What is Breast Uplift?

Breast uplift, also known as Mastopexy, is the uplift of breast by removing excess skin as well as firming the surrounding mammary gland. Thus, we reshape and we create a youthful and firm breast contour. Mastopexy, can also correct an enlarged and drooping nipple that naturally occurs with age.
In general, female breast changes with age, losing skin elasticity, its youthful shape and stability. The most common causes of these changes are the following:

• Pregnancy
• Breast feeding
• Weight fluctuations
• Age
• Gravity
• Heredity

Mastopexy can rejuvenate female physical appearance, enhancing self-esteem, creating thus an uplifted, youthful and firm breast profile.

Who is a good candidate for a breast uplift?

Candidates for a breast uplift are the following:

• women whose breast has lost their full upper pole, has a flat or elongated shape and looks “drooping” in a frustrated way
• women whose nipples are below the inframammary fold
• women whose nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is pointing downwards
• women that have stretched skin and enlarged nipples
• breast asymmetry
• women who are physically healthy and maintain a constant weight

What to expect at your first appointment:

At your first appointment, you will discuss:

• what exactly is your concern in the appearance of your breast and if mastopexy is the appropriate operation for you
• your past medical history, if you are on any medication, vitamins or other herbal supplements, if you have any allergies or any other operations in the past
• if you smoke (if the answer is yes, how many cigarettes per day)
• if there is family history of breast cancer
• mammogram or previous biopsy results

Afterwards, Dr Karmiris:

• will evaluate your general health condition and any other risk factors
• will examine you and will take all the detailed measurements of your breast size and shape and he will evaluate your skin quality as well as the positioning of nipples
• will take preoperative photographs
• will discuss with you all the possible surgical options, depending on your case
• will discuss with you all the possible risks or potential complications, as described in the international literature
• will discuss with you about the anaesthetic plan.

Preoperative check:

Preoperative check includes mainly blood tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG) and any other specialized tests, depending on the case.
In case of breast uplift surgery, patients should have one mammography pre-op and another one post-op for comparative reasons in case of any future changes in their breast gland.
Also, it will be necessary to stop smoking preoperatively, and immediately post-operatively as well as avoid taking aspirin and any anti-inflammatory medicine, since they increase the risk of bleeding.

The surgical procedure:

Breast uplift (mastopexy) can be achieved through a variety of techniques depending on your breast. This will allow us to devise a tailor made plan for your needs, based on the following:

• breast size and shape
• nipple size and positioning
• the degree of breast sagging
• skin quality, elasticity, as well as the amount of excess skin

The surgical procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and there are three basic methods:

• Periareolar mastopexy
• Vertical scar breast mastopexy
• L-short scar or inverted Τ pattern breast mastopexy.

The ideal technique for you will be discussed in detail with Dr Karmiris.

During mastopexy which is performed under general anaesthesia, mammary gland is lifted up and reshaped in order to improve breast contour. The nipple areolar complex is repositioned to a more youthful position. If necessary, the enlarged nipples are reduced by removing excess skin at the perimeter. Excess skin is also removed from the surrounding breast in order to restore breast elasticity.
After breast reshaping and removal of excess skin, the incisions are closed with absorbable internal sutures of different types in order to support the reshaped breast.
Scars are permanent, but fortunately will improve significantly over time and they will become nearly indistinguishable.

Post-operatively:

Immediately after the surgical procedure, you will have medical gauze or bandages on the incisions which will be reduced, gradually. If drains have been used, they will be removed in a few days. You will need to wear a surgical bra following the surgery in order to support your breast and minimize swelling during recovery.
In most cases, patients are discharged on the same day. Dr Karmiris will give you particular instructions on how to take care of your incisions immediately post-op, what medication you should take and when you will be seen for a follow up.

Risks and safety information:

In general, breast uplift (mastopexy), is a safe surgical procedure which is performed with great success. However, like any other surgical procedure, breast uplift has some risks and potential complications that every patient should be aware of and should understand fully, before entering the operating room.
The most important potential complications are the following:

• bleeding or haematoma in about 1% of patients
• wound infection
• fat necrosis
• poor scaring
• hypoesthesia to breast nipple, which can be temporal or permanent in about 5-10% of the patients
• asymmetry
• partial or total loss of nipple which is a rare complication but it is described in the international literature
• loss of the ability to breast feed up to 30% (especially in large breasts)
• general risks from anaesthesia, such as deep vein thrombosis, cardiac or pulmonary complications.

Dr Karmiris will explain you, in detail, the whole surgical procedure and will answer any questions related to that.