Breast lift after childbirth at the Mont Blanc Clinic

Consultation with plastic surgeons with over 20 years of experience is free! Make an appointment by phone. Waiting for you! Breast lift (mastopexy) is a fairly safe and well-established surgical option aimed at eliminating ptosis of the mammary glands and restoring beautiful, toned breast shapes. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the mammary gland changes and, unfortunately, not for the better. The skin stretches quite strongly, the nipples droop, the overall volume of the breasts decreases significantly, the upper pole of the breast “loses weight,” and stretch marks may appear on the skin.

As a result, the aesthetic appearance of the mammary glands of young women is no longer satisfactory.

Against the backdrop of such negative changes, women often lose self-confidence, often many of them develop complexes and a feeling of inferiority. This is why breast lifts after childbirth and after breastfeeding are becoming increasingly popular among women who want to be irresistible, regardless of their social status.

Degrees of ptosis of the mammary glands

With grade 1 ptosis, the nipples are located at the level with the inframammary fold. A nipple areola lift is recommended. The scar remains only around the nipple.
With grade 2 ptosis, the nipples are located below the inframammary folds, but higher than the lower contour of the breast. A nipple areola lift with a vertical downward incision or the SPAIR technique (minimal scar method) is recommended. The scar is left around the nipple, vertically downwards, or in the form of a comma hidden in the armpit (SPAIR).
With ptosis of the 3rd degree, the nipples are at the level of the lower pole of the chest and look down. A lift along the nipple areola with a vertical incision downwards and along the fold under the breast (T-shaped) or using the SPAIR technique is recommended.

Surgery after lactation

A breast lift can be done after the cessation of lactation, as soon as the ducts of the mammary glands have subsided .

Stabilization of weight before surgery is of no small importance . If your weight is stable and you will not lose weight, then you can have surgery. Otherwise, it is recommended to first reduce your weight to the desired level, and then have surgery.

During pregnancy, stretch marks often appear on the breasts and the areolas become enlarged . And, as a rule, women are concerned with the question: if they do a breast lift with areola reduction, will the stretch marks be less noticeable? During the operation, some stretch marks are removed, the rest can be removed using a fractional or dermal photothermolysis procedure with a laser. In any case, it is worth knowing that stretch marks cannot be completely removed; with the help of a laser they can be made less noticeable.

Preparing for mastopexy

Before the operation, it is necessary to undergo a thorough medical examination to minimize any possible risks and complications, do an ultrasound of the mammary glands and consult a mammologist.
At the preparatory stage for surgery, patients are advised to normalize their weight, eliminate or minimize smoking, and not use certain medications and medications. At the initial consultation, the surgeon will tell you in detail about the rules of preoperative preparation and give the patient a reminder.

How to get your breasts back in shape after childbirth?

It is possible to restore the shape of the bust after the birth of a child only through plastic surgery. However, not every woman decides to consult a plastic surgeon.

It is worth understanding that, apart from aesthetic surgery, there are no other effective methods for restoring the previous shape of the breast after childbirth. Depending on the characteristics of the condition of the bust after breastfeeding, surgeons use the following correction methods.

Breast augmentation with implants. This method is optimal for women with small breast volume, provided that there is no sagging
Breast lift (mastopexy). Suitable for patients with sufficient volume of mammary glands, but lost shape, that is, with sagging
Bust enlargement combined with a lift. The most complex operation in the field of breast plastic surgery. Suitable for patients whose breasts have lost volume and sag

Are there other methods to restore breast attractiveness? Yes, however, it is worth understanding that they can only slightly adjust the appearance of the bust, making the skin more elastic, but these methods are not capable of significantly changing the shape and volume.

Massage
Cold and hot shower
Swimming
Exercise sets

READ ALSO: Alternative methods of breast enlargement

Contraindications

A breast lift after breastfeeding or breastfeeding, as many young mothers put it, can be performed only after the end of the lactation process (milk production). This is necessary, since lactobacilli, which are contained in breast milk, can cause acute inflammatory processes in the wound during breast surgery. Using an ultrasound, it is necessary to accurately verify the end of the lactation process. In any case, at least 6 months must pass before the operation.

