Breast ptosis or sagging is an aesthetic problem that worries many women. She adds self-doubt and her sexuality.
If a woman is worried about this, she has embarrassment in front of her husband or boyfriend, it is worth trying a breast lift.
This procedure should not be confused with breast augmentation with implants. The lift is aimed at eliminating ptosis, giving the female breast a natural elasticity.
What is this procedure, what is it called?
A breast lift is called mastopexy.The procedure involves reshaping the mammary glands, giving them a natural elasticity and attractive appearance without the use of implants. The operation is performed with minimal surgical intervention under local or general anesthesia.
The degree of ptosis plays an important role in its choice. There are 4 degrees of the disease. Appropriate measurements are taken to make an accurate diagnosis. The degree of sagging is determined by the distance from the breast fold to the nipple.
Help!Ptosis is stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 and is measured by the distance from the breast fold to the nipple. Sagging by 1-2 cm is considered non-critical and refers to grade 1.
If the nipple is 8 cm or more below the breast fold, grade 4 ptosis is placed. Here surgeons have to cut off a large amount of skin and adipose tissue, and without general anesthesia, this will be impossible.
Readings
The skin on the chest is sensitive to any changes in the body. There is no natural muscle frame underneath to maintain its shape. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain its original form throughout life. Reasons for changing its shape are:
- A sharp increase or decrease in weight.The stretched skin on the chest after losing weight loses its elasticity and looks flabby.
- Large breast size.Breasts over 3 sizes sag under natural weight.
- Changes in the hormonal background.Lack or excess of hormones contributes to the 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 becomes empty and saggy.
- Age.The chest, which does not have muscle support, loses its elasticity before the rest of the body.
- Incorrectly fitted bra.If it does not provide adequate support, the mammary glands will sag ahead of time.
- Breastfeeding.Milk-filled mammary glands may enlarge 3-5 times. After completing breastfeeding, it returns to its original size, but not its shape.
- Congenital anomalies.Breasts may not develop properly from the time of puberty. The only way out is to correct the shape.
Another problem with breast sagging is that it is usually accompanied by stretch marks and sagging skin.
Contraindications, restrictions
Mastopexy implies surgical intervention in the body. Any operation has its own indications and contraindications. This type of operation is not prescribed in a number of cases:
- pregnancy or planning it, since all the results from the operation will fade away;
- 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 18 years of age (parental consent and medical emergencies required);
- obesity, which is a consequence of metabolic disorders and can cause complications after surgery.
Before deciding on a mastopexy, one should weigh 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 according to various 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 at its initial stage. Operational interventions help fix the problem in more advanced cases.
Endoscopic
Small areas of skin are incised in the lateral region of the breast.Endoscope and instruments are introduced through them. The tissue is excised from the inside, so surgery after the scars have healed will be invisible.
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 (circular)
During thisoperation, the doctor cuts off 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 cons, there is a possible impact on breastfeeding. Also, it is used only with 1 and 2 degrees of sagging. After surgery, some patients noted loss of nipple sensitivity.
Vertical
During surgery, the surgeon makes incisions above the breast and along 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 to shrink the nipple.
This method is used in the early stages of ptosis. It cannot be used if there are already scars on the chest. Also, it will not help with severely sagging breasts.
Anchor (T-shaped)
Indicated for severe ptosis or large breasts that cause discomfort. During theoperation, an anchor or inverted T incision is made in the chest.Next, the surgeon cuts off excess tissue, and the lower part is pulled up to the top.
The operation has a pronounced aesthetic effect, it can be repeated until the patient is satisfied with the result. The 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 in our country there are a small number of clinics with the necessary equipment.The laser can be used to lift and enlarge 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 treatments 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.
Mesothreads
If the breast has lost its former elasticity and causes internal discomfort to a woman, doctors recommend a procedure for implantation of mesothreads. It does not leave marks on the skin and has no complications.
Being in the mammary glands, thethreads gradually become overgrown with adipose tissue and create a support effect.The threads continue to work for 6-8 months, after which they completely absorb and do not require removal.
Non-surgical methods
Women with grade 1 breast sagging are advised to use non-surgical breast lift methods. They help restore skin elasticity and return the mammary glands to their previous shape:
- Myostimulation - with the help of electrical impulses sent through the connected electrodes, skin elasticity is restored and stretch marks are eliminated.
- Lipolifting - transplantation of adipose tissue from the abdomen and inner thighs to problem areas of the chest. Guaranteed 100% adipose tissue engraftment.
- 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 lift is also influenced by the degree of stretching of the breast skin, its asymmetry and size. The surgeon will assess the general condition and select the safest and most effective option for each individual case.
Preparing for plastic surgery
Before getting permission from the surgeon for a breast lift,must consult with 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 mellitus;
- general urine analysis;
- analysis for hepatitis, HIV, syphilis;
- ECG;
- Breast ultrasound;
- mammography;
- fluorography.
For 14 days before the operation and for the same period after, you must not smoke, take alcohol, drink drugs that affect the density of the blood, including oral contraceptives. You should also give up intense physical activity. Immediately before the operation, no food should be eaten 12 hours before the operation. You can drink tea or water.
How is it done, is it dangerous?
How is the operation done?Mastopexy is safe.It begins with a breast marking. The surgeon marks the incision sites and skin areas to be removed with a marker. Then the patient is given anesthesia. It can be of several types:
- intravenous;
- inhalation;
- local.
Stages of mastopexy:
- the surgeon makes incisions along the markings;
- further forms the final result and cuts off excess skin and adipose tissue;
- if necessary, the surgeon reduces the circumference of the nipples;
- After that, sutures and an antibacterial bandage are applied, drains are inserted (you can read more about what the sutures are and how long they heal after the operation).
Operation duration from 1. 5 to 3 hours.
What happens in the postoperative period?
- The patient regains consciousness almost immediately after the operation.Chest pains begin as we recover from anesthesia. The doctor who performed the operation should advise on pain relievers and antibiotics that need to be taken in the postoperative period.
- 3 days after mastopexy, the patient is observed in the hospital.If no complications arise, she is discharged. The physician should evaluate the primary result, namely, whether the stitches are starting to tighten and whether there is asymmetry. After a week, the stitches are removed.
- Edema is observed for the first week after the operation.The chest looks stone. In the first month, the swelling persists, bruises may appear. After 1-3 months, they completely disappear, you can evaluate the result. During this time, the stitches will completely heal, edema and hematomas will subside.
- Correction underwear must be worn during the first six months, which will help keep the shape, use ointments that accelerate skin regeneration. This will help to pass the rehabilitation period faster.
- Also, within 6 months after the operation, you must not visit the bathhouse, sauna,in order not to infect the open sutures. It is forbidden to go to the gym and lift weights - this contributes to the divergence of the seams.
Patients who decide to undergo mastopexy should also be aware of possible complications. These include pain in the area of the mammary glands, bruises and hematomas, swelling at the incision sites, tissue inflammation, and loss of sensitivity.
Before and after photos
Further on in the photo you will see what a large breast looks like before and after a lift.
Procedure cost
The cost of the service depends on the type of operation, the qualifications of the surgeon and staff, the status 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 deciding on a serious step, you should 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, volume of the mammary glands, the shape of the nipples and areolas.