Breast lift (mastopexy)
General information
The mammary gland consists of glandular tissue, which is divided by layers of connective tissue into 15-20 lobules that radiate from the center like the petals of a flower. The space between the lobules is filled with adipose tissue, the amount of which determines the size and shape of the breast. Soft tissues permeate the so-called Cooper's ligaments, which support the breast, allowing it to maintain its normal shape. However, sometimes the bundles stop coping with their task. As a result, unpleasant changes become noticeable:
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the breast loses volume, becomes flatter, elongated;
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the nipple is below the breast fold;
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the bust takes on a teardrop shape;
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the nipple and areola are facing down;
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asymmetry is developing.
Breast prolapse can develop in women of any age with a bust of any size. However, most often the pathology is accompanied by the following circumstances:
- Age. With age, the skin loses its elasticity. Due to the decrease in the amount of collagen, the ligaments stretch. In addition, connective and glandular tissue are replaced with adipose tissue with age. All this provokes a change in the shape of the bust.
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the breast increases, which is associated with hormonal changes, as well as preparation for lactation. As a result, the supporting ligaments stretch. When breastfeeding is completed, the size of the mammary glands decreases. Large bust size. Large breasts are more prone to drooping due to their greater mass, which stretches the ligament supporting the gland more strongly. .
- Sudden weight loss.With significant weight loss, adipose tissue shrinks, and the ligaments supporting the mammary glands do not contract, which causes the glands to descend.
There are several degrees of ptosis:
- The nipple is at the level of the submammary fold;
- The nipple is below the submammary fold, but above the contour of the gland;
- The nipple is below the submammary fold, pointing downwards.
Breast lift
The only way to correct omission is surgical— mastopexy or breast lift. Surgical intervention can be performed in isolation or combined with the installation of breast implants to improve the shape of the bust. The purpose of mastopexy is to improve the contour of the breast, return the fullness of its upper part and the natural, aesthetic location of the nipple-areolar complex.
Before surgery, a diagnosis is performed, which is designed to reduce the risk of complications. The patient will be scheduled for examinations: general and biochemical blood tests, specialist consultations on indications, ECG, ultrasound of the mammary glands or mammography.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia and, depending on the complexity, can last 2-4 hours. The method of surgery is selected individually, taking into account the degree of omission and anatomical features of the patient. The following methods are used for mastopexy:
- Periareolar. It is performed through an incision along the edge of the areola with subsequent redistribution of the parenchyma, suitable for correcting grade 1 or 2 omission.
- Vertical.A universal correction method for ptosis of any degree. It is performed through a vertical incision and around the areola. It is usually accompanied by a visual breast reduction, so it can be combined with the installation of an implant.
- L or J is a facelift. After surgery using this method, an inconspicuous scar remains in the form of a comma or Latin letters J, L, directed to the armpit area.
- T-shaped.A method that is suitable for the correction of ptosis of any degree. It provides for a vertical incision below the nipple and a horizontal incision, which after healing will be hidden in the breast fold.
The result of the operation can be assessed after complete healing, usually after 3-4 months. The durability of the mastopexy result depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. In women with small breasts, surgery shows the best effect. Contraindications
Breast lift surgery is not performed in the following cases:
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decompensated somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular or autoimmune pathologies);
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blood clotting disorders;
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infectious or inflammatory processes in an acute form;
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oncological diseases, including breast cancer;
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serious psychiatric disorders.
Mastopexy is an important procedure that can improve a woman's self—esteem and psychological comfort. The patient's safety and complete satisfaction with the result of the surgical intervention are the main priorities of the doctors of the EMC Plastic Surgery Clinic. Highly qualified, experienced specialists of our department use advanced equipment, safe methods, and the most modern medical protocols. Make an appointment for a consultation with an EMC clinic specialist by phone +7 495 933-66-55.
List of sources and literature:
- Martinez AA, Chung S. Breast Ptosis. [Updated 2023 Nov 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: www..ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Breast lift guide. American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org. Accessed June 11, 2018.
Doctors




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- He knows the techniques of performing aesthetic operations on the face, chest and body
- Performs high precision male and female liposculpture of the body (Hi-Def) with muscle drawing using the latest PAL LipoSculptor vibrating liposuction machine
- He completed his residency in Plastic Surgery at the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
