What Is Breast Lifting (Mastopexy)?

The characteristics of an attractive breast are related to its size, volume, shape, and location on the chest wall. Crucially, the position of the nipple on the breast and the width of the breast circumference are very important.

The breast has two different supports: the inner ligaments (Cooper's ligaments) and the skin itself. If there is no problem with these ligaments, the breast does not sag. However, the breast tissue is heavy, and the force of the inner ligaments holding the breast is often insufficient, causing the breast to move downwards.

Breast lifting, clinically referred to as mastopexy, is a surgical intervention designed to elevate sagging tissue and restore a youthful, firm contour to the breasts. The characteristics of an attractive breast are defined by its size, shape, and specific location on the chest wall, as well as the ideal positioning of the nipple. Over time, the internal support structures, which consist of the skin’s elasticity and the ligaments known as Cooper’s ligaments, can weaken and lead to mammary ptosis. This procedure is suitable for women experiencing displacement of the breast tissue below the infra-mammary fold or a downward shift in the nipple caused by aging, weight fluctuations, or nursing. The primary goal of the surgery is to reverse these signs of sagging by creating a new breast form that integrates vitality, symmetry, and appropriate fullness. During the process, the surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes the internal tissue to provide a more rounded appearance while repositioning the nipple to an ideal height. These corrections significantly improve the overall aesthetic harmony of the body and often result in a renewed sense of self-confidence for the patient. While the procedure focuses on lifting, it can be customized to resolve volume concerns when performed alongside other mammary interventions.

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Mastopexy-Augmentation

As the internal structure of the breast is reshaped, some patients can need to remove some of the breast tissue during the breast lifting. In some cases, the available volume of the breast can be insufficient to give the inner tissue of the breast a rounded form. In such cases, it can be necessary to use silicone to provide the volume to the breast. Performing both breast lifting and prosthesis application at the same time is called Mastopexy-Augmentation (Augmentation Mastopexy).

In the breast lifting surgery, there is often no significant pain and our patients are expected to relieve the pain with the simple painkillers. After this surgery, our patients are discharged after one night of hospitalization.

Surgical Standards and Postoperative Recovery

The procedure is conducted under general anaesthesia at a certified hospital facility, such as Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital, to ensure the highest standards of patient safety. During the surgery, the internal tissue is reconstructed and the nipple is repositioned to a natural, more elevated location. Significant pain is not commonly reported after a breast lift, and any postoperative discomfort is usually managed effectively with simple painkillers. Modern aesthetic suturing techniques are utilised to close the incisions, which generally eliminates the requirement for traditional stitch removal during follow-up visits. Most individuals are able to return to their daily routines and desk-based work within five to seven days as the initial recovery phase progresses. Regular follow-up appointments ensure that the healing process is monitored correctly as the breasts settle into their permanent, rejuvenated shape.