Italiano
Mastopexy
What is Mastopexy?
Dr. Romano and Dr. Fuhr perform this technique in order to reshape the breast with consequent lifting of the nipple-areola complex and increase in volume in particular in the upper quadrants of the breast in order to correct the natural tendency of the breast to ptosis (breast sagging).
The mastopexy operation does not change the size of the breast, but in some particular cases the medical staff at Studio Romano Fuhr recommend increasing breast volume by adding a small breast implant in order to return the breast not only to its original position but also to a pleasant and harmonious increase in volume.
- Who and when to operate?
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Patients who are candidates for mastopexy surgery are women between the ages of 30 and 60 years who have experienced a progressive decrease in breast size associated with loss of adipose trophism (emptying of the breast).
The most frequent causes are:- Sudden generalised body weight loss with consequent breast emptying.
- Outcomes of pregnancy(s) with loss of skin and glandular trophism after lactation.
- Pubertal hyperdevelopment associated with a deficit of skin trophism (laxa skin).
- Physiological breast ageing with ptosis of the nipple-areola complex.
The doctors at the Romano Fuhr surgery advise patients who have just finished breastfeeding to wait at least 9 months before having a mastopexy operation in order to allow the tissues a physiological trophic recovery and to obtain a longer lasting result.
The operation can be performed throughout the year depending on the patient's schedule and organisation.
- How does the pre-operative examination take place and what are the pre-operative tests?
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The preoperative consultation with the medical staff at Studio Romano Fuhr is aimed at assessing the patient's general clinical situation and agreeing on the desired result in an absolutely informal but professional atmosphere.
The specific examinations for breast augmentation surgery are, in addition to the routine examinations for all surgical procedures (blood count, coagulation balance and ECG)- a breast ultrasound or mammogram to rule out any benign or malignant pathology of the mammary gland.
- What does mastopexy surgery consist of?
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Mastopexy consists of repositioning the nipple-areola complex upwards, with subsequent removal of excess lax skin.
This repositioning of the gland allows for a harmonious reshaping of the breast, making it look more toned and youthful.
The techniques used are:- Mastopexy 'Round Block' - Leaves a single periareolar, circular incision on the contour of the mammary areola. Indicated for small ptoses and trophic breasts.
- Mastopexy with inverted T scars - Scars are periareolar, vertical in the central part of the breast until reaching and affecting the submammary groove. Indicated for ptosed and moderately deflated breasts.
- Mastopexy with prosthesis implant. A combination of the previous two with the introduction of a small breast implant. Indicated for ptosis and very empty breasts.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and, except in the case of special clinical indications, does not require hospitalisation but is carried out in complete safety under day hospital conditions, with discharge 4 - 6 hours after the operation and a duration of about 120 - 180 minutes.
In some cases of very empty breasts, the implantation of small breast implants is recommended in order to give the breasts not only a more youthful shape but also an increase in volume.
The scars remaining from the operation are generally of good quality and intended to be almost 'invisible' a year after surgery.
This operation can, according to the techniques, compromise breastfeeding, so at the pre-operative visit one must express to the surgeon whether one wishes to become pregnant after the operation.
The result of mastopexy is not definitive but can be permanent if the patient keeps a constant check on her weight; in some cases a touch-up may be required after 10 years.
- What will be the post-operative course?
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The post-operative period of mastopexy is usually characterised by slight haematoma and oedema associated with mild discomfort easily controlled with oral analgesics over 24 hours.
Bed rest is recommended for 12 hours then moderate activity for 5-7 days after which she can return to work.
The patient will be checked and dressed after 24 hours, one week and two weeks.
Stitches do not usually have to be removed as these will reabsorb spontaneously.
It is recommended to wear a supportive bra for 1 month.
