Recovery Fast
At our clinic we have been using this surgical method for over 10 years, with experience and results proven by the low percentage of complications.
Our aim is for recovery to be as comfortable and quick as possible, but always prioritising safety and low complications.
More important than recovering quickly is that everything goes smoothly, without any avoidable complications.
What is Mastopexy with implants?
Mastopexy with implants is a procedure that involves lifting the breast using prostheses. In these cases, along with the complaint of sagging breasts, excess skin, etc., women also complain of a lack of volume.
Mastopexy with prostheses combines the technique of lifting the breast with the placement of breast implants (lifting and augmenting the breast), allowing for a fuller neckline than mastopexy without prostheses.
The aim of the surgery is to reshape and lift the sagging breast using breast implants, thus giving the breast consistency. There are various degrees of breast ptosis, related both to the position of the nipple and to the distribution and position of the mammary gland. These two aspects - nipple and gland - need to be properly assessed and intervened upon when necessary.
Factors that can cause
breast sagging:
- Breast size: when the breast is very large, due to its weight, it will have a greater tendency to sag. In these cases, a breast reduction is indicated;
- Weight loss/weight fluctuations: in these cases, the breast becomes more empty and tends to sag. Weight fluctuations are associated with flabbier skin and stretch marks, which is why women are very uncomfortable with their appearance.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: there are no greater changes to a woman's body than those brought about by pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, there is a progressive enlargement of the breast, which is accentuated after the birth with the rise of milk and the breastfeeding phase. Often, after breastfeeding and regaining pre-pregnancy weight(s), the breasts become more deflated and drooping, which is often a problem for self-esteem.
Why choose us for your Mastopexy with Implants?
- We are one of the clinics in Portugal with the most experience in Mastopexy with Implants;
- We're a female 100% team, which allows us to communicate from women to women;
- Natural results in line with each patient's expectations;
- Our patients speak for themselves, we are the clinic in Portugal with the most testimonials;
- We applied the Rapid Recovery, in all mastopexy surgeries with prostheses.
- We have developed a “No-Pain” anaesthesia technique, which allows for high comfort in the post-operative period;
- We offer dedicated support, available 24 hours a day in the post-operative period.
- We show our results live, both on television and on social media.
Mastopexy with or without implants?
If you want a very full and pronounced neckline, then the solution is to have implants. Although the upper part of the breast will also be raised and lifted in mastopexy without prostheses, implants will give a more pronounced “cleavage effect”.
However, when a woman has enough breast, she has to weigh up the disadvantages of having an implant, since there are no lifetime implants and implants are associated with more revision surgeries.
The benefits of implants
Polyurethane in Mastopexy
In our clinic, we mostly use polyurethane-coated implants for this type of surgery. The great advantage of polyurethane is that it allows the implant to adhere more firmly to the tissues, so the implants stay in the desired position for longer and take longer to fall out.
Procedure Mastopexy with Implants
1. Counselling
The first step in your mastopexy consultation is to share with the medical team your expectations of the surgery and the result you want to achieve.
2. Simulation with Vectra 3D
In some cases, it is possible to carry out a simulation, which will give you an idea of the result that can be achieved with the surgery. The simulation can be carried out with implants of different sizes and shapes.
3. Detailed explanation
During the consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be outlined and the risks of surgery, pre- and post-operative care and the results you can expect will also be explained. It's very important that you feel confident about the decision you've made. We are always available to review all decisions so that you feel 100% comfortable with your decision.
4. Presentation of the Rapid Recovery protocol
At our clinic, we apply the Rapid Recovery / 24h Recovery in all mastopexy surgeries without prostheses, allowing the patient to have a comfortable, short and mobile recovery hours after surgery.
5. Budget
After the medical consultation, you will be given an exact quote for your mastopexy with prostheses, according to the surgical plan that has been drawn up, and you will be able to book the date of your surgery.
6. Psychological assessment
For us, your well-being and mental health are a priority. Therefore, before the surgery we carry out a psychological assessment to ensure that you have the necessary conditions to undergo the procedure and that you are aware of the impact it could have on your life.
What results can I expect
after a Mastopexy with Implants?
- A rounder, more natural-looking breast: the mammary gland is repositioned to a higher position than before and excess skin is removed. The implants increase the volume and give the breast a rounder shape. Patients who have this surgery report feeling rejuvenated and more self-confident;
- Improved breast symmetry: asymmetry is a common feature, especially after breastfeeding, and can in some cases be improved through a combination of surgical techniques/implants of different sizes;
- Fuller neckline: breast implants are an excellent option for women who, as well as wanting to increase their breast size, also want a fuller, more pronounced neckline.
