The facelift (also known as mastopexy or breast ptosis cure) associated with breast augmentation by prosthesis corrects sagging or uneven breasts, and corrects a decrease in breast volume by giving them a well-proportioned shape, a cleavage deeper with a larger breast volume.
Breast lift surgery with breast implants is an increasingly popular operation.
When can you consider a breast lift with breast prostheses?
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, severity, weight gain or loss, aging can change the shape of your breasts, which usually results in sagging and decreasing in size.
If breast implants alone are not likely to lift your areola sufficiently, or your breast size does not allow a facelift on its own.
What are the benefits of a breast lift with breast prostheses?
- You will have a better breast shape, better symmetry and a deeper neckline.
- Your breasts will look younger, they will no longer “sag”.
The disadvantages of breast lift with implantation
- The effects of a breast lift may slowly wear off over time due to the severity and aging of the skin.
- A breast lift leaves scars that are usually not very visible and will be hidden by a bra or swimsuit.
- A subsequent pregnancy may penalize the initial result.
- Breast implants can rupture over time.
- Breast implants require regular monitoring.
- The implants may eventually require a new intervention for a replacement.
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages to consider if you want to do this type of surgery. If you want to know the best possible solutions in your case, a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon in Marseille, Dr Christophe Desouches is necessary for a precise assessment.
How is mastopexy performed with breast prostheses?
A breast lift is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited clinic for cosmetic surgery. Different techniques exist to remove excess breast skin and to reshape the mammary gland. They determine the location of the incisions and therefore the scars. Dr Christophe Desouches will choose the most suitable technique according to the size of your breast and its shape, the size of the areola and its position, the degree of sagging of your breast, the quality and the excess amount of skin and its elasticity.
- The excess skin on the breast is removed and the nipple and areola are positioned in an ideal position.
- If your areola was too large, it is possible to reduce its size.
- The skin that was once located above the areola has come down to reshape the lower chest.
- Scars are usually hidden under the breasts, although some scars can be seen vertically over and around the areola.
- The nipples and areolas remain connected to the mammary gland, which helps preserve sensitivity and the ability to breastfeed.
- In some patients, it may be possible to avoid the horizontal incision under the breast, as well as the vertical incision that runs from the lower edge of the areola to the crease of the breast. If you are a good candidate for a modified technique, Dr Desouches will discuss it with you and suggest the most suitable technique.
What are the consequences of the breast lifting procedure with breast prostheses?
Dr Christophe Desouches will explain the time required before you can return to your normal level of activity. After surgery, you will receive detailed instructions on your post-operative care, including information about:
- Drains, if needed
- Expected postoperative symptoms
- Signs of possible complications
Immediately after your facelift
In general, you can expect to have bandages, to wear compression garments, and sometimes you may have surgical drains.
When the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some pain. If the pain is severe or long lasting, you will be given pain relievers through the veins. You will also see redness and swelling after the surgery.
Normal surgical suites include bruising, numbness or changes in nipple tenderness, and itching around the incision sites. These side effects should go away within the first few weeks, sometimes with residual effects lasting up to three months after surgery.
You will wear a medical compression bra for about a month.
What is the recovery time after breast lift surgery?
It is extremely important that you follow all care instructions provided by Dr Christophe Desouches. This will include information on wearing compression garments, what bandages are needed, and the level and type of activity that is safe. It will also provide you with detailed explanations of normal symptoms and potential signs of complications. It is important to understand that the time required for recovery varies greatly between individuals.
What are the limits and risks of a breast lift with prostheses?
Complications of breast lift with prostheses are infrequent. Your personal risks will be assessed during your consultation.
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma or seroma (accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin)
- Infection and bleeding
- Variations in sensitivity
- Hypertrophic or hyperpigmented scars
- Allergic reactions
- Unsatisfactory results which may require additional interventions
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs (Phlebitis or pulmonary embolism)
- Premature rupture of the implant
- A shell around the implant
- A seroma (fluid around the implant)
- Very rare cases of lymphoma of the capsule when the shells of the implants are very textured.
You can help minimize some risks by following the advice and instructions of Dr. Christophe Desouches, both before and after your breast lift and prosthesis.
