Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lift and breast augmentation: what is the difference? Many women confuse a breast lift with breast augmentation, but they are not the same. So what is a breast lift? Let Ethics Aesthetic Clinic explain more in the article below.

WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT?

A breast lift is a procedure that lifts sagging breasts. It directly addresses the breast to correct drooping and restore the breast to its proper position.

For women who have sagging breasts after childbirth or due to aging, this method can be used to lift the breasts and also increase their size so they better suit the body's proportions.

Results after breast lift at Ethics

HOW MANY LEVELS OF BREAST PTOSIS ARE THERE?

Breast ptosis is divided into 4 levels, and for each level the doctors will recommend different approaches to treat the drooping. Below are the 4 levels of ptosis that women can identify for themselves.

Grade 1: Mild ptosis

Breasts at grade 1 begin to show signs of drooping, when the nipple has moved below the inframammary fold by about 1 to 3 cm. This is a mild degree of sagging, mainly caused by factors such as aging, pregnancy, or weight changes. Although the breast has shifted slightly, it still maintains harmony and aesthetic balance. Intervention at this stage may be the optimal choice to prevent more severe ptosis.

Grade 2: Moderate ptosis

At grade 2, the nipple sits below the inframammary fold by about 3 to 5 cm. This is a moderate degree of ptosis, with clearer signs of sagging. At this point, the breast has begun to lose its firm, rounded shape and shows weakening of the supporting tissues inside. At this level, aesthetic interventions may include a breast lift or breast lift with implants.

Grade 3: Severe ptosis

Breasts at grade 3 are identified when the nipple sits below the inframammary fold by about 5 to 10 cm. The sagging at this level is quite serious, and the breast tends to droop, losing much of its elasticity and ability to support itself. A breast lift, or a breast lift combined with implants, is usually recommended to correct this condition.

Grade 4: Very severe ptosis

At grade 4, the breast has very severe ptosis, with the nipple sitting more than 10 cm below the inframammary fold, or the nipple pointing downward. This is a serious condition in which the breast has completely sagged. Doctors often suggest an anchor-shaped incision (inverted T scar) to return the breast to its original position and shape. Grade 3 breast lift combined with implants

TECHNIQUES USED FOR EACH LEVEL OF PTOSIS

Each level is treated with different techniques to correct the drooping. Below are the techniques suited to the 4 levels of breast ptosis.

For grade 1 ptosis: The doctor makes an incision following a curved line around the areola. Then a portion of excess fatty tissue is removed, and finally the skin around the areola is closed with sutures.

For grade 2 ptosis: A curved incision is also made around the areola. Grade 2 differs from grade 1 in that excess skin is removed and excess glandular tissue inside the breast is taken out, after which the glandular tissue is reshaped for balance.

For grade 3 ptosis: The doctor makes an additional vertical incision from the areola down to the underside of the breast. To remove a significant amount of fat, glandular tissue and excess skin, and to reshape the glandular tissue, which helps the breast become firmer and sit higher.

Grade 4 ptosis: An anchor-shaped (inverted T) incision is used, and this incision is applied only in severe cases of ptosis. After removing excess fat, glandular tissue and sagging areas of skin, the doctor sutures the tissue in place to lift the breast.

Breast lift combined with implants: This is an optimal approach that helps patients achieve firm, shapely breasts after surgery. Specifically, this method combines a breast lift, depending on the degree of the patient's sagging, with breast implants to create a more full and attractive shape.

WHO IS A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST LIFT

- Women whose breasts have sagged or shrunk due to aging.

- Mothers who gave birth more than 1 year ago.

- People with congenitally sagging breasts.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE

Stage 1: (Day 1 – Day 2)

Since surgery has just been completed, this stage may still involve tightness and discomfort. The patient will be cared for and rest in the recovery room so that doctors and nurses can monitor the condition and provide timely support.

Note:

If recovery is good, around day 2 the patient may be cleared by the doctor to go home and continue resting there.

The patient should travel by private car or taxi to ensure a smooth ride and avoid jolts that could harm the breasts. At this stage the breasts are not yet fully stable and can easily shift if subjected to any strong impact.

Stage 2: (Day 3 – 10: Clean the incision twice a day with saline solution and Betadine)

- Avoid water spinach, chicken, beef, fermented foods, seafood and stimulants for 1 month.

- Walk and move around gently.

- Wear a compression garment day and night.

- If there is pain or discomfort, oral pain relievers may be used.

- Always sleep lying flat on your back; do not sleep on your side.

- Avoid sexual intercourse for 4 weeks.

Results of a patient who had a breast lift combined with implants at Ethics

Because a breast lift is an invasive procedure involving surgical instruments and incisions made directly on the breast, it requires the surgeon's skill and high precision to avoid affecting the sensory nerves of the nipple and to avoid leaving unsightly scars. For this reason, women should carefully consider choosing a reputable clinic to perform it. Results vary from person to person, and the doctor assesses each case individually before recommending a treatment.

ETHICS AESTHETIC CLINIC