Find out everything about the before and after of a Breast Lift

Mastopexy: the before and after

Many women choose to have a breast lift due to changes in the shape and position of their breasts caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing or weight loss. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the before and after of a Mastopexy, from the reasons that lead to the surgery, to the results achieved.

Reasons for performing a Breast Lift

Breast Lift, also known as Mastopexy is a surgical procedure that aims to correct sagging and drooping breasts, returning a younger and firmer appearance to the chest.

There are several reasons why women choose to have a Mastopexy. Many women feel ashamed or afraid to wear certain clothes that show off their breasts more, feel bad when looking in the mirror with the sagging appearance of their breasts and, in some more extreme cases, even avoid running or practicing high-intensity exercise due to the discomfort they feel with the swaying of their breasts. In addition, sagging breasts can cause physical discomfort, such as back pain and irritation to the skin under the breasts.

Over time, our bodies age and lose their firmness and elasticity. Increased sagging in the breast area leads to breast ptosis. In addition to the natural aging process of the skin, there are some factors that can accelerate this process such as:

breast changes during pregnancy;
breastfeeding;
considerable weight loss.

In such cases, Breast Lift can be an effective and long-lasting solution to restore the firmness, appearance and proper position of the breasts, providing a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life, her relationship with her body and her self-esteem and confidence.

Breast lift: the procedure

Mastopexy involves removing excess skin from the breasts, repositioning the breast tissue and elevating the nipples and areolas. The plastic surgeon makes an incision around the areola and in some cases also along the vertical line below the areola and in the fold below the breast. These incisions allow the surgeon to reshape and reposition the breast tissue to achieve a firmer, rejuvenated result.

In the case of women with sagging breasts and little breast volume, it may be necessary to perform a Mastopexy with breast implants, to lift and increase the size of the breasts and obtain a fuller neckline.

Mastopexy without implants, on the other hand, is usually indicated for those looking for a breast lift result without a pronounced cleavage. By removing excess skin, the size of the breast decreases, but still maintains a proportional and satisfactory volume for the patient, not requiring the placement of implants.

Mastopexy without implants, sometimes known as reduction mastopexy, is sought by women who are bothered by sagging and excessive breast size. In these cases, a breast lift effect is achieved, combined with a reduction in breast volume.

What to expect before a Breast Lift

Before undergoing a Mastopexy, it is essential to consult a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will assess your breasts, discuss your expectations and explain in detail the procedure and what the expected results are.

At this stage of the process, it is important to communicate all of your concerns, wishes and medical history to the surgeon so that they can take all of these into consideration when planning the most appropriate approach for your specific case.

In addition, you will be asked to undergo preoperative tests such as blood tests, chest X-rays and mammograms.

What to expect after a Breast Lift

In the first few days after surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling and tenderness in the breasts. These effects vary from case to case, and will disappear over time. At this stage, it is important to rest, eat well, and allow the body to recover. Most patients usually return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks.

Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medications for you to help minimize pain and promote a more comfortable recovery. You should carefully follow the post-operative instructions given to you by the medical team, which may include wearing a surgical bra for the first few weeks after surgery as well as avoiding strenuous physical activity.

Breast Lift Results

Breas Lift results are visible immediately after surgery. Although there is some swelling, the increase in firmness and the lifting of the breast are quite noticeable right after the surgery. However, it is important to keep in mind that the breasts will go through a healing process and the swelling will gradually disappear. Over time, the scars will tend to fade and become less visible.

There are several factors that can influence the quality of the outcome of a Mastopexy. We highlight some of these factors:

• Choice of plastic surgeon: the competence and experience of the plastic surgeon are crucial factors in achieving quality results. It is essential to choose a certified surgeon, with proven training and specific experience in this type of procedure. Check the professional history, examine previous cases and consult recommendations from other patients to be able to make an informed decision;

• Clear communication and realistic expectations: it is essential to establish open and honest communication with your plastic surgeon before undergoing surgery. In the initial consultations, our patients present their concerns, wishes and expectations regarding Mastopexy, and our medical team clarifies any doubts you may have, provides clear guidance on what is possible to achieve with the surgery, and explains the limits and risks of the surgery, to ensure that the final result meets the desired outcome;

• Proper assessment and surgical planning: At LMR, prior to performing Mastopexy, we perform a thorough evaluation of your case, taking into consideration the amount of skin to be removed, the position of the nipples and the symmetry of the breasts. Based on this assessment, we design a customized surgical plan to meet your specific needs;

• Appropriate surgical technique: there are different approaches to perform a Mastopexy, and the choice of the appropriate technique depends on the individual characteristics of the breasts and your goals/desires. A precise and careful surgical technique is key to ensure that the surgery goes safely and to achieve a harmonious result;

• Post-operative care: proper care in the post-operative period plays a very important role in the quality of the outcome. It is essential to follow all the instructions provided by the medical team for a safe and more comfortable recovery. At LMR, we have been using the Rapid Recovery technique in all breast surgeries, including Mastopexy, for over 10 years. Although the vast majority of our patients are able to carry out their daily activities shortly after surgery, we advise some restraint in the postoperative period. Many of our patients have small children or professional activities that require some physical effort and we recommend that they count on a week of recovery. Compliance with all the guidelines given, as well as scheduled postoperative appointments are essential to monitor your progress and ensure a good outcome.

It is important to emphasize that each case is unique and that the final result of Mastopexy may vary according to the individual characteristics of the woman. Therefore, it is essential to have realistic expectations and trust in the knowledge and skill of the plastic surgeon to achieve the best possible results.

Breast Lift results can be long-lasting, but it is important to understand that there are factors, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging and weight changes, that can affect the appearance of the breasts over time. However, Mastopexy provides a significant improvement in the shape, position and firmness of the breasts, leading to increased self-esteem and personal satisfaction.

Luísa Magalhães Ramos - Plastic Surgery is a plastic surgery clinic recognized for offering its patients excellent plastic surgery treatments, in a personalized and safe way, achieving natural results that meet the expectations of each patient. At LMR, you will find a safe, pleasant and welcoming environment, with special attention to your individual needs.

Visit our page dedicated to Breast Lift with Implants or Breast Lift without Implants to learn more about the procedure you want to perform and get to know examples of cases before and after Breast Lift at LMR. In case of doubt, we have a team of medical specialists ready to receive you. Schedule your evaluation appointment now, filling this form.

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Important note:

In case this article presents before and after photos please consider them merely demonstrative and may not serve as a reference for your particular case. These images are only to show possible results for one or several surgical procedures. The images we use are of patients who have consented to their use. Any images do not represent a guarantee of results.

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Find out everything about the before and after of a Breast Lift

Sobre a Médica Especialista
Dr. Luísa Magalhães Ramos / Plastic Surgery

PORTUGUESE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, Nr. 42810

Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, she specialized in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, at Hospital de São José, in Lisbon.

Throughout her training, she subspecialized in aesthetic plastic surgery, having worked in world-renowned clinics.

Currently, she is mainly dedicated to face and breast aesthetic plastic surgery and to intimate female surgery.