Breast uplift or reshaping surgery, also known as mastopexy, is becoming increasingly popular due to advancements in cosmetic surgery and the rising demand from women seeking to restore a tighter and more attractive breast appearance.
Candidates for Breast Uplift Surgery
- Women who have breastfed and developed loose, sagging breasts.
- Women who experience loose breasts after multiple pregnancies.
- Women with loose breast skin following significant weight loss.
- Women who underwent bariatric surgery, resulting in saggy and loose breasts.
- Women concerned about loose breasts due to aging or partner foreplay.
- Women experiencing loose skin and reduced breast tissue size with age.
Loose or sagging breasts can lead to reduced confidence, psychological distress, back pain, neck pain, and even infections in skin folds. These issues often prompt women to consult a plastic surgeon.
Types of Breast Looseness (Grades of Ptosis)
When breast tissues and skin hang below their normal position, it is referred to as ptosis. Ptosis is classified into:
1. Mild Ptosis
- The breast skin is loose, but the nipple remains above the inframammary fold.
2. Moderate Ptosis
- The breast becomes looser, and the nipple is at the level of the inframammary fold.
3. Severe Ptosis
- The breast tissue is significantly loose, and the nipple is positioned below the inframammary fold.
Treatment Options Based on Ptosis
Grade 1 Ptosis
- Treated with a crescent or circumareolar incision, allowing a breast lift of 1-3 cm.
- Scars remain hidden at the junction of the nipple-areola complex and breast skin.
Grade 2 Ptosis
- Requires a circumvertical incision (around the areola and downward).
- Allows for a breast lift of 4-8 cm.
Grade 3 Ptosis
- Requires an inverted T incision (around the areola, downward, and along the inframammary fold).
- Suitable for cases with excessive loose skin.
Consultation and Preparation
During the consultation:
- Detailed medical history is reviewed, including diabetes, hypertension, smoking habits, and medications.
- A thorough examination is conducted to assess:
- Breast size, shape, and looseness.
- Nipple-areola complex position and asymmetry.
- Chest deformities and inframammary fold position.
- Techniques, their pros and cons, and recovery are discussed.
- Fitness blood tests are performed, and family planning is considered.
Procedure
Breast reshaping surgery is performed under general anesthesia:
- Marking is done in a standing position for the incision and new nipple-areola position.
- The patient is prepared and draped in a supine position.
- Skin is de-epithelialized, and the vascular pedicle (for nipple blood supply) is raised.
- Excess skin is removed, and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned.
- Symmetry between both breasts is ensured, tissue is approximated, and skin is closed.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
- The patient is observed in recovery for 1-2 hours and kept in the hospital for one day.
- Painkillers and antibiotics are prescribed.
- Bed rest is recommended for 2-3 days, with gradual movement encouraged.
- A sports bra is advised for support.
- Swelling and bruising subside within 7-10 days.
- Full results are visible after two months.
Benefits of Breast Reshaping Surgery
- Uplifted breast position.
- Elimination of loose, hanging skin.
- Increased confidence and partner satisfaction.
- Improved body symmetry and attractiveness.
- Relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain.
- Reduced risk of fold infections.
- Long-lasting results (8-10 years).
Potential Side Effects
- Swelling, bruising, and pain.
- Altered nipple sensation.
- Visible scars or hypertrophic scars.
- Infection or wound dehiscence.
- Rare complications like compromised nipple blood supply.
Cost of Surgery
The cost varies from PKR 125,000 to PKR 300,000, depending on the technique used. Breast reshaping can also be combined with reduction surgery or augmentation (silicone implants or fat transfer).