Breast ptosis surgery

Breast ptosis is defined as a sagging of the breast and a distension of the skin that surrounds it. The breast's position is too low and more frequently "uninhabited" in its upper part.
Ptosis may exist from the outset but most often occurs after significant weight loss or during a pregnancy with breastfeeding. It can be isolated: this is called pure ptosis. It may also be associated with a certain degree of breast hypertrophy that can be reduced upon request.
On the other hand, breast ptosis can be observed in the context of a breast that is too small (breast hypoplasia or hypotrophy), which may then be compensated by the addition of a breast prosthesis or a fat transfer.
The purpose of the surgery is to return the areola and nipple to the correct position to refocus and lift the gland and remove excess skin to achieve two beautifully curved and lifted breasts.
The operation consists in reshaping the breast by acting on the skin envelope and glandular tissue. The gland is concentrated and placed in the right position.
The skin envelope must then be adapted, which requires the excess skin to be removed to ensure that the new breast holds well and looks good.
These procedures make it possible to replace the areola and nipple, which were located too low.
The skin edges that have been cut are sutured at the end of the operation: these sutures are at the origin of the scars.
In case of very important ptosis, the scar has the shape of an inverted T with three components:periareolar around the areola between the brown and white skin, vertical between the lower areola pole and the submammary sulcus, horizontal hidden in the submammary sulcus. The length of the horizontal scar is proportional to the size of the ptosis.

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A regular preoperative check-up is carried out in accordance with the prescriptions.
The anaesthetist will be seen in consultation at the latest 48 hours before the operation.
In addition to the usual preoperative examinations, a radiological check-up of the breast is prescribed (mammography, ultrasound).
Stopping possible oral contraception may be required, particularly in cases of associated risk factors (obesity, poor venous condition, coagulation disorder).
Smoking cessation is required 10 days before the intervention.
No medication containing aspirin should be taken within 10 days of the procedure.
Type of anesthesia: This is a general anesthesia during which you are completely asleep.
Hospitalization conditions: One to three days of hospitalization is usually required. However, in some cases, the operation can be carried out on an outpatient basis, i.e. with a discharge the same day after a few hours of supervision.

Each surgeon adopts a technique that is unique to him/her and that he/she adapts to each case to obtain the best results.
At the end of the procedure, a bandage with elastic bands in the shape of a bra is made.
Depending on the surgeon and the importance of the ptosis, the procedure can last from one hour and a half to three hours.

The postoperative consequences are generally not very painful, requiring only simple analgesics.
Swelling (edema) and bruising of the breasts as well as discomfort when lifting the arms are frequently observed.
The first bandage is removed after 24 to 48 hours and replaced by a lighter one. The bandage will be reapplied regularly until the healing is complete.
The discharge takes place 24 to 48 hours after the operation and the patient is seen again in consultation two to three days later. A bra is then worn to ensure a good support.
Wearing this bra is recommended for about a month night and day during the operation.
If the sutures are not absorbable, they are removed between the eighth and twentieth day after the procedure.
It is advisable to consider a convalescence and a work interruption of 7 to 10 days.
It is advisable to wait one to two months to resume sports.
One should not overestimate the risks but should simply be aware that even an apparently simple surgical procedure always involves a small amount of risks.
The use of a qualified plastic surgeon ensures that he or she has the training and competence to avoid these complications or to treat them effectively if necessary.
MEDICAIM is looking for the best specialists for you and we will offer you several renowned doctors.
MEDICAIM organizes your entire stay for you: post-operative nursing care, biological follow-up, therapeutic, nutritional and psychological support.
Any additional questions? Ask your MEDICAIM doctor about it: careteam@medicaim.com

About Breast ptosis surgery

A breast plastic surgery for ptosis, although performed for essentially aesthetic reasons, is nevertheless a real surgical procedure, which implies the risks associated with any medical procedure, however minimal it may be.

It can only be judged from one year after the operation: the chest then most often has a harmonious symmetrical or very close to symmetry and natural shape. Beyond local improvement, this intervention generally has a positive impact on weight balance, sports participation, clothing options and psychological state.
Potential risksThromboembolic accidents (pulmonary embolism phlebitis), although very rare overall after this type of operation, are among the most dangerous.
Strict preventive measures minimize their frequency:
Wearing anti-thrombosis stockings, possibly anticoagulant treatment.
• The occurrence of an infection requires antibiotic treatment and sometimes surgical drainage.
• A hematoma may require an evacuation procedure. • A delay in healing can sometimes be observed, which prolongs the after-effects of the operation.
• Necrosis of the skin, gland, or areola, which is rarely observed with modern techniques, can be responsible for delayed healing (the risk is greatly increased by smoking intoxication and in the case of gigantomastia or very large hypertrophy).
• Alterations in sensitivity, particularly nipple sensitivity, may sometimes persist even if the sensitivity usually returns to normal within 6 to 18 months.
• Above all, the evolution of scars can be unfavourable with the occurrence of hypertrophic or even keloid scars of unpredictable appearance and evolution that can compromise the aesthetic aspect of the result and require specific local treatments that are often long.