Breast lift or mastopexy

• Your breasts are too small (mammary hypotrophy)
• You experienced breast sagging after breastfeeding and pregnancy
• You are hung up about the size of your breast because you think it does not match your age
• You are uncomfortable with the size and position of your areolas (too large and/or too low)
• You cannot find a bra that fits you perfectly
• You systematically wear padded bras
• Your breasts are asymmetrical
• Your breasts have a deformity (Poland syndrome, tuberous breasts)

It is important for young women to reach milestones in growth and physical maturity before considering surgery. Indeed, there is often a variation in body weight and size and hence the breast shape. It is also recommended to wait until puberty before considering surgery.

To consider having a mastopexy in the best possible conditions, it is important that your weight be stable. In fact, variations in weight can alter the result of the surgery, as well as excess weight increases the risk of post-operative complications.
Of course, each situation should be discussed with your surgeon who will be best able to advise you.

Regardless of which technique is used, breast lift always causes a scar around the areola. Dr Thomet usually performs the inverted-T lift (this technique produces a vertical scar between the areola and the fold under the breast as well as a horizontal scar in the fold). This technique allows removing the excess skin efficiently, thus avoiding a touch-up procedure in most cases. In some cases, surgeons create a unique vertical line down to the breast crease in addition to the scar around the areola. The peri-areolar technique is sufficient for women with a moderate degree of sagging. Your surgeon will advise you in order to ascertain what treatment is most appropriate in your case.

The first consultation with Dr Thomet will allow you to get to know your surgeon, talk about your personal situation and present your expectations. In order to complete your medical record, she will ask about your medical history, previous operations you may have had, and the list of medicines and allergies.
A physical examination will be carried out with measurements and sometimes photos that will remain confidential and only used for your medical file. At the end of the consultation, Dr Thomet will make a diagnosis and tell you if you are a good candidate for surgery. She will explain to you the contemplated surgical procedure, scar positions, the recovery time and the risks of complications.
After you have had time to think it over, a second consultation will be scheduled, in order to answer your questions and set a surgery date.

A radiologic control (mammography and/or breast ultrasound) dating back than one year is required before any operation.

The surgery is rarely covered by health insurance (after significant weight loss, due for example to a gastric bypass). Your surgeon must make a prior request by sending a letter with your photos. Otherwise, a cost estimate will be forwarded to you after the first consultation.

Mastopexy is undertaken under general anaesthesia. A preoperative consultation with an anaesthesiologist will therefore be organised before surgery.

Mastopexy does not usually require hospitalisation. In some cases, it may require one or two night’s hospitalisation.

When leaving the clinic, you will just have dressings which will be changed the following week for the first time at the practice. You are allowed to shower around 5-7 days after surgery. You will need to wear a sports bra (without underwire, with a wide elastic band, if possible with front opening for greater comfort) day and night for 6 weeks.

It is not recommended to drive and carry weight (more than 2-3 kilos) when leaving the clinic. Activity resumption may be considered after 10-15 days depending on the type of activity. It is necessary to wait 6 to 8 weeks before doing sports.
If the surgery is covered by health insurance, Dr Thomet will issue you with a medical certificate for the duration of your incapacity for work.