The breast lift technique is a surgery for any women who, as a result of different factors such as ageing, pregnancy and breastfeeding, sudden weight changes, etc. have lost elasticity and firmness in their breasts. And who are looking to recover the lost shape and volume. The end result of a mastopexy is a natural, attractive and rejuvenated breast.

There are two types of sagging breasts: those in which flaccidity has been caused, among other factors, by excess weight of the breasts, and those in which, due to ageing, the skin quality, pregnancies, etc., the skin has sagged, despite the breasts being of a normal or even small size. In the first case, a mastopexy is associated to a breast reduction so that the final bust is not only firm, but is also attractive and balanced in proportion to the rest of the body. In the second case, the use of breast implants is often advised for an attractive end result.

A breast lift is not recommended for women who, despite having sagging breasts, plan to get pregnant. We recommend they wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding in order to achieve the best results. It must be noted, however, that a mastopexy does not interfere with breastfeeding.

Many women with sagging breasts think that their bust is large and wide, but what in fact has happened is that it has become flattened. After breast lift surgery, where the breasts are raised and become rounder, they discover that their breasts are, in fact, much smaller than they thought. In these cases, the end result is notably improved if a breast implant is inserted during the same surgery.

The implants used in breast lifts with implants are made of high quality cohesive silicone gel, which are currently the safest in the market. There are many types of breast implant, and selecting one or another will determine the volume, the shape, the profile, the projection and other factors required in the end result. The IM CLINIC medical team can advise you on all these aspects depending on your needs and to ensure attractive, natural breasts. There is more information on breast implants in this post.

A mastopexy or breast lift might require different surgical techniques to obtain the best result in each case: lift, reduction, breast implants, etc. Basically, it is designed to make the smallest incision possible that becomes virtually invisible over time. The incision might run downwards from the areola or simply be made around the areola, depending on each patient’s diagnosis. After this incision, the excess skin is removed. Different types of internal reinforcement can also be performed, through the use of the patient’s own glandular tissue, muscles or fascia (fibrous tissue surrounding the breast). Breast implants might sometimes be required to fill any lost volume, and the nipple-areola complex (NAC) might be adapted and repositioned at a higher, central point of the breast for an attractive, rejuvenated and natural result.

The breast implant can be placed within the retropectoral (behind the muscle) or retroglandular plane (behind the mammary gland). There are other positions, but these are the two most common.

At IM CLINIC we prefer to place the breast implant behind the muscle because this makes mammographic control of the breast easier. As well as this, the breast implant is partly supported by the muscle, whereas it is the skin that supports the weight in retroglandular placement, and this ages very quickly as a result of this weight. Retropectoral placement also allows for breastfeeding with complete normality.

The breast lift is a relatively short surgery. It normally takes from two and a half to three hours. General anaesthesia is normally used in a mastopexy. One overnight stay in the clinic is normally sufficient.

Once the swelling has gone down, the breast will begin to look more natural after around one week. Stitches will be removed eight to ten days after the operation. After this, the healing process normally takes three to six months, depending on each patient.

The small incision required for breast implant placement will leave a scar that will become invisible after a short time, thus avoiding any type of mark.

It is normal to feel a little tired for the first 24 hours after surgery and to feel some discomfort in your breasts and nipples for the first few days.

You will have drainage for the first 48 hours. This drainage is used to reduce swelling and any postoperative discomfort. It is normally removed during the first check-up visit, but this will depend on your progress.

You will wear a special bra (similar to those used for sports) for the month following surgery and possibly a band if you have had breast implants.

During your first check-up with the doctor, postoperative massages and lymphatic drainage will be recommended that will help in reducing swelling and in recovery after surgery.

You can resume your social life a few days after surgery. Returning to work will depend on the type of job you do, and may take longer if it requires strenuous physical activities with the arms. Follow your surgeon’s advice.