Introduction:
Bilateral mastopexy is also called a bilateral breast lift. It is a procedure that raises and reforms the form and volume of breasts. The raising of the breast is done by extracting the extra skin to improve support for the all-around form. There is also a shifting of the nipple and areola to the top to construct a realistic, young shape. In the recovery phase, a patient needs to use a supporting, comfy dress to reduce the inflammation and support it until the breast heals.
There will be swelling and bruises on the breast, lasting for weeks. During the healing phase, maintaining the area (especially the area of incision) clean is mandatory. In the early days of the postoperative period, there will be tenderness and discomfort in the incised areas. Thus, the patient is asked to avoid straining, turning, and taking weights until they get better. The sleeping position recommended is on the back of the patient to reduce the pressure on the breast.
What Is Bilateral Mastopexy?
Ptosis of the breast is a condition that occurs after losing weight, gestation, genetics, and the breastfeeding phase, and it also appears as a result of older age. Due to this, there is the occurrence of losing a young form, figure, and shape of the breast. Also, there is a change in the nipple-areolar complex location.
A bilateral breast lift procedure can correct and reform the youthful appearance and restore the nipple-areolar complex to a better place on the breast. In most cases, this procedure is done in an outpatient setup. Thus there is no need for the patient to stay in the hospital for extended periods. The duration of this procedure is an average of three hours. It is done under general anesthesia.
What Are the Preoperative Measures Taken for Bilateral Mastopexy?
-
It is necessary to educate the patients. Thus the patient will have a complete understanding of this method and desired postoperative results. Patients should comprehend two types of mastopexy, done with and without augmentation, that can enhance the form and impression of the breast, which can reform a youthful contour and locate and keep the nipple-areolar complex in a perfect position. Top pole fullness is likewise executed with the integrated usage of an implant. Operations cannot alter the skin grade or tissue. Thus frequently, it causes relapse of ptosis, particularly in implant procedures. It is because the weight of the implant also causes ptosis.
-
Along with improved grades of ptosis and extra skin, there will be chances of more large scar formation. Also, this procedure can express the effects of old age, breastfeeding, and weight loss in patients with raised events of ptosis and excessive skin, and the chances of giant scar formation are high. Mastopexy procedure has a booming effect on expressing the effects of old age, breastfeeding, and weight loss in patients.
-
Initially, before this procedure, the patient needs to consult and discuss with a plastic surgeon. Thus patients can discuss what they want from this procedure and the breast implants.
-
A thorough preoperative history is a must for this procedure. Then, based on the condition of the patient, surgery is planned. Accordingly, patient education is done. Thus, the patient will know about the procedure's risks, complications, and outcomes.
-
Complications are less comparatively. The doctor will inform the patient to take some measures pre-operatively, like avoiding smoking, information regarding anticoagulants that cause bleeding, and taking antibiotics.
How Is Mastopexy Performed?
-
This procedure is done in a hospital as an outpatient surgery. Before the commencement of this procedure, the nursing staff and the anesthesiologist will explain the process and support the patient.
-
The operator locates the exact location of the nipple. Following this, the patient is taken to the surgery space. Then anesthesia is given.
-
This procedure will extract additional skin and raise the breast tissue to the exact spot. In case of incorporation of breast implants, they place them and then close and bind the breasts.
-
This procedure is followed by placing a small drain in the breasts for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Surgical procedures include,
-
Crescent Mastopexy - It is a deviant circumareolar procedure done by not mobilizing the areola areolar mobilization or purse string. It can manage more minor asymmetries and reduce the formation of scars in cases of small to medium ptosis.
-
Circumareolar Mastopexy - It is also called donut mastopexy. If the nipple-areolar complex is not broader and this complex is raised only up to two centimeters, then, in that case, this approach is opted for. It was planned to reduce the formation of scars in the periareolar area and conserve the nipple-areolar complex.
-
Vertical Mastopexy - This procedure is more effective with an improved capacity to respect the skin and extend the nipple upward. It causes slight tension on the circum-areolar skin because the incisions are closed almost to the nipple alveolar complex and down to the inframammary fold. It is preferred for grade one to three types of ptosis.
-
The Y-Scar Vertical Mastopexy - This reduces the top area of the circum-areolar incision. Its function is restricted. Thus, it mandates that the patient has a regular nipple alveolar complex diameter and perfect nipple location. Results in tightening of the lower pole and requires minimal nipple adjustment. It is a suitable method for patients who desire accompanying mastopexy with enlargement.
-
Inverted T Mastopexy - The inverted-T technique is pliable and is an adaptive technology that permits removing the extra skin and raising the nipple. The process is ideal for grade three or extreme ptosis or with inferior skin grade.
-
Augmentation Mastopexy - This is a suitable choice for patients with reduced volume and those who desire advanced top pole fullness and advanced total size of the breast. The implant is complex as it constructs two contrasting aspects, enlargement in the size and the skin cover.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Mastopexy?
The complications of mastopexy include the following:
-
Formation of scars, which will disappear eventually.
-
Transitions in nipple or sensation. It returns to normal in a couple of weeks. Sometimes, it is permanent too.
-
Breasts of diverse shapes or dimensions. Occasionally, this is because breasts heal at a different rate.
-
Failure of nipple and areola. It is infrequent and can occur if the method yields blood loss in that location.
Conclusion:
Breast ptosis is a typical circumstance occurring for weight loss and pregnancy. It results in the loss of a young form and shape of the breast by the transformation in the location of the nipple-areolar complex. Mastopexy can reform the young formation and transform the nipple-areolar complex into an aesthetic place on the breast. Different approaches handle skin and parenchyma of the breast and are selected based on the ptosis degree, skin laxity, and the patient's desire.
