SURGERY FOR BREAST PTOSIS OR MASTOPEXY Mastopexy photo

SURGERY FOR BREAST PTOSIS OR MASTOPEXY

Breast ptosis is defined by a subsidence of the gland and distension of the surrounding skin (sagging breasts). The breast is in too low a position and the upper breast is often "flat" or "empty".

Ptosis can be as of puberty (congenital ptosis of breast hypertrophies or of "mammary malformations": for example tuberous breasts). Breast ptosis occurs most often, however, after a large weight loss or during a pregnancy with lactation.

>There are basically 3 cases according to the volume of the breasts:

1. The volume of the breasts is pleasing: the procedure consists of a mastopexy (breast lift to elevate the breasts). 

2.The volume of the breasts is insufficient: the procedure consists of a mastopexy combined with a breast augmentation using breast prostheses. For small ptoses (breasts that are beginning to sag) and when volume is insufficient, correction is possible by breast augmentation using breast prostheses without a mastopexy incision.

3.The volume of the breasts is excessive: in such cases of breast hypertrophy, the procedure consists of a breast reduction.

The choice of technique is assessed by your surgeon depending on your anatomical characteristics and your possible desire to also undergo a breast augmentation.

PROCEDURE MODALITIES

Hospitalization: One night’s hospitalization
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
Duration: 2 to 3 hours

PRINCIPLES

A breast lift for breast ptosis consists of reshaping the breast by acting on the skin pocket and the glandular tissue. 
Breast remodelling: the gland is regrouped and placed in its correct position. 
Concentration of the skin to elevate the breasts: next the skin pocket must be adapted, which involves removing the excess skin so as to ensure a nice, harmonious shape to the new breast.

The length of the scars will vary according to the degree of ptosis:

1. Severe ptosis: inverted T (or “anchor”) scar, that is to say periareolar, vertical and inframammary.

2. Moderate degree of ptosis: periareolar and vertical.

3. Minor degree of ptosis: periareolar or with no mastopexy scar if a breast augmentation using breast prostheses is considered

POST SURGERY

Oedema (swelling): 2 months
Ecchymosis (bruising): 7 to 15 days
A little pain, discomfort when raising the arms: 7 to 15 days
The vast majority of sutures are not visible as they are below the skin and are reabsorbable. Some sutures will require removing from each areola on the 15^th day

The wearing of a brassiere: 6 weeks
Convalescence: 7 to 15 days
No driving: 7 days
No sport: 4 weeks

Visible shape after 3 months: immediately after the procedure, the upper breasts are deliberately very inflated and the lower breasts a little flat giving them a little natural look. They adopt their shape within 2 to 3 months. 

Definitive shape after 1 year
Scarring is deemed definitive after 1 year
Problems of sensitivity of the breasts are common and temporary. They improve after 6 months to 1 year.

HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

Only ptoses due to breast hypertrophy or malformation (tuberous breasts) are reimbursed by health insurance.