Breast ptosis or sagging is an aesthetic problem that worries many women. It adds insecurity to yourself and your sexuality.
If a woman is worried about this, she is embarrassed in front of her husband or boyfriend, it is worth trying to lift her breasts.
This procedure should not be confused with breast augmentation with implants. The lift is aimed at eliminating ptosis, giving the female breast natural elasticity.
What is this procedure, what is it called?
Breast lift is called mastopexy.The procedure involves reshaping the mammary glands, giving them natural elasticity and an attractive appearance without the use of implants. The operation is performed with minimal surgery under local or general anesthesia.
The degree of ptosis plays an important role in its selection. There are 4 stages of the disease. Appropriate measurements are made to make an accurate diagnosis. The degree of sagging is determined by the distance from the chest fold to the nipple.
Help!Ptosis is in stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 and is measured by the distance from the chest fold to the nipple. Hanging by 1-2 cm is considered uncritical and refers to grade 1.
If the nipple is 8 cm or more below the chest fold, grade 4 ptosis is placed. Here, surgeons must cut a large amount of skin and adipose tissue, and this will not be possible without general anesthesia.
Indications
The skin of the breast is sensitive to any changes in the body. There is no natural muscular frame underneath to maintain its shape. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain its original shape throughout life. The reasons for changing its shape are:
- Sudden weight gain or loss.Stretched breast skin after losing weight loses its elasticity and looks relaxed.
- Large breast size.Breasts over 3 sizes hang under natural weight.
- Changes in hormonal background.Lack or excess of hormones contributes to swelling or "deflation" of the breast.
- Operations. For example, when a malignant tumor is removed, the glands become asymmetric. In severe cases, the mammary gland empties and sags.
- Age.Breasts that do not have muscle support lose their elasticity before the rest of the body.
- Improperly fitted bra.If it does not provide adequate support, the mammary glands will sag prematurely.
- Breastfeeding.Mammary glands filled with milk can increase 3-5 times. After breastfeeding, it returns to its original size, but not its shape.
- Congenital anomalies.Breasts may not develop properly from puberty. The only way out is to adjust the shape.
Another problem with sagging breasts is that it is usually accompanied by stretch marks and sagging skin.
Contraindications, restrictions
Mastopexy involves surgery on the body. Each operation has its own indications and contraindications. This type of operation is not prescribed in many cases:
- pregnancy or planning, as all results of the operation will disappear;
- less than 12 months after the end of hepatitis B, this is how much the mammary glands need to recover from lactation;
- presence of tumors in the chest area;
- acute infectious diseases;
- diabetes mellitus;
- renal failure;
- cardiovascular dystonia;
- under the age of 18 (parental consent and medical emergencies required);
- obesity, which is a consequence of metabolic disorders and can cause complications after surgery.
Before deciding on mastopexy, one must consider the positive and possible negative consequences.
Views
Breast lift can be done with or without surgery.In the first case, the method of tissue excision is used in different schemes, the second is the effect on the deep layers of the skin. It should be noted that non-surgical methods are best used to prevent ptosis or in the initial stage. Surgical interventions help to solve the problem in more advanced cases.
Endoscopic
Small areas of skin are incised in the lateral area of the breast.They introduce an endoscope and instruments. The tissue is cut from the inside so that the operation will be invisible after the scars have healed.
This is one of the most expensive types of mastopexy. The success of this procedure depends on the qualifications and experience of the doctor who performs the operation. But the result will remain unchanged for 10-15 years. Endoscopic mastopexy can eliminate ptosis of any severity.
Periareolar (round)
During this operationthe doctor cuts off the excess tissue around the areola.In this way you can not only tighten the mammary glands, but also change the diameter of the nipple. Traces after surgery and healing become invisible.
Among the disadvantages is the potential impact on breastfeeding. Also, it is used only with 1 and 2 degrees of sagging. After surgery, some patients experience a loss of nipple sensitivity.
Vertical
During surgery, the surgeon makes incisions above the chest and at the edges to lift the nipple up.This method requires minimal intervention in the structure of the mammary glands and practically does not cause complications and maintains the natural shape of the breast. It can also help shrink the nipple.
This method is used in the early stages of ptosis. Cannot be used if there are already scars on the chest. It will also not help with very sagging breasts.
Anchor (T-shaped)
Indicated in severe ptosis or large breasts that cause discomfort. During operationan anchor or inverted T-section is made in the chest.The surgeon then cuts off the excess tissue and pulls the bottom up.
The operation has a pronounced aesthetic effect, it can be repeated as long as the patient is satisfied with the result. Disadvantages include the application of a large number of cuts. This increases the rehabilitation period and can cause complications.
