTOPEXY?
Mastopexy is the technical term for lifting up a saggy breast.

A saggy breast is one in which the nipple (nipple areola complex) NAC is below the imframammary grove (the fold on the chest wall under the breast).

This commonly occurs in:
1.Large breasts.
2.Breasts that greatly increase in size with pregnancy and then decrease again.
3.Ladies who greatly reduce their weight.

Mastopexy is undertaken in:
1.A saggy breast which is of adequate size. The nipple is elevated. The breast is reshaped.
2.Mastopexy-Augmentation: When the patient wants implants but the breast is very saggy.

3.In almost all breast reductions the nipple is elevated in position.

How is a Mastopexy performed
Day case. General anaesthetic.
The skin of the breast is marked by the surgeon as for a breast reduction. The nipple is elevated to a new higher position on the glandular tisue underneath. Therefore:
If you could breast feed you should be able to after. (except when the procedure is done as a breast reduction, and even so not always).
Most patients retain sensation in the nipple.
The scars from surgery are similarly located as for a breast reduction. Around the areola, vertically down to the fold and often at the fold under the breast, depending on how loose is the skin.
Recovery: Usually 2 weeks to heal. We use dissolving sutures. 6 weeks to return to full physical activity.
You should wear a sports bra after this operation for 6 weeks at least (no underwire).

What are the most common complications after MASTOPEXY
The scars can, in a few patients, become red and thick.
Loss of nipple sensation in 1 every 10 cases.
Loss of part of the nipple-areola through poor blood supply. One every 100 cases. More likely in smokers.
Bleeding into the breast.
Infection.- Very rare
Poor wound healing
Fat necrosis: 1 in 20 cases. Settles by itself. No treatment usually required