Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Treatment Cost in India

Mastopexy procedure is very specific and may not be a one-size-fits-all option. In order to understand the choices and consider them properly, a patient must have a discussion with a plastic surgeon before making a decision. Some of the important factors that one must keep in mind that a breast lift surgery alone can not bring about a huge change in the size of the breasts and will have little or no effect on the upper half of the breast. If a candidate wants a fuller and more compact looking breast, then a reduction or augmentation surgery should also be considered along with this. Most surgeons will recommend that a patient waits till their breasts have fully developed or a woman has undergone childbirth and breast-feeding stage in their life before going for a breast lift surgery since pregnancy and breastfeeding has a significant effect on the shape and size of the breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted but women having heavier breasts may not be able to enjoy the benefits of the surgery for too long. Usually, a breast lift is considered as a good option if:

•            If the patient is physically fit
•            Patient has realistic goals and expectations
•            Breasts have undergone full maturity and development
•            Breasts are sagging and losing firmness and shape
•            Breasts are flat, pendulous or elongated in shape
•            When breasts are not supported the nipples fall below   the   crease line of the breast
•            Both the nipples and areola point downwards
•            One breast is lower than the other one
•            Skin is stretched in the breasts and the areolar region is large

The size and the shape of the breast will affect the outcome of the surgery.

Usually, a mammogram is done for the breasts and the doctor will physically examine the breasts to check for any other abnormalities and choose the best option suitable for the patient. The skin tone of the breast is observed carefully since good skin has the ability to hold the breasts in the best position after the surgery. The position of the nipple and areola will also be observed and its spread shall be taken into account. Some photographs will be taken for comparison of before and after surgery outcomes and can be kept for medical records as well for future reference.

Cosmetic surgeons are of various opinions regarding performing the most suitable mastopexy or breast lift surgery procedure. Depending on the existing breast tissues of the patient the amount of excess skin is removed and also as per the requirement of the patient. The surgeon will recommend to the patient the most optimal results that can be obtained with the least significant possibilities of scarring. Usually, breast lift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.

The various kinds of Mastopexy are discussed below:

Crescent lift (meant for minimal scarring for correcting bare minimum sagging): This kind of technique will be preferred by the surgeon when a very minimum amount of sagging has to be corrected by the surgeon. A very small incision is made to run halfway around the edge of the areola region or the top half. This procedure has to be combined along with a breast augmentation if augmentation is not done then this lift is also not conducted. This kind of incision is not very common and is less frequently employed.

Periareolar Mastopexy or the Donut Lift (Suitable for the correction of mild sagging with a single scar made): Women who are suffering from mild sagging can enjoy the benefits of this periareolar lift. It usually involves making an incision that is circular and running on the edge of the areola region just similar to the crescent lift and is mostly again performed along with a breast augmentation surgery. The lift is also beneficial in reducing the size of the areola if it is too extended. The scar usually traces around the edge of the areola.

Vertical or Lollipop lift (Suitable for correction of moderate sagging and contributes in the extensive reshaping of the breasts): This is one of the common surgeries performed for lifting breasts as it allows the surgeon to effectively reduce excess skin and reshape the entire breasts with only mild scars formed which can be easily hidden tactically. This kind of surgery will have two cuts with the first being around the edge of the areola region and the second one will run vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold which creates a lollipop shape and hence the name.

Inverted T or “Anchor” Lift (Suitable when dramatic reshaping is required for correcting extensive sagging troubles):  If a patient is suffering from saggy breasts then an anchor lift can allow the cosmetic surgeon to remove quite a significant amount of skin and also tissues that have lost their elasticity and contribute to sagging and it can yield the best results. In this technique, the surgeon makes three incisions. The first one will be close to the one above where the incision is around the edge of the areolar region and the second one runs from the bottom of the areola region up to the breast crease and eventually, the third one runs along the inframammary fold that is concealed in the breast crease. This surgery can be combined along with a breast reduction if the surgeon finds it suitable. Some visible scarring is unavoidable in this surgery but with proper care and maintenance these fade away and with the help of a bikini top, it can be successfully hidden.

The Laser Bra Lift surgery: This kind of surgery is considered as a breakthrough in the field of mastopexy. It is especially helpful among patients suffering from considerable sagging problems. This makes use of a similar laser technology that is used in facial plastic surgery. Unlike the removal of excessive skin in usual mastopexy, in this method, the excess skin will be utilized to provide support to the underside of the breasts effective thus lifting them up. For this type of surgery, any woman can be treated and can be suitable for a variety of breast sizes without any hassle.

There are some alternatives to mastopexy that should be understood by a patient before going for surgery with mastopexy. The internal suture mastopexy technique involves inserting sutures in the deep surface of the breast's superficial fascia. The treatment is not going to have scar forming on the breast and can be better than any other procedures associated with a breast augmentation procedure for mastopexy.

Another alternative can be Botox in which the results may be effective but not as fruitful as surgery and can last for only 3 to 4 months and again after some time a woman is required to go and take another injection in the clinic. The injection is given to the pectoralis minor chest muscles and works by making the back muscles lift the breast.

Thermage technique is another kind of noninvasive technique where radio waves are used for tightening of the collagen of the skin. This, in turn, gives a firming effect to a sagging breast. Push-ups and exercises that can target the chest muscles can also prove very effective if the sagging is mild or moderate along with some breast firming creams.

And finally, the easiest way which may work out well is buying a new bra which shall give the impression of a normally functioning breast and is much easier on the pockets when one is not looking for a surgical or permanent solution and just wants to look more presentable in society.

Breast lift surgery does not require extensive preparation and can be done with minor modifications in lifestyle which includes

• Stop heavy exercising that unnecessarily puts further pressure on sagging breast tissues.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stop the intake of NSAIDS or ibuprofen or any kind of blood-thinning medicines as it can interrupt in the clotting of the blood during surgery and can result in heavy blood loss. It should be done three weeks prior to the date of the surgery
• A patient should get a baseline mammogram done before the surgery
• Adhere to medications as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
• Quit smoking before the surgery to enjoy the best results after the surgery.

It is common to experience mild pain for two to three days after the surgery. With proper medications, this can be taken well care of. If a woman has small children, then arrangements should be made for their care.  If there were surgical dressings and drains placed, then those shall be removed within a period of 2 to 3 days by the doctor. The patient will thereafter usually wear a surgical bra or compression bandages to protect the zone from any kind of infection and to keep the incision site clean.

Even after a week, slight bleeding will be visible, but normally pain will subside. Some people are encouraged to return to normal routine work, including driving, while others may also need very little exposure to extreme activities and require some rest. After two weeks most patients get the clearance to take a normal bath. Within 4 weeks bruising will disappear and within 6 weeks most patients are allowed to wear a normal underwired bra and return to normal life. Some amount of nipple numbness may exist but extra sensitivity on the nipples will reduce. If high fever or infection and redness is observed at the site of incision then patients must immediately get in touch with their healthcare provider for assistance.