You want to improve the appearance of your breasts, but you are not sure which is the best surgery for you, whether it is the mastopexy or breast augmentation.. Today we will clarify what these two procedures are about and what you should consider when choosing between them. Learn the details of each one to make the best decision.
Definition and purpose of mastopexy
Within the field of breast surgeries there are different procedures aimed at improving the appearance of the breasts. One of them is the mastopexy or breast lift. This surgery consists of returning sagging breasts to their original position.
Women who undergo this surgery have suffered from sagging breasts, either because of age, pregnancy and sudden weight changes, or because they have bulky breasts.
Thanks to mastopexy it is possible to restore firmness to the breasts and bring them to their original position. This surgery does not involve increasing the size of the breast; however, it is possible to place implants if the patient so desires.
What is involved in breast augmentation?
This surgery is also known as mammoplasty and its objective is to improve the shape and size of the breasts. For this purpose, breast implants are placed, which can be made of silicone or saline solution.
There is also another technique to increase the size of the breasts that consists of injecting fat from the same patient in the breast. In this case, liposuction is performed prior to mammoplasty to remove fat from the areas to be sculpted.
If you are looking for a larger chest, then breast augmentation is for you.
It is generally thought that this surgery is done only for aesthetic reasons, but there are other reasons why a woman opts for this procedure. For example, if she has lost volume after breastfeeding or due to a drastic weight change. Also in cases of breast reconstruction or asymmetry.
Considerations before choosing
Patients are often confused when they come to the office interested in cosmetic breast surgery. Choosing between an augmentation mammoplasty or a mastopexy in Madrid Spain will depend on the goals you want to achieve. Let's take a closer look.
Assessing your health and expectations
First of all, it is normal to have doubts about the best type of breast surgery if you are not familiar with the different procedures. Many times it is believed that breast augmentation is the solution, not only to enlarge the breasts, but to bring them back to their original position; however, this is not the case.
The surgeon you choose will evaluate your case and tell you which is the best procedure for you. He or she will evaluate the shape and volume of your breast and listen to your expectations. In this way he/she will decide what is best to improve the appearance of your breasts.
Decide what bothers you about your breasts: is it their shape, that they are saggy, or that they are too small? The answer to this question is critical to making a decision. You may not be happy with either the size or the position. In this case it is possible to combine a mammoplasty (augmentation or reduction) with mastopexy.
In addition to assessing your expectations, the surgeon will ask you for details of your medical history and will perform pre-examinations to know your current state of health.
Factors to consider: age, skin type and anatomy.
There are a number of factors to consider before undergoing cosmetic surgery, such as the age of the patient. It is advisable to wait until the breasts are fully developed. That is, after 17 years of age.
The techniques for performing both procedures will be the same regardless of the age of the patients. And the results can be optimal in either case.
Another important aspect to decide the ideal time to do the surgery is if you want to have children. Neither mastopexy nor breast augmentation affects the breast milk ducts. Therefore, it is possible to have either surgery before having children. However, it is recommended to wait one year after surgery to become pregnant.
As for having breast surgery during pregnancy, it is not recommended. The best thing to do in this case is to wait until breastfeeding is over to undergo surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding affect the shape and size of the breasts. For this reason, many women prefer to have these surgeries when they decide not to have more children.
The surgeon will also look at the quality and elasticity of the skin. The quality of the skin affects the outcome of the surgery and influences the healing process. Generally, younger people have more elasticity because they have more collagen, which helps recovery to be faster.
When deciding on the appropriate breast size, it is important to consider the patient's anatomy in order to achieve a more harmonious result.
Procedures and techniques
Choosing between mastopexy and breast augmentation also involves knowing how both operations are performed. Below we explain each of them.
Mastopexy techniques: what you should know
During mastopexy excess skin in the breasts is removed, which is what causes sagging. This surgery corrects breast ptosis, which is the drooping of the breast due to loss of elasticity. In addition, it may involve changing the position of the areola and nipple.
There are different degrees of ptosis and, according to this, the surgeon will determine the best way to perform the surgery.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. First, the surgeon will make an incision in the breast to remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the underlying tissues. He then repositions the areola and nipple in a higher position.
The techniques used for this surgery are:
- Periareolar incision: the cut is made around the areola. It is the most conservative technique and is used for mild cases of breast sagging.
- Vertical incision: is made around the areola and then another vertical cut downward. It is applied when breast sagging is moderate.
- Inverted T-shaped incision: to the vertical incision we saw above, another horizontal cut is added through the submammary fold. It is applied in severe cases of breast sagging.
Mastopexy can be performed without prostheses or with prostheses, depending on whether the patient also wants a breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation methods and implant options
Augmentation mammoplasty also takes about two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The most common method is the insertion of implants that can be silicone or saline bags that are placed under the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle.
Another method used is the transfer of autologous fat that is harvested from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks or other parts of the body.
There are three methods of implant placement:
- Submammary incision: the incision is made in the submammary fold.
- Periareolar incision: performed around the areola.
- Transaxillary incision: This incision is made in the armpit. It is a less common technique, but may leave less visible scars.
Implants can be round or anatomical. The latter give a more natural appearance to the breast.
Recovery and postoperative care
After surgery, the surgeon will make recommendations for postoperative care. These include rest for the first few days after surgery, care of the incisions and medications to relieve discomfort and prevent infection.
The first few weeks after surgery, the patient should wear a compression garment that will help reduce swelling and keep the breasts in place. She should also avoid strenuous activities and sun exposure, as the latter darkens the scars.
Recovery from mastopexy and breast augmentation can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The surgeon will indicate when you can return to your normal life, to vigorous exercise and how to care for the scars.
Outcomes and patient satisfaction
The results of both mastopexy and breast augmentation are long-lasting and patients are generally satisfied. These surgeries have a positive effect on the self-esteem of the women who undergo them, since they achieve a more stylized breast. So they feel more comfortable and self-confident.
The patient's satisfaction with breast surgery also depends on the expectations he/she has. That is why it is important to talk to the surgeon beforehand and be clear about the limitations of the procedure.
Conclusion: final tips
If you want to improve the appearance of your breasts, it is important to understand the difference between mastopexy and mammoplasty. In addition to looking at your chest to understand what you need, there are some questions that will help you make your decision:
- What do you want to achieve with the surgery?
- Do you want to lift sagging breasts or increase their size?
- How will the surgery affect your lifestyle?
You must also understand the purpose of each of these surgeries. With mastopexy you can lift sagging breasts, improve their shape and reduce the size of the areola. While with breast augmentation you get more volume in the breast, correct the asymmetry that may exist and fill out the breasts after weight loss or breastfeeding.
We hope this information will help you choose between mastopexy or breast augmentation. Both surgeries are intended to improve the appearance of the breast, but it is important that you know the objectives of each to choose the one that suits you best.