Laser
This is a relatively new type of breast lift. It is widely used in the west, but we have a small number of clinics with the necessary equipment.The laser can be used to lift and enlarge the breasts.This does not require the use of a scalpel.
Laser lifting is effective in the early stages of ptosis. It will take about 6 procedures to achieve the desired effect. They are performed with an interval of at least 14 days. The procedure does not require the introduction of anesthesia, as it is painless. In some cases, unpleasant sensations may occur.
Mesopotals
If the breast has lost its previous elasticity and causes internal discomfort to the woman, doctors recommend a procedure for implantation of mesoreses. It does not leave marks on the skin and there are no complications.
Once in the mammary glands, the fibersgradually become overgrown with adipose tissue and create a supportive effect.The fibers continue to work for 6-8 months, after which they are completely absorbed and do not require removal.
Non-surgical methods
Women with grade 1 sagging breasts are advised to use non-surgical breast lift methods. They help to restore the elasticity of the skin and return the mammary glands to their previous form:
- Myostimulation - with the help of electrical impulses sent through the connected electrodes, the elasticity of the skin is restored and stretch marks are eliminated.
- Lipolifting - transplantation of fatty tissue from the abdomen and inner thighs into problem areas of the chest. Guarantees 100% adipose tissue transplantation.
- Microcurrents with serums - provokes active production of elastin and collagen, accelerates cell renewal, reduces sutures and stretch marks.
- Mesotherapy.
The choice of the type of lifting is also influenced by the degree of stretching of the breast skin, its asymmetry and size. The surgeon will assess the general condition and choose the safest and most effective option for each case.
Preparation for plastic surgery
Before obtaining permission from a breast lift surgeon,should consult other specialists: gynecologist, therapist, mammologist and anesthesiologist.You will also need to pass a number of tests:
- general and biochemical blood test;
- blood test for diabetes;
- general urine analysis;
- analysis for hepatitis, HIV, syphilis;
- ECG;
- Breast ultrasound;
- mammography;
- fluorography.
For 14 days before surgery and for the same period after that you should not smoke, drink alcohol, take drugs that affect blood density, including oral contraceptives. You also need to give up intense physical activity. No food should be eaten immediately before the operation 12 hours before the operation. You can drink tea or water.
How is it done, is it dangerous?
How is the operation performed?Mastopexy is safe.It starts with marking the chest. The surgeon marks the incision sites and skin areas to be removed with a marker. The patient is then given an anesthetic. It can be of several types:
- intravenously;
- inhalation;
- locally.
Stages of mastopexy:
- the surgeon makes incisions along the marking;
- further forms the end result and cuts off excess skin and fat;
- if necessary, the surgeon reduces the circumference of the nipples;
- Then sutures and an antibacterial bandage are applied, drains are placed (you can read more about what sutures are and how long they are treated after surgery).
Duration of the operation from 1, 5 to 3 hours.
What happens in the postoperative period?
- The patient regains consciousness almost immediately after surgery.Chest pain begins when we recover from anesthesia. The doctor who performed the operation should advise on painkillers and antibiotics, which should be taken in the postoperative period.
- 3 days after mastopexy, the patient is observed in the hospital.If no complications occur, it is displayed. The doctor should evaluate the primary result, namely whether the sutures are starting to tighten and whether there is asymmetry. After one week, the sutures are removed.
- Swelling occurs in the first week after surgery.The chest looks like a stone. During the first month the swelling continues, bruises may appear. After 1-3 months they completely disappear, you can evaluate the result. During this time, the sutures will heal completely, the swelling and hematomas will subside.
- Corrective underwear should be worn for the first six months, which will help maintain shape, use ointments that accelerate skin regeneration. This will help to speed up the rehabilitation period.
- Also, within 6 months after the operation, you should not visit the bath, sauna,, so as not to infect the open threads. It is forbidden to go to the gym and lift weights - this contributes to the mismatch of the seams.
Patients who choose to undergo mastopexy should also be aware of possible complications. These include breast pain, bruises and hematomas, swelling at the incision site, inflammation of the tissues and loss of sensation.
Before and after photos
Below the picture you will see what a large breast looks like before and after an elevator.
Procedure costs
The price of the service depends on the type of operation, the qualification of the surgeon and the staff, the condition of the clinic. The price also includes a training program, purchase of corrective underwear, patches, anesthesia.
Mastopexy is an opportunity for every woman to feel her sexuality and attractiveness again. But before you decide on a serious step, you need to study the information about this operation, compare the positive aspects and possible risks, and only then make the final decision.
Mammoplasty is a type of surgery to correct the shape and size of the breast. The specialist changes the contour, the volume of the mammary glands, the shape of the nipples and areolas.