Mastopexy
Commonly known as a breast lift procedure, mastopexy in Toronto is the preferred, surgical approach for lifting and reshaping breasts. Unlike a breast reduction, this method aims to elevate drooping nipples and reshape the breast to a youthful and perky position, without reducing any volume.
Introduction
It’s difficult to predict how a person’s skin will adapt to being stretched. For some, the natural skin thickness and elasticity they were genetically endowed with means that their breasts are firm, they’re not prone to cellulite, and they may not show early signs of facial sagging either. For others, the natural collagen and elastin present in their tissue is minimal, to begin with, and diminishes quickly as they age. It is common for the breasts to expand, then retract in size throughout pregnancy. They will also shrink after significant weight loss because most women have a fair amount of fat along with glandular tissue in their breasts. For others still, their skin stretched and sagged early in life as their breast tissue was too heavy for their natural skin resiliency. The push-up bra industry has been booming since it first invented a way to lift the breasts and restore cleavage to the upper chest. Luckily, there is an effective, permanent way to elevate and reshape the breasts for good, reducing the sag and restoring a shape you feel great about.
Who is a great candidate for mastopexy in Toronto?
Anyone who has concerns about the appearance or position of their breasts may choose to schedule a consultation and learn about their lift options. Ptosis is the term plastic surgeons use to describe the degree of sagging present. People’s needs vary greatly, and an in-person meeting with an expert is the best way to find out what your physical needs are for reshaping and what your procedure will involve.
Depending on the degree of ptosis- how low your nipples have descended- there are a number of mastopexy approaches that could deliver your ideal results.
A moderate amount of volume reduction may also be recommended for large, sagging breasts. That’s because the gravitational pull on already stretched skin will not be reduced if only skin is adjusted. Continual strain due to the heaviness of breast tissue means a good chance of repeat sagging and short-lived results.
Degrees of breast ptosis – you can check it at home!
Your plastic surgeon will take a few measurements of your breasts and note the degree of sagging you present with. People who have drooping breasts can try this simple trick at home. Under the breast, where it meets your ribs, exists a natural fold or crease. If you place a ruler flat against your chest wall, so the upper edge rests precisely at the crease, then release the breast over it, it will typically stay there. It allows you to visualize where your fold is when you look in the mirror.
What causes the breasts to sag?
Many women know the frustration of watching their previously full and firm breasts change over time. For some, the sagging began as soon as their breasts first grew big enough to fit a bra. For others, the tissue changed throughout their lives, pregnancy or weight loss. Because everyone has different skin qualities, different anatomy and breast type, not all women will experience breast sagging in the same way.learn more.
- Grade 1 – is considered to be mild ptosis. The areola will appear to be either directly in front, or in front and slightly above the ruler.
- Grade 2 – is considered to be moderate ptosis. Here, the centre of the areola, or nipple, is below the crease somewhat, up to 3cm below the line of the fold.
- Grade 3 – severe ptosis depicts an areola that falls 3cm or more below where the inframammary crease is.
Our Royal College certified plastic surgeons specialize in a variety of mastopexy techniques to improve each type of sagging that may trouble a patient. For some, their issue is primarily volume loss and deflation. After assessment, they’ll learn they don’t have significant ptosis but could benefit from the addition of volume in the form of a saline or silicone breast implant. That gives the breast a fuller and slightly lifted look without making any incisions on the breast itself.
A mild lifting effect may be achieved through the Bellini or “donut” mastopexy technique. This approach allows for areola resizing if desired, reduces a small amount of surrounding skin and tightens the breast envelope. The incision is placed around the areola, also known as circumareolar.
The second method which is more common for mastopexy in Toronto is the lollipop method. This involves an incision surrounding the areola as well as a vertical one that descends from the bottom, the midline of the areola to the crease. This approach allows for skin removal and breast reshaping along with vertical repositioning of the nipple.
The anchor method, also referred to as a full mastopexy, may be the best way for those with severe drooping to achieve their desired breast shape and lift. It is identical to the lollipop with the addition of a horizontal incision under the breast crease as well.
Though scars are typically not desirable, and patients will understandably wish to avoid them if possible, it’s essential to understand the physical possibilities and limitations of reshaping and sculpting the skin of your breasts. Your plastic surgeon will describe for you in detail how to achieve your desired look and the best long-term results. When it comes to breast lift surgery, there is no way to avoid scars completely, yet our skilled surgeons are truly adept in the art of minimizing their appearance as much as possible, and we’ll provide you with detailed care and scar reduction instructions. We offer topical products and laser treatment for scars as well. Luckily, most signs of surgery fade beautifully and are difficult to see after the first year. Your breasts will appear perkier even without a bra, and most women feel the faint lines acquired are well-worth the figure transformation they receive.
What about cleavage?
Augmentation mastopexy in Toronto is a combination procedure designed to elevate nipple position, reduce excess skin and place saline or silicone gel implants behind the existing breast tissue. The result of adding implants is that upper breast fullness is restored with enhanced cleavage and breast shape.
A breast lift alone will not always result in visible cleavage or fullness. Depending on how much natural fullness a patient has, the combination approach could help them reach their aesthetic goals in one convenient procedure.
What is the recovery like from a mastopexy?
A breast lift is typically a day procedure. Patients are under general anaesthetic for a few hours during the surgery, then gently awakened with nursing care in our recovery area. Your plastic surgeon will see you and speak with you before you are free to leave and relax at home. You’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member help you and transport you because you will not be able to drive until medication effects have fully worn off.
Most people report only minimal pain and discomfort after a mastopexy. You’ll have long-acting anaesthetic in the tissues ensuring you stay pain-free for hours and a prescription to take if needed, however many people require minimal pain relievers. You can expect to see temporary swelling and a little bruising, but this resolves by roughly the 14-day mark.
Due to the variability of incision method, the recovery after a breast lift surgery can vary a little as well. Typically, 2 weeks off work is advised because the majority of swelling will have resolved at that point and incisions should be closed. Ongoing care is recommended beyond two weeks, including incision protection and limits for physical activity.
Your plastic surgeon will see you for a check-up at Verso Surgery Centre within 7 days, and you’ll have the phone number for an OR nurse to reach out after hours if you have any concerns.
We’re always happy to see you and speak with you when you need of course and offer a 24/7 approach unique to our practice and our way of operating. At Verso Surgery Centre, we feel that our patient’s comfort and peace of mind are integral to their experience.
Your plastic surgeon will advise you about wearing a soft bra and avoiding certain activities such as swimming, baths and hot tubs until you’re completely healed.
Toronto Mastopexy – are the results permanent?
At Verso Surgery, we let our patients know that there are two things they’ll need to do in order to be satisfied with their results in the long run.
One is to be patient! In the months following surgery, the natural inflammatory process, and scar maturation will take at least a few months to reshape into the beautiful breast you want. Over time, scars will soften and fade; the breasts will settle and round out.
Next, take care of your breasts. That could mean wearing a light support bra most of the time, avoiding extreme weight gain or pregnancy. Rest assured, you can become pregnant after a breast lift, and you may even be able to breastfeed, but the size changes that inevitably brings mean you run the risk of repeat sagging. As long as you support and care for your breasts, you should expect to enjoy your lifted, perkier look for many years to come.
If you’re ready to talk more about your own plans for breast beautification, we’d love to hear from you. Our caring and experienced staff will be happy to arrange a private consultation for you.
Are you ready for your closeup?
Take the first step and get in touch with us. Find out what we can do to restore your youthful appearance & confidence.
