What is breast ptosis?
Breast lift (breast ptosis surgery)
The aim of the surgical procedure is to restore the areola and nipple to their correct position, re-concentrate and lift the gland, and remove excess skin to create two harmonious, beautifully shaped and lifted breasts.
Breast lift applications
Drooping breasts, known as breast ptosis, are caused by a sagging mammary gland and distended skin. The whole breast lies too low, giving an impression of heaviness in the lower part of the breast and emptiness in the upper part.
Breast ptosis may appear after significant weight loss, pregnancy or breast-feeding. It can also occur spontaneously. There may be pure ptosis, or ptosis accompanied bybreast hypertrophy (excessive breast volume) or breast hypotrophy (insufficient breast volume).
Objectives of breast ptosis
The main objectives of breast ptosis correction are to remove excess skin, enhance the nipple and areola, and concentrate and position the gland. The result is a beautiful, shapely bust.
Medicare does not cover the surgery needed to improve these defects.
In more detail, here are the different stages of this surgical procedure.
The procedure lifts and shapes the breasts by intervening on the skin and gland, which is then repositioned and concentrated.
Excess skin is removed to create a suitable skin envelope. The breast takes on a firmer, fuller appearance. The areola and nipple are repositioned higher up.
The scars left by the operation are due to the suturing of the edges of the skin that has been incised.
When the ptosis is more serious, the scar takes on the appearance of an inverted T. It can be broken down as follows: a scar around the areola, at the skin-color demarcation; a vertical scar running from the bottom of the areola down to the breast crease; and a horizontal scar (proportional to the ptosis operated on) that is virtually invisible in the breast crease.
Most of the time, if breast ptosis is minor, only the vertical method is used.
If the breast ptosis is very slight, only a peri-areolar scar may be left.
Finally, if ptosis is accompanied by breast hypotrophy (insufficient breast volume), a prosthesis can be fitted during the same operation to restore appreciable breast volume. The excess skin around the areola can then be removed, leaving only a periareolar scar.
A breast lift is an operation that can be performed once growth is complete, and then throughout life. It is perfectly possible to become pregnant and breastfeed, but you must wait six months after the operation.
This surgical procedure in no way increases the risk of developing cancer.
The pre-operative phase
A consultation with the anaesthetist is scheduled no later than two days before the operation.
Pre-operative examinations and check-ups are carried out to ensure that there are no contraindications to the procedure. A mammogram and a breast ultrasound are also performed.
To avoid healing problems, we recommend you stop smoking at least one month before and one month after the operation.
If you are taking oral contraception, you may be asked to stop taking it to avoid any risk, especially if you have blood circulation or clotting disorders, or are obese.
It is strictly forbidden to take any medication containing aspirin for ten days prior to the operation.
Type of anesthesia
Mammary ptosis surgery requires general anesthesia, which means that the patient remains asleep throughout the operation.
Type of hospitalization
One to two days' hospitalization is usually required.