A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. It involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues to redefine and support the new breast contour. This procedure also aims to reposition the areola and nipple to align harmoniously with the breasts’ new shape.
Breast lift without implants
The appearance of the breasts changes throughout a woman’s life. Events such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and natural aging can lead to sagging breasts.
In the realm of breast surgery, a breast lift resolves these issues by restoring firmness. Depending on each patient’s needs, this procedure can be performed with or without breast implants.
What is a breast lift?
Why opt for a breast lift without implants?
Choosing a breast lift without implants is often preferred by women who wish to restore the firmness and elevation of their breasts without changing their size.
For patients looking to restore lost breast volume, combining a breast lift with implant placement is necessary.
Therefore, this mastopexy without implants involves removing only excess skin while leaving the breast gland intact.
Breast lift without implants: Procedure overview
A breast lift without implants is performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis or with overnight hospitalization for monitoring.
As with any breast surgery, a breast examination is mandatory: mammography and/or breast ultrasound, along with a consultation with an anesthesiologist.
The procedure typically involves incisions through which excess skin is removed and breast tissue is lifted and reshaped. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned to a more youthful height.
The specific technique used varies based on individual breast size, shape, degree of sagging, and naturally, scars will depend on the chosen technique.
Postoperative care
Rest for 8 to 10 days is often necessary, requiring temporary time off from work. After the operation, it’s common to experience pain, which can be particularly intense during the first few days. Prescription pain medication is typically sufficient to alleviate this discomfort.
Swelling and bruising are common and gradually diminish over time. As part of postoperative care, scars should be covered with a dressing, to be changed daily. Sutures are usually removed after approximately 10 days.
A supportive bra must be worn for two months following surgery (advice will be provided on selecting the appropriate compression bra). Wearing compression stockings is also recommended during the first two weeks postoperatively.
For the first month, heavy lifting should be avoided, and extensive arm movements limited for four weeks following the procedure. Intense physical exertion should also be avoided before gradually resuming sports activities. It’s advisable not to swim for six weeks and to avoid sun exposure for three months (afterward, applying sunscreen to scars is recommended).
Results
While the results of a breast lift without implants may be visible immediately after the operation, it may take a few months to appreciate the final outcome.
A breast lift without implants helps lift sagging breasts, giving them a more youthful and natural appearance. Without adding implants, the breasts retain their original size but benefit from improved shape and positioning.
DOCTOR BENJAMIN SARFATI
Specialist in breast surgery and intimate surgery
Practitioner Specialist at Cancer Control Centers, Gustave Roussy.
Member of the Henri Hartmann Breast Institute.
Founder of the Women's Surgery Center.
Founder of the international congress "Paris Breast Rendez-Vous."
Member of the scientific committee of patient associations (Europa Donna, BRCA France).
