What Are the Benefits and Risks of Mastopexy?

Posted on: December 29, 2023

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Mastopexy is a surgical procedure that reshapes the breasts by lifting them to give them a more youthful appearance. It can be used to reduce the size of overly large breasts, correct sagging and drooping breasts, or restore volume lost due to pregnancy or weight loss. The procedure involves removing excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola. Mastopexy can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as breast augmentation or reduction. The results of mastopexy are typically long-lasting and can help improve self-confidence.

The type of mastopexy procedure used will depend on the patient’s individual needs and desired outcomes. During the consultation process, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s medical history, skin elasticity, amount of excess tissue, and overall goals for surgery in order to determine which technique is best suited for their individual situation.

Benefits of Mastopexy

Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, is a surgical procedure that can improve the shape and firmness of sagging breasts. This procedure is ideal for women who have experienced changes in their breasts due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss. In some cases, mastopexy can also be used to reduce the size of the areola.

Improved Breast Shape and Firmness

One of the primary benefits of mastopexy is an improved breast shape and firmness. During this procedure, excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened to create a more youthful shape. This can result in fuller, perkier breasts with improved contours that look more natural.

Repositioning of the Nipple and Areola

Mastopexy can also help reposition nipples and areolas that have become stretched out or enlarged over time. During the procedure, your surgeon may reduce the size of your areolas if desired. The nipple may also be repositioned higher on the breast to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Risks of mastopexy include bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and dissatisfaction with aesthetic results.

Potential Risks and Complications

Mastopexy is a relatively safe procedure, but like all surgeries, it carries the risk of potential complications. The most common risks associated with mastopexy include bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and dissatisfaction with aesthetic results.

Bleeding

Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery. If it occurs during the procedure, the surgeon may need to take additional measures to stop the bleeding. Post-operative bleeding is less common but should be monitored closely by your doctor.

Infection

Infection is another possible complication of mastopexy surgery. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics before and after your procedure to reduce the chances of infection. If an infection does occur, it may require additional treatment such as antibiotics or even another surgery to remove infected tissue.

Scarring

Scarring is a natural part of any surgical procedure, including mastopexy surgery. The extent of scarring depends on several factors such as the size and shape of the breasts prior to surgery, as well as the technique used by the surgeon during the procedure. In general, however, most patients are pleased with their results despite some visible scarring that typically fades over time.

Changes in Nipple Sensation

It is not uncommon for patients to experience changes in nipple sensation following mastopexy surgery due to nerve damage from incisions made near the nipples during the procedure. These changes can range from complete numbness to increased sensitivity and usually resolve within a few months after surgery.

Dissatisfaction with Aesthetic Results

Though rare, it is possible that you may not be satisfied with your results following mastopexy surgery due to unrealistic expectations or unforeseen complications that occur during or after your procedure. It’s important to keep realistic expectations in mind when considering this type of procedure and discuss them with your doctor beforehand so you know what outcomes are achievable and what risks might be involved in achieving those outcomes.

Pre-operative Considerations

Before undergoing a mastopexy procedure, it is important to consult with your surgeon about any questions or concerns you may have. During the initial consultation, your surgeon will assess your physical health and discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure. Additionally, they will provide you with instructions for pre-operative care.

Initial Consultation with Surgeon

During the initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also take photos of your breasts for medical records. This information is used to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure. Your surgeon will also explain what results you can expect from the mastopexy procedure, as well as potential risks and complications associated with it.

Blood Tests, Imaging Studies, and ECG

Your surgeon may recommend that you undergo certain tests prior to surgery to ensure that you are in good health. These tests may include blood tests, imaging studies such as an MRI or mammogram, or an electrocardiogram (ECG). The results of these tests will help your surgeon determine if there are any underlying conditions that could increase your risk of complications during or after surgery.

Avoid Certain Medications

Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain medications prior to surgery. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and other blood thinners which can increase bleeding during and after surgery. It is important to follow all instructions given by your doctor before undergoing a mastopexy procedure.

Follow Pre-operative Instructions

Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery and what to do afterwards. These instructions may include avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption prior to surgery, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding strenuous activities in order to minimize the risk of complications during recovery. It is important that you follow all pre-operative instructions given by your doctor in order to ensure a safe and successful outcome from the mastopexy procedure.

Does Mastopexy Leave Scarring?

Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that can help improve the shape and firmness of the breasts. It involves removing excess skin from the breasts and repositioning the nipple and areola. Although mastopexy offers many benefits, it does leave scarring.

Types of Scarring

The type of scarring you experience after mastopexy will depend on the technique used by your surgeon to perform the procedure. In general, there are two types of incisions used for mastopexy: a periareolar incision (around the areola) and an anchor incision (around the areola and extending down from it). The type of incision affects the amount and visibility of scarring.

With a periareolar incision, scarring is usually minimal and hidden in the natural contours of the breast. With an anchor incision, more skin is removed, resulting in more visible scarring that extends around the areola and down toward the crease under each breast.

Scar Minimization

Your surgeon may use various techniques to minimize scarring after mastopexy surgery. These include using dissolvable sutures that reduce inflammation, applying pressure garments to reduce swelling, and using topical antibiotics to prevent infection. Your doctor may also recommend certain over-the-counter ointments or silicone strips to further reduce scar visibility.

It’s important to keep in mind that even with these measures, some degree of scarring is unavoidable after mastopexy surgery. However, most patients find that any scars fade significantly over time and become barely noticeable within a few months after surgery.

How Much Does Mastopexy Cost?

Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to improve the shape and firmness of the breasts. Depending on the desired outcome, mastopexy can be combined with other procedures such as breast augmentation or reduction. The cost of mastopexy will vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s fees.

Factors Affecting Cost

The cost of mastopexy will depend on several factors including the type of procedure, the surgeon’s experience level, and any additional treatments that may be required. In general, simple mastopexy procedures may cost anywhere from $4,000 to $7,000 while more complex procedures may cost up to $10,000. Additional treatments such as breast augmentation or reduction may add to the overall cost of the procedure.

Insurance Coverage

Mastopexy is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore is not typically covered by insurance. However, if there are medical reasons for undergoing mastopexy (such as correcting asymmetry or restoring lost volume due to breast cancer treatment) then it is possible that some portion of the costs may be covered by insurance. It is important to check with your insurance provider before undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery.

Other Costs

In addition to the cost of surgery itself, patients should also factor in other costs associated with mastopexy such as anesthesia fees, operating room fees, post-operative care costs (such as medications), and follow-up visits with their surgeon. These additional costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual patient needs.

Overall, mastopexy is an effective way to improve the shape and firmness of sagging breasts but it does come with a financial cost. It is important for patients to understand all potential costs associated with this procedure before making their decision so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for them.