Type of Anaesthesia
Mastopexy with implants is performed under sedation and local anaesthesia. Sedation is administered intravenously by the anaesthetist so that the patient falls asleep and doesn't notice anything during the surgery. Local anaesthetics are then injected into the area to be operated on, leading to a loss of sensitivity to pain. As the patient is already asleep, she won't feel the stings. The patient will continue to breathe on her own, as if she were sound asleep. The anaesthetist will be present throughout the operation to ensure the patient's comfort and safety, and will wake her up at the end of the operation before she is transferred to recovery.
Type of Incision - Scar
In mastopexy with prostheses, there are three types of scar (depending on the degree of sagging of the breast):
Circumareolar scar
The circumareolar scar is indicated for cases of mild sagging, in which a small amount of skin needs to be removed. The incision is made around the areola.
Vertical Scar
This type of scar achieves a higher degree of breast lift than the scar around the areola and is therefore suitable for mild to moderate degrees of sagging.
T-inverted scar
Anchor-shaped, it involves an incision around the areola, a vertical line from the areola to the inframammary fold and a horizontal line along the fold. The T-Scar is indicated for cases of more pronounced sagging.
3D simulation Mastopexy with Prostheses
We were the first clinic in Portugal to make real-time simulation available to our patients.
Vectra XT 3D is revolutionary software that makes it possible to visualise the before and after of breast augmentation in real time, allowing patients to get an idea of the results they can achieve with different types and sizes of silicone prostheses, thus managing their expectations in a more realistic way.
What's more, if there is any doubt about the size or shape, during the surgery it is possible to determine which implant is best for that particular woman, as there are moulds available, the “sizers”. Sizers are moulds similar to real breast implants, which can be tried on during surgery in order to predict the best result.
Mastopexy with implants step-by-step
MARKING THE STANDING PATIENT
When the patient is standing, it is possible to correctly visualise the position of the breast and the exact place where the incision will be made.
SEDATION
Breast augmentation is usually performed under local anaesthesia and sedation. Sedation is administered intravenously by the anaesthetist, who will be present throughout the surgery.
DISINFECTION AND PLACEMENT OF SURGICAL DRAPES
The entire chest area is disinfected with antiseptic solutions to reduce the risk of infection. Operating drapes are placed to isolate the area to be operated on from the external environment.
LOCAL ANAESTHETIC
Injection of local anaesthetic: as the patient is already sedated, she won't feel the injections or any pain during the surgery.
THE INCISIONS
The incision is made according to the previously chosen technique: inframammary, periareolar or transaxillary.
INCISION CLOSURE
The incisions are closed in planes using absorbable thread. The patient is then seated on the couch to check the result and symmetry.
SURGICAL GLUE
The surgical glue seals the skin, requires no dressings and gradually falls off after 15 days. The patient can shower as the scar is completely isolated.
RECOVERY
After waking up, the patient is taken to recovery where the surgical bra and compression band are put on. Discharge is expected 6 to 8 hours after surgery.
Post-surgical follow-up
After discharge, our team is available to answer any questions you may have. In the post-operative period, you should have manual lymphatic drainage, wear a compression bra and be observed by our team.
Preparation for Mastopexy with Prostheses
Before Surgery
- Do not take aspirin or any anticoagulant medication two weeks before surgery. On the day of your appointment, you must inform the medical team of any medication you take or any medical condition you suffer from.
- Do not smoke for a fortnight before and after surgery as nicotine consumption compromises tissue oxygenation, negatively affecting healing.
- If you catch a cold or become ill in the days before surgery, you should inform your medical team immediately.
- Read all the documentation you've been given a few days before the surgery as there may be some questions.
- If you have babies or young children, organise your routines in advance, you'll need help at home during the first few days.
- Do you have any questions about the surgery, preparation or post-operative period of mastopexy with implants? Don't wait until the day of your surgery and ask all your questions first.
Surgery Day
- The day before and the day of surgery you should eat light meals that don't cause indigestion. You should fast for 8 hours - do not eat or drink any liquid, including water.
- Bathe with the prescribed antiseptic gel the day before and the day of surgery.
- No jewellery or watches, no make-up or nail polish.
- Bring comfortable clothes to wear when you are discharged - preferably with buttons or zips to avoid raising your arms.
- After discharge, you cannot go home alone or drive. If you don't have someone to drive you home, you must inform us before the day of the operation.
Recovery and post-operative care
- Rest and avoid physical exertion.
- Take the prescribed medication.
- Comply with the physiotherapy programme (lymphatic drainage).
