Which patients need a mastopexy
The aim of mastopexy is to correct breasts that have descended (breast ptosis) and lost tone. The breast is reshaped, restoring a proper form and position.
Breast ptosis is a natural event that appears over the years due to the breast’s ongoing changes. In some women, however, it can be more pronounced and occur earlier. Causes include family predisposition, significant weight loss, or pregnancy—especially with prolonged breastfeeding.
Breast ptosis can also occur in young women who experienced a rapid increase in breast size during puberty (macromastia). This excessive, rapid stretching of the breast skin is often followed by an equally rapid regression and, consequently, descent.
Ptosis noticeably affects the breast’s aesthetics: the breasts progressively slide downward, flatten, and lose projection and shape.
The cosmetic procedure that corrects this condition is mastopexy.
How mastopexy surgery works
The surgical approach varies according to the degree of correction required. Skin incisions may be limited to the border of the areola or extend to the inframammary fold, where they remain discreetly concealed.
The final appearance of scars depends on individual healing characteristics and can only be broadly anticipated based on skin type, complexion, any medical conditions, and certain lifestyle habits.
Alongside lifting and repositioning, mastopexy can also increase breast volume by placing a suitable implant. This combined procedure—often requested when volume loss accompanies ptosis after major weight loss or pregnancy—is called augmentation mastopexy (mastopexy with implants).
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with one day of hospitalization.