Before a breast lift, at least six months must pass after the end of lactation.

After childbirth

You should choose a bra that fits your breasts; it should not be too tight or too big. You should prefer models made from natural materials, with wide straps and without wires - pressure from them can cause the formation of various formations
You should pay attention to the time of the first arrival of milk - most often this happens on the third day after birth. It is at this time that the risk of breast stretching is high, because the mammary glands are filled with milk as much as possible. For this reason, it is important to wear supportive clothing after giving birth. Particular attention should be paid to pumping (breastfeeding) in the first days after the baby is born, because milk should not stagnate, which can cause mastitis.

WE ALSO ADVISE YOU TO READ: Breast lift with and without implants

Factors that cause loss of breast shape and volume after childbirth and breastfeeding

Feeding according to the schedule. Experts believe that routine feeding should be replaced by feeding at the child’s request. This will prevent stagnation of milk, which causes stretching of the skin.
Incorrect position while feeding the baby. Breastfeeding should be done in positions that do not stretch the skin. To ensure equal emptying of both breasts, you should alternate them when feeding.
Incorrect expression of milk. Expressing milk by hand often causes stretching of the soft tissue and weakens the ligamentous mechanism of the breast. A breast pump should be used whenever possible. And in order to prevent stretching of the skin, you should empty both mammary glands before going to bed.
Incorrectly chosen bra. The main task of a bra is to support the breasts. A model that is too small tightens the bust, and a model that is too large leaves the breasts without support, which causes unpleasant consequences, such as stagnation of milk or the development of inflammatory processes
Sudden cessation of breastfeeding. Abruptly stopping breastfeeding is a big stress for the bust, which can cause mastitis or milk stagnation. Some women try to stop lactation through tight bandaging, which is absolutely not allowed. If you want to stop lactation, you need to contact a gynecologist and use the medications prescribed by him
The mother's physical condition is not good enough. The mother should maintain excellent physical shape by performing a set of exercises, including those aimed at developing and strengthening the pectoral muscles. It should be remembered that body weight should always be within the normal range. Excess weight almost always causes breasts to lose their attractiveness.
Insufficient elasticity of the bust skin. To increase skin elasticity and prevent stretch marks, you should regularly use moisturizing breast creams
Genetic predisposition. This factor cannot be influenced, so you can only hope that your genetics are good

Rehabilitation

During the rehabilitation period after a breast lift after feeding, you must follow all the recommendations of your doctor in order to avoid any complications, as well as speed up the healing process.

After surgery, patients are advised to limit physical activity, wear a special compression bra, and not take warming procedures: bathhouse, sauna. Postoperative sutures dissolve on their own after a certain time and do not require removal. However, dynamic observation by a doctor is recommended.

The results of the operation can be assessed after about 2 months. It is at this time that all swelling completely subsides, the breasts acquire a symmetrical, spectacular and natural shape.

During pregnancy

You must wear appropriate underwear - a supportive bra without cups. This is especially important during the period from 3 to 5 and from 7 to 9 months of pregnancy, when the mammary glands grow very quickly. The bra should not compress the breasts, but must provide sufficient support
A contrast shower can have a tonic effect on the skin and make it firmer and more elastic. Also, regular contrast showers help improve blood circulation and lymph outflow, which has a good effect on metabolism in the tissues of the mammary glands

The following factors influence the deterioration of breast condition:

Pregnancy is nature, and nothing can be done about it.
Genetics. If your mother and grandmother’s breasts have not deteriorated at all with age, then yours will not deteriorate either. If the decrease in elasticity is hereditary, then you need to make every effort to prevent such sad consequences.
Incorrect feeding. The child should not be allowed to behave freely at the breast - pulling the nipple, squeezing and squeezing the breast, pinching, biting or chewing it. This, firstly, is painful, and secondly, it leads to sagging breasts.
Improper pumping can also lead to tightening of the skin - and, as a result, to a decrease in elasticity.
Low muscle tone. Because muscles are the support on which the iron is attached.
Abrupt cessation of feeding. Many mothers tighten the glands to stop lactation, and this can lead to lactostasis and mastitis. You need to stop breastfeeding gradually so that the gland goes into “sleep mode” without unnecessary stress and then into “complete shutdown.”
A sharp jump in weight. When you gain weight quickly, your breasts will also enlarge, which can cause stretch marks to appear. And with rapid weight loss, the breasts seem to empty.

