Breast ptosis correction

Breast ptosis correction surgery, also known as mastopexy or breast lift surgery, addresses the sagging of the breasts. Over time, breasts tend to lose their firmness and shape, with the areola often drooping downward, a condition exacerbated by pregnancy or breastfeeding—known as breast ptosis. This results in an empty appearance of the cleavage and varying degrees of excess skin. Breast lift surgery effectively lifts and reshapes the breasts.

Ptosis is confirmed when the areola and nipple are at or below the level of the inframammary fold, typically noticeable from the side profile. Some patients may experience breast ptosis at a young age, while for others, it develops gradually. It’s not possible to correct breast ptosis without scars; excess skin necessitates their removal.

In cases of mild ptosis, breast implants alone may suffice. During your consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, the best technique will be determined based on your body type. These scars are generally discreet and can be further improved with laser treatment if necessary.

Ptosis correction surgery can also be performed without implants by solely removing excess skin to lift the breasts.

1. Breast ptosis surgery or breast lift without implants

When there is sufficient volume, additional volume with an implant is unnecessary. Simply tightening the skin and concentrating the gland provides a fuller, more youthful appearance to the breast. This mastopexy is performed without implants by removing excess skin while leaving the mammary gland intact.

2. Breast ptosis surgery or breast lift with implants

Sometimes, breast volume is insufficient, or the patient desires more pronounced cleavage. In such cases, a mastopexy with implants is necessary. The implant adds volume to enhance breast shape and cleavage. Breast lift with implants is a more technically demanding procedure. During consultation with your cosmetic surgeon, external breast implants will be used to accurately determine the required implant size.

Occasionally, when breast ptosis is minimal, a breast lift can be achieved solely with implants, avoiding the need for skin tightening (and additional scars on the breast); this is referred to as ‘scarless breast ptosis surgery,’ although minimal scarring is necessary to place the breast implant.

3. Types of scars for breast ptosis correction surgery

Depending on the severity of breast ptosis, a breast lift procedure results in varying degrees of scarring. Currently, it’s not feasible to perform breast ptosis surgery without scars, but these scars can be very discreet.

Scarring from a breast lift may include:

• Around the areola for mild breast ptosis corrections
• Around the areola and vertically for moderate breast ptosis corrections
• Around the areola, vertically, and in an inverted T-shape (or anchor) for severe breast ptosis corrections

The number of scars required for a breast lift will be determined during consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

Breast lift surgery with or without implants is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. Patients typically arrive in the morning at the clinic. Depending on the case, they can either return home the same evening (ambulatory surgery) or stay overnight and leave the following day.

Generally, the breast lift technique used by Dr. Benjamin Sarfati avoids the use of drains (tubes).

After breast ptosis correction, wearing a compression bra for one month is necessary. Pain is typically moderate and well managed with common pain relievers.

The cost of a breast lift varies depending on the technique used (with or without implants) and the extent of the procedure required.

If a mastopexy is performed with implants, the price will be higher than without implants. The cost of a pair of implants ranges between 550 and 650 euros. Generally, breast lift surgery is not covered by social security. It may be reimbursed by health insurance if combined with breast reduction, removing more than 300g per breast. During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon can determine if you qualify for reimbursement.

The price of a breast lift can range between 3500 and 6500 euros. This includes surgeon’s fees, clinic costs, operating room fees, and post-operative cosmetic surgery consultations.

The price may also vary based on the number of necessary scars for breast ptosis surgery.

If laser treatment (URGOTOUCH) for scars is included in a mastopexy, the price may be slightly higher (between 600 and 900 euros).