Treatment of breast ptosis by breast lift

Age, weight changes and pregnancy can influence the shape of the breasts, causing them to gradually sag. This is known as breast ptosis, or sagging breasts, when the mammary gland falls towards the lower part under the effect of gravity.

A simple test can be used to determine whether or not ptosis exists, the pencil test: a pencil placed in the submammary fold that does not fall out can confirm the diagnosis of sagging breasts.

Two factors play a key role in breast ptosis:

• sagging skin and supporting connective tissue, which loses collagen fibers and therefore tone; this can also occur in distended tissue after major weight loss or yo-yo dieting.
• the weight of breast tissue, which can increase for hormonal reasons (hypertrophy of breast tissue with pregnancy, breast-feeding, etc.) or weight-related reasons (hypertrophy of adipose tissue with excess fat).

Fortunately, this unsightly problem can be remedied with mastopexy or breast lift, an aesthetic surgical procedure that reshapes and lifts the breasts, while eliminating excess skin. This procedure can also be combined with the fitting of breast prostheses, to harmonize the appearance of the breasts and enhance their shape.

As this is a purely cosmetic operation, it is not covered by Social Security, and it is essential to allow for a period of 7 to 15 days of downtime afterwards.

Before the operation, a medical consultation with Dr. Christelle Santini allows you to express your needs and find the best answers to your questions. It will also be an opportunity for her to examine your breasts in detail, in order to suggest the treatment best suited to your morphology and the degree of your ptosis.

Her examination will be both clinical, to assess the extent and cause of breast ptosis, and aesthetic, by integrating the design of your bust and silhouette.

Medical photographs are used to better illustrate the expected result, depending on the techniques proposed.
It is also possible to undergo breast augmentation surgery with implants or lipofilling, or even a small breast reduction if you wish.

As a precautionary measure, Dr. Santini recommends mammography, ultrasound and a pre-operative blood test prior to any breast ptosis surgery.

In addition, patients must meet the anaesthetist no later than 48 hours before the procedure, so that the latter can carry out additional tests if necessary.

On the big day, it is essential to wear a compression bra, prescribed by the surgeon, which must be worn for 6 weeks, day and night.

Finally, Dr. Santini will detail the main pre-op recommendations before breast lift surgery, such as:

• Do not take any medication containing aspirin in the 10 days prior to surgery, with the advice of your cardiologist if necessary;
• Stop taking oral contraceptives 1 month before surgery to reduce the risk of thromboembolism;
• Stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after surgery to facilitate healing and avoid postoperative infection;
• Fasting (no eating, drinking or smoking) 6 hours before the operation.

The breast lift is performed under general anesthesia and requires a 24-hour hospital stay, including 1 night post-op to check your state of health and recovery. In some cases, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, i.e. you can return home the same day.

The scars from a breast lift will depend on the approach, which Dr. Santini marks on your bust with a surgical marker just before the procedure.

There are three possible scars, depending on the surgical procedure required, which will be explained to you during the initial consultation:

• The periareolar breast lift scar called the "round block" that surrounds the areola: this may be sufficient in some cases.
• The vertical mastopexy scar that runs up from the submammary fold to the lower part of the areola: it often looks unsightly for 2 months after the operation, while the breast returns to its natural shape, but smoothes out over time.
• The additional horizontal scar along the sub-breast fold, always accompanied by a vertical scar (inverted T or anchor scar). The length of this scar, often a source of concern, depends on the initial morphology of the breasts: the lower the breasts and the wider their base, the longer the scar.

If the scar is a source of discomfort, Dr. Santini offers sessions of the UrgoTouch laser laser sessions to significantly reduce their appearance.

A meticulous surgical procedure involves raising the areola and nipple to concentrate and reposition them, with resection of the excess skin and symmetrical remodelling of the glandular tissue.

Drains and a compression bandage usually complete the breast lift. The operating time for the cure of breast ptosis is 1h30 to 3h.

Suction drains will be fitted to minimize the risk of hematoma. These will be removed at the same time as the dressing, on final discharge.

Instead, Dr Santini will apply a lighter dressing, complemented by the compression bra. To ensure your safety, your surgeon will recommend that a family member accompany you home.

Even if the stitches are resorbable, you will need to see Dr. Santini several times in the office to assess the results and monitor the progress of the procedure.

A first visit is often scheduled between D7 and D10.

You will be able to resume sport approximately 1 month after the operation.

The results of a breast lift are immediately visible. The breasts are fuller, firmer and symmetrically positioned higher up. The whole bust becomes more toned and sensual.

However, you'll need to wait around 6 months to appreciate the final result of your breast lift, while the swelling and bruising subside, and between 12 and 18 months to see the final appearance of the scars.

To minimize the appearance of scars, Dr. Santini may use a healing laser at the end of the operation. Don't hesitate to ask her for advice during your consultation to find out whether this laser may be indicated in your case.

In some cases, insensitivity of the areola may occur following breast ptosis treatment. This may be temporary or permanent.

The scar should be protected from UV rays for 6 to 12 months, until it fades and becomes virtually invisible.

Although a breast lift has no influence on mammography screening for breast cancer, it is advisable to perform a mammogram following surgery, to serve as a reference.

It is also recommended not to become pregnant in the year following the operation, to avoid damaging the aesthetic result.

Breastfeeding after breast ptosis treatment is usually possible, but cannot be guaranteed.

You should expect to be out of work for 7 to 10 days after the operation, and no sick leave will be prescribed for this type of procedure.

• Correction of breast ptosis with or without modification of breast volume
• Possibility of associated breast implants for breast augmentation or reduction of breast gland volume
• Possibility of associated lipofilling for augmentation
• Mastopexy often indicated after massive weight loss, breastfeeding, pregnancy.

The correction of breast ptosis (breast lift) is used to lift and firm sagging breasts, usually after major weight loss, pregnancy or simply as a result of aging. Immediate results are visible immediately after the operation, but the final result stabilizes in 3 to 6 months.

This procedure offers results that can last for years, especially if a healthy lifestyle is maintained. Discover how this surgery can restore youthfulness and firmness to your breasts, through before and after results.

What to do before breast lift or breast ptosis surgery?

• 1 to 2 plastic surgery consultations with a quote and photographs. A 15-day cooling-off period is mandatory.
• Consultation with anaesthetist, blood test, mammogram +/- breast ultrasound as appropriate
• Stop smoking at least 1 month before, stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs 10 days before a breast lift or breast ptosis treatment.

How is a breast lift or breast ptosis treatment carried out?

• Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
• 2 to 2.5 hours for a breast lift or breast ptosis treatment, depending on the extent of the problem and the associated procedures.
• Anatomopathological analysis of the removed gland if necessary
• Return home the day after the mastopexy or breast lift, or sometimes the same day.

What is the post-operative course of a breast lift or mastopexy?

• The threads used are absorbable.
• Follow-up consultation with Dr Santini 7 days to 10 days after a breast lift or breast ptosis treatment.
• Allow 7 to 10 days of professional downtime.
• Wear a medical support bra for at least 4 weeks at all times.
• No sport for 4 to 6 weeks after a breast lift or breast ptosis treatment
• Final result of a breast lift after about 12 months
• Medical follow-up of mastopexy for one to two years.