The mastopexy is a cosmetic surgery procedure to lift the breasts and improve their shape. It can be performed periareolarly or with implants for augmentation. The before-and-after results are very satisfactory due to the small, often imperceptible scar.
Mastopexy: What It Is
It is a type of cosmetic medical procedure that improves the shape of the breasts. Mastopexy is an aesthetic operation that corrects the shape of the breasts and eliminates sagging. In many cases, it is known as a “breast lift.”
Before and After
People who visit the clinic before undergoing mastopexy usually have sagging breasts with excess skin and soft breast tissue. To address this, it is necessary to apply a cosmetic surgery technique that restructures the breast shape and removes excess tissue. This achieves a natural breast lift, significantly improving the contour of the female chest.
After mastopexy, the results are more than evident. Although the shape is natural, women undergoing the procedure notice a significant change in their physique, particularly in the breasts, as they can be enhanced with or without implants, depending on the case.
Mastopexy with Implants and Augmentation
When the mammary glands are empty and sagging, breast implants can be used to firm and lift the breasts. This makes the bust firmer, fuller, and more aesthetically pleasing.
Breast correction with mastopexy with prostheses to achieve augmentation is widely used. It allows for correcting sagging breasts while simultaneously increasing bra size.
Through augmentation surgery, breast sagging is eliminated by trimming excess tissues and tightening the suspensory ligaments, which give a natural shape to the breast, areola, and nipple.
Without Implants
Mastopexy is recommended when breast sagging is mild. In such cases, there is no need to fill the breast because there is still enough fat, and the tissue has not significantly loosened due to swelling caused by breastfeeding.
Mastopexy without implants or prostheses is often performed “periareolarly,” meaning with an incision around the areola and nipple. This method allows for correcting slight sagging of the bust.
Cost of Mastopexy
To calculate the cost, each case must be reviewed since the technique used and the correction required for the breasts may vary. Some women only need a slight lift, while others require more intensive surgery due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
Considering these factors, the cost of mastopexy can be estimated at $5,000. However, keep in mind that prices may vary between clinics performing this type of cosmetic procedure, regardless of whether it includes breast implants or not. The costs are an average of mastopexy prices in Quirón clinics in Madrid and Barcelona, as well as other clinics and surgeons in Valencia.
You should also consider the location where you undergo the procedure. There are significant differences in mastopexy prices depending on whether it’s in Spain, the United States, or South American countries. In general, in the U.S., mastopexy costs are higher than in Spain, where prices are lower despite their importance.
If, on the other hand, you choose to undergo the procedure in a city in Mexico, Colombia, or Peru, the differences are even more pronounced. Prices are considerably lower in these locations.
Another factor to consider for any type of cosmetic surgery, particularly mastopexy and its cost, is the surgeon performing the procedure. Some are more expensive than others regardless of their location. We recommend choosing a reputable and experienced surgeon in your city who can ensure satisfactory results and has a track record of successful mastopexy and breast augmentation surgeries.
Price Without Augmentation or Prostheses
It is slightly cheaper than with prostheses because they are not required, the surgery time is shorter, and the post-operative care is less demanding. Mastopexy without prostheses costs approximately $1,000 less. However, you should consider the size of the breasts.
In general, the total cost is indicated to be $5,000, so you can estimate that it will cost between $4,000 and $5,000 depending on the techniques used and your body and breast anatomy.
The cost estimate considers the technique employed, whether it’s periareolar, anchor-shaped, vertical, or if techniques such as lipofilling for breasts, Puckett, or T-shaped incisions are used.
The simplest way to determine the cost of mastopexy without prostheses is to have your case evaluated by a doctor. During the first consultation, the doctor will examine your breasts and explain the expected results, the post-operative process, and whether you need breast prostheses for augmentation or simply to firm and lift the breasts.
Periareolar Mastopexy
This procedure is often referenced, but in reality, periareolar mastopexy is not always feasible.