Breast lift. Mastopexy

A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the shape of the breasts. Mastopexy can also correct breast asymmetry and reduce the size of the areola.

Breast ptosis is a manifestation of a discrepancy between the stretched fascial skin cover of the mammary gland and the volume of the gland itself. Stretching of the fasciocutaneous sheath of the mammary gland occurs as a result of overstretching during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and excess body weight. Another reason for the discrepancy is a decrease in the volume of the breast itself, which occurs as a result of a decrease in body weight or post-lactation involution of glandular tissue.

Depending on the severity of breast ptosis, various options for breast lift (mastopexy) are used.

The degree of ptosis (sagging) of the breast determines the required type of breast lift (mastopexy):

1. Paraareolar breast lift (mastopexy) is used for minimal (grade 1) breast ptosis, excessive areola size, or the need for minor breast shape correction. Paraareolar breast lift (mastopexy) can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s wishes. Paraareolar breast lift (mastopexy) can be performed on an outpatient basis, without a hospital stay. After a paraareolar breast lift (mastopexy), hospitalization is not required and you can leave the clinic a few hours after the operation. Sutures are placed using absorbable suture material. There is no need to remove them. Postoperative scars are located along the edge of the areola. Observation by a plastic surgeon - 3-4 days. The need to wear compression garments is 2 weeks.

2. Vertical breast lift (mastopexy) is used for moderate (1-2 degrees) breast ptosis. Vertical breast lift (mastopexy) is performed under general anesthesia. The minimum stay in the hospital after a vertical breast lift (mastopexy) is until the evening of the day of surgery, but it is better to remain under observation until the morning. The sutures after a vertical breast lift (mastopexy) dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed. postoperative scars are located around the areola and vertically down to the submammary fold. Examinations after vertical mastopexy surgery are necessary within 5-7 days. The need to wear compression garments after vertical mastopexy is 4 weeks.

3. Classic breast lift (mastopexy) is used for severe (2-4 degrees) breast ptosis and glandular type of breast ptosis. A classic breast lift (mastopexy) is performed under general anesthesia. After a classic breast lift (mastopexy), it is necessary to stay in the hospital for 1 day and be examined by a plastic surgeon within a week. Postoperative scars will be located around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the inframammary fold and in the inframammary fold. The need to wear compression garments after a classic breast lift (mastopexy) is 6 weeks.

4. Breast lift with augmentation (mastopexy with one-stage augmentation, augmentation mastopexy). If the breast volume is insufficient, a simultaneous breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) is possible. Simultaneous breast lift and augmentation provides the most natural, aesthetic, predictable and long-lasting results. Installing implants allows you to permanently restore the volume of the upper chest (in the décolleté area) and predictably shape the projection and profile of the décolleté area. Breast augmentation with a lift (mastopexy) allows you to perform a paraareolar lift (mastopexy) in cases where, without breast augmentation, a vertical or even classic breast lift (mastopexy) would be required, and vertical mastopexy in cases where, without the installation of an implant, a classic mastopexy would be required. A breast lift with one-stage augmentation (augmentation mastopexy) is performed under general anesthesia. In hospital under observation - 1 day. Regular check-ups with a plastic surgeon are necessary after a week. The need to wear compression garments after simultaneous breast augmentation and lifting (augmentation mastopexy) is 6 weeks.

5. An alternative way to improve the shape of the breast if you want to limit yourself to a minimal amount of surgical intervention is breast lipofilling. Breast lipofilling improves the ratio of the skin-fascial cover of the breast and the volume of the breast itself due to its own adipose tissue. With breast lipofilling, an increase in breast volume is combined with an improvement in the condition of the breast skin, and therefore a breast lift. An additional bonus of breast lipofilling is improving the shape of the area where fat cells are harvested. Breast lipofilling can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s wishes. Time spent in hospital for one day. After breast lipofilling, the patient leaves the clinic on the day of surgery. There are no seams. Postoperative scars are spotty - 2-3 millimeters. Examinations by a plastic surgeon after surgery within a week. The need to wear special underwear is 2 weeks. Breastfeeding is still possible.

