Best indications for breast uplift are:

• Pre-existing high-grade ptosis in young women. Often combined with breast hypertrophy.
• Ptosis after significant weight loss and decreased breast size.
• Ptosis frequently occurring after pregnancy, associated with involution of the mammary gland (final phase in the developmental cycle initiated by pregnancy).
• Breast asymmetry that may consist in one plump and well projected breast, whilst the other sags. The procedure will equalize the differently shaped breasts.

Breast lift can be carried out on patients at least 17 years old, in the major forms. Otherwise it is certainly advisable to await the end of pregnancies before considering a procedure.

• The first consultation is very important because it helps to understand your motivations and to set precise goals.
• The medical and surgical history is taken by the surgeon (allergies, medications...). You will be asked about your gynecological and obstetrical history, as well as on your taking or having taken a contraceptive pill.
• The clinical examination allows to quantify the mammary volume and grade of ptosis.
• It also allows to determine whether breast hypertrophy or hypoplasia is present. Measurements are taken and bra size written down.
• The quality of the skin is evaluated (presence of stretch marks, pigmentation, tone), the breast type is assessed (glandular, fatty or mixed).
• “Before-photographs” are taken to provide for technical analysis and post-operative evaluation.

• A consultation with an anesthesiologist will be scheduled before surgery. It will involve a general clinical examination, and possibly the prescription of further tests.
• Anesthesia options will be discussed and all safety measures taken.
• The anesthesiologist will give you pre-op instructions on drinks, food, or medications, banned the days before surgery. Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood thinners can increase bleeding risk.
• A mammogram or ultrasound scan is performed according to patient history, the quality of the gland, and age. It also helps to detect any associated cyst that should be removed concurrently.

What anesthesia is used?

• A general anesthesia is usually performed.
• Commonly practiced at the Élysée Montaigne clinic in all of its forms, anesthesia meets the highest security criteria.

How long does the procedure last?

• Breast uplift takes 1½ hour on average.
• However, if breast hypetrophy is present, its correction is necessary, thus making the overall duration 2 hours.

Will I have visible scars?

• This procedure leaves a scar whose length depends on the grade of ptosis, and the presence of hypertrophy. Most often, the scar goes around the areola, vertically down the breast crease, and forms an inverted “T” underneath the breast. This typical scar is also know as anchor-shaped pattern.
• Scar options for breast uplift also include a vertical incision or a “L”-shaped pattern.
• The role of the plastic surgeon is to avoid unnecessary scarring.
• Scars are the subject of attentive care and strict monitoring to optimize the potential healing for each patient.
• In some cases, when the ptosis is moderate and breast size is not small, it is possible to perform only a peri-areolar incision, thus leaving a more inconspicuous scar.
• Incision/scar options depend on each individual case. They are discussed and explained during the preliminary consultation.

What does the procedure involve?

• Drawings are made on the breasts before surgery with the patient standing. Measurements are taken accurately.
• The procedure, performed under general anesthesia, involves reshaping and lifting the underlying tissue to achieve superior fullness, and repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a higher, more natural location, according to the pre-operative sketches. Youthful nipple/areola should lie above the inframammary crease and is usually level with the fourth rib.
• Glandular tissue is reshaped to achieve good breast projection. Absorbable sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue so that no stitches need to be removed later.
• Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for skin laxity. Incisions are closed with dissolving sutures and/or surgical tape.

What kind of dressing will be used?

• A bra-shaped, slightly compressing, and tight-fitting dressing is maintained the first day.
• According to cases, depending on the procedure used and skin type, a medium-term support method will be prescribed.
• Most often, you will be required to wear a soft, non under-wired, supportive bra (a sports bra) for at least 2 months, day and night to keep the breasts well supported while healing takes place.

Support bras and compression garments

Compression garments - From left to right: support bra (T) and support sport bra (B), support pressure bra (T) and support pressure sport bra (B), mammary strap (T) and double mammary strap (B), Cerlane bra (T) and Sporlane bra (B).

© Cereplas

What is the hospitalization time?

You will be required to stay in the clinic up to 2 days.

• Breast lift surgery causes limited pain. Painkillers are systematically prescribed.
• Dissolving sutures are generally used. Post-operative swelling and soreness subside gradually in 2-3 weeks.
• You are strongly advised to refrain from undertaking vigorous exercise, strenuous activities or intense sport for a fortnight.

• As with all types of surgery, there are potential, though rare, complications associated with mastopexy. Risks may include adverse anesthesia reactions, bleeding (hematoma), and infection.
• In the case of high-grade ptosis, there may be scarring problems (skin necrosis) at the areola.
• This risk must be reduced as much as possible by an appropriate choice of the technique used. Indeed, the degree of ptosis can lead to a technical change to avoid jeopardize the breast function, and preserve a good areola vascularization.
• The healing process shall be monitored, and the best post-operative advice given to reduce the risk of hypertrophic scars or keloids.
• Sensation changes frequently occur, particularly at the areola, due to the surgery and scarring. Numbness in skin and nipple usually subside in a few months together with the overall healing process.

• To maintain a smooth, symmetrical and natural breast line in the long run, it is advised to wear a soft, non under-wired, supportive bra (a sports bra) day and night the first 2-3 months, and then only in daytime.
• It is usually advised to take one or two weeks off work and resume daily activities over a number of weeks.
• Mastopexy preserves the anatomy and physiology (function) of the breasts. Pregnancy and breastfeeding thus remain possible after surgery, although breast skin may stretch and offset the results of your breast lift surgery.

• Mastopexy allows for correction of sunken breasts and excess skin while preserving physiology of the breast.
• Breasts evolve normally over time, particularly in relation to hormonal changes and weight fluctuations. Results of breast uplift will be long-lasting.
• For longer-lasting results, and to counteract the aging and gravity factors, it is recommended to try keep a healthy lifestyle and maintain one's weight.

• Breast lift surgery is particularly satisfying when inevitability of scars is acknowledged. Patients must have realistic expectations.
• The quality of the outcome depends largely on the inconspicuousness of scars, which may be obtained if the nature of the tissue of the patient is appropriate, and if prescribed care is well respected.
• Your reshaped breasts remain natural, that is to say subject to hormonal changes and capable of breastfeeding. They are likely to improve your self-esteem and self-confidence. You might be able again to wear tops without a bra or feel more feminine and attractive.