The explanation is simple: if the breasts are sagging and only a small incision around the areola is made, the doctor’s ability to remove excess skin and reposition tendons and muscles is significantly reduced compared to making an incision at the base of the breast or other areas such as the armpit.
The advantage of periareolar mastopexy is that the scar is limited to the area around the areola or nipple. However, for women with empty breasts, this is not a viable option. While it may seem ideal, it is often not the best solution in most cases.
The downside of periareolar mastopexy is that when the breast sagging extends below the inframammary fold, the results are often poor and unsatisfactory after the procedure. This is why we noted that it is not possible to perform it on the areola unless this is the specific area of sagging.
An alternative is to insert a breast implant. In this case, the sagging breast is filled. During mastopexy, a breast prosthesis is placed to give volume to the inframammary fold. The implant can be anatomical or round, depending on the patient’s anatomy. It is positioned as low as possible to enhance the breast lift and avoid excess sagging skin.
Disadvantages of Periareolar Mastopexy
- Areola size increases.
- The breast shape becomes flatter.
- The areola loses its natural shape.
This procedure is usually recommended for women with large and full breasts or in cases of areola hernias. If the breasts are naturally small, other mastopexy options are likely better for achieving aesthetically pleasing results.
Additionally, when the incision and placement of the breast implant or prosthesis are done through the areola, it creates greater tension, often enlarging the areola and altering its natural, smaller shape.
When Is Mastopexy with Prostheses or Implants Recommended?
- Sagging breasts or pseudoptosis.
- Moderate to severe breast ptosis.
- Areola below the inframammary fold.
- Loss of breast tissue after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Ptosis following explantation of breast implants.
- Congenital ptosis or pseudoptosis.
- Relative ptosis due to breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
- Desire for breast augmentation.
When the breasts are severely sagging, an inverted T-shaped incision is often necessary. This facilitates the removal of excess, sagging tissue, resulting in lifted and firm breasts. The disadvantage is that the scar is larger, though new surgical stitching techniques leave minimal marks.
Does It Leave Scars?
Depending on the technique used, mastopexy and its scars may vary. Both the procedure performed by the doctor and the individual’s healing and regeneration process influence this outcome.
If you have a mild ptosis, it is likely that only a slight scar around the areolas will remain, as this allows for breast lifting and implant placement.
For a moderate ptosis or second-degree ptosis, a different approach is required, resulting in larger scars compared to mild ptosis when periareolar mastopexy is performed. Since the breast is sagging and empty, falling below the nipple and breast crease, a vertical skin resection is necessary, along with areola elevation.
In cases of severe ptosis or third-degree ptosis, an inverted T-shaped incision is required. This is the most advanced stage of breast sagging. Typically, all the tissue sags below the inframammary fold due to significant fat loss and ligament laxity. To improve the appearance of the breasts, the excess skin that has stretched over time must also be removed.
Based on these cases, you can get an idea of the type of scar left by mastopexy. If your breasts are only slightly sagging, the scar will likely be almost imperceptible. In more advanced cases, it is almost certain that some type of mark will remain on the lower part of the breast.
Is It Possible to Avoid Scars from Mastopexy?
Although we have already explained the factors that directly influence scar formation, it is also essential to care for the stitches after the mastopexy post-operative period.
Once you return to daily life and your follow-up appointments confirm your healing progress, you can use the following to reduce mastopexy scars:
- Rosehip oil.
- Moisturizing cream.
- Silicone patches.
- Avoid direct sunlight on scarred areas.
In addition to using creams to aid scar healing and breast regeneration, it is crucial to reduce tobacco consumption during recovery and the post-operative period.
Avoid sun exposure while topless, especially during the first few months after surgery. This will significantly prevent skin dehydration and the enlargement of the scar on the breast.
And remember, it is equally important to keep the area hydrated and use agents that promote skin healing and regeneration. We recommend silicone patches or rosehip oil. You will notice the difference for a lifetime.