- Do not drive for 8 days.
- Wear the surgical bra for 30 days.
- Use the band for 15 days.
- Avoid smoking.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
- Attend all review appointments.
- If you live more than 60 minutes' drive from Lisbon, you must stay overnight at the clinic or choose accommodation closer to the clinic, accompanied by a family member. Our team will be happy to help with your logistics.
Benefits Mastopexy with Implants
Mastopexy with prostheses, also known as augmentation mastopexy, combines the benefits of a breast lift and breast augmentation in a single surgical procedure - it lifts the sagging breast and increases its size. Some of the main benefits include:
- One surgery instead of two;
- A period of recovery;
- An anaesthetic;
- A breast lift combined with a mastopexy provides a harmonious and natural result for patients with sagging and empty breasts.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Mastopexy with implants
Is Mastopexy with implants a safe surgery?
Any surgery has associated risks and mastopexy is no exception. However, mastopexy is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with a very low complication rate.
What is the price of Mastopexy with implants (in Lisbon or Porto)?
The price of a mastopexy with prostheses, whether carried out in Lisbon or Porto, depends on the initial state of the breast, the complexity of the procedure and the type of implants placed. After the diagnostic medical consultation, a treatment plan and the exact cost of the surgery will be presented.
Is it better with or without implants?
There is no right answer to this question because each case is different. If you're happy with the size of your breasts and just want to lift them, you may be suitable for a mastopexy without prostheses. If your breasts are sagging and empty and you want a more pronounced neckline, mastopexy with implants may be the best option.
Are breast implants lifelong?
Nowadays, breast implants are manufactured to last for many years, but a woman wishing to have a mastopexy with implants should weigh up the disadvantages as there are no lifetime implants and they are associated with more revision surgeries.
Can I have Mastopexy with implants before I get pregnant?
Ideally, mastopexy should be performed after pregnancies, when you don't intend to have any more children. However, sagging or deflated breasts are a major cause of low self-esteem in younger women. In these cases, you have to weigh up the emotional benefit and improved self-esteem against the risk of needing further surgery after pregnancies.
Can I breastfeed after a mastopexy with implants?
Most women who have a mastopexy with prostheses and become pregnant after the surgery are able to breastfeed their babies. However, there is some risk of interference with breastfeeding, so you should always talk to your plastic surgeon about this.
Can I continue to have mammograms after surgery?
Yes, you can and should continue to do so. Mammography is still the recommended screening test, although you can also have an MRI when necessary. Before having a mammogram, you should always let them know that you have breast implants so that they can be careful with compression during the examination.
Are there more risks of breast cancer in women with implants?
Where necessary, drains are placed and removed after 24 to 48 hours.
What are the risks and complications of breast augmentation?
There are no studies showing an association between breast implants and breast cancer. Implants are used in reconstructive breast surgery after cancer. Breast cancer appears in women with implants as well as in women without them. The most important thing is to carry out self-palpation and screening tests.
What brands of breast implants are used?
The brands of prostheses used at the LMR Plastic Surgery Clinic are Mentor, Polytech and Eurosilicone.
Can the breast sag again after a mastopexy with implants?
Mastopexy does not stop the natural ageing process. Over the years, the breast can undergo changes due to the normal loss of skin elasticity, weight fluctuations and future pregnancies/breastfeeding. At our clinic, we mostly use polyurethane implants for mastopexies because they allow the implant to adhere more firmly to the tissues and take longer to fall out. For long-lasting results, we also recommend maintaining your weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising and wearing a bra every day.
How long can I wear a bra with underwires?
During the 30 days following surgery, you should always wear the surgical bra. After this time, you can wear a bra with underwires as long as you feel comfortable.
Will the scar disappear?
The scars are permanent, but over time they become thinner and lighter. The final result of a scar is expected after 12/18 months and its final appearance depends on the patient's genetic characteristics and post-operative care.
Will I need drains?
The use of drains is of the utmost importance as they help to eliminate the fluids that accumulate in the breast. They are placed whenever necessary and are usually removed after 24/48 hours.
What are the risks and complications of mastopexy with prostheses?
Will I feel pain?
Recovery from mastopexy with implants is generally well tolerated. Moderate pain, tiredness, discomfort and swelling are to be expected. Rest and taking the prescribed medication will help relieve discomfort.
Will my breasts be swollen for a long time?
Post-operative swelling is normal and can be expected during the first three months due to oedema. Physiotherapy/lymphatic drainage sessions are very important in the recovery process, as they help the body eliminate excess fluids, which are responsible for post-operative swelling.