Cost (price) of mastopexy (breast lift/reduction)

Classic mastopexy (breast lift, breast reduction) without implants 140,000 rubles.
Mastopexy (lift, reduction) of one breast 75,000 rubles
Vertical mastopexy (lift, breast reduction) without implants 140,000 rubles.
Paraareolar mastopexy without implants (with ptosis no more than 1 degree). Cost (price) - 40,000 rubles.
Mammoplasty for ptosis of no more than 1 degree using anatomical implants with polyurethane coating. Price (cost) 205,000 rubles
Augmentation mastopexy using implants (any - selected during consultation). Price - 335,000 rubles

The price (cost) of a breast lift includes:

cost (price) of the operation itself
cost (price) of anesthesia
cost of implants (with augmentation mastopexy)
stay in the ward for up to 3 days
medicines
compression garments (1 set)
post-operative examinations and procedures

Paid separately:

examination before surgery
Additional sets of compression garments (5,000 rubles per set)
stay in the ward for more than the required 3 days (5,000 rubles per day) - may be required for non-residents and with concomitant pathology

Contraindications to breast lift surgery:

Future pregnancy and breastfeeding plans.
Overweight (BMI over 28). BMI=weight in kilograms/(height in meters)2
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding (and 12 months after the end of breastfeeding)
Malignant tumors (*fibrocystic mastopathy is not a contraindication)
Any acute diseases (ARVI, herpes, intestinal infections, poisoning, injuries)
Some chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmias, autoimmune diseases, etc.)
Varicose veins of the lower extremities, postthrombophlebitic syndrome, edema of the lower extremities.
Significant deviations in survey results.
Smoking
Allergic reactions to local anesthetics
The period of an allergic reaction and 2 weeks after it. (Including seasonal allergies, food, contact, etc.)
Time after air travel or long (several hours or more) trips in a sitting position (car, bus, train)
Planned air travel (2 weeks)
Condition after surgical/gynecological/plastic operations (2 months)
Time of menstruation and the week before it.
Skin rashes in the area of planned surgery

In each case, the decision on the type and required volume of breast lift (mastopexy) is made individually during a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Sincerely, your plastic surgeon, head. Department of Plastic Surgery MC "Health Factory" Rostov-on-Don, Zelenkova Natalya Vyacheslavovna

Why does sagging happen?

Mastoptosis, i.e. Breast sagging is characterized by the formation of a flat part in the upper part of the mammary glands, the appearance of a fold and a change in the shape of the nipple, as well as its location. He has several degrees.

The main reasons for this condition include:

Aging of the body. By the age of 40-50, reverse development of the mammary glands occurs. The muscles are unable to hold them, and the thoracic region becomes flabby.
The period of bearing a child and feeding. This process can be prevented by doing some exercises regularly. As a result of the arrival of milk to the mammary glands, the tissues are stretched, and at the end of the lactation period they do not always acquire their previous condition. The muscles are also stretched.
A woman has a large bust.
Weakness of muscle tissue caused by incorrect body position. Especially if a woman spends most of her time in the office at the computer, etc.

Quickly tighten your breasts with exercises at home

To lose weight, be sure to perform a set of physical exercises. And do this constantly. Excess weight negatively affects the elasticity of the breasts.

Gymnastics is necessary to strengthen the back muscles. Good posture emphasizes the chest line.

Exercise	How to perform	Effect
Push ups	Take a lying position. The body is elongated into a string. It is more effective to place your hands close to each other to increase the load on the chest area. Do the exercise slowly	The chest muscles are strengthened. A month later, it is visually noticeable how the breasts have become taller
Palm rest	Bring your hands together in front of you at chest level. Palms touching. Press your palms against each other with force	The muscles and ligaments that support the girl’s bust work. The chest becomes stronger
Chinese way	Place your right hand on your left forearm in the elbow area. The left hand is positioned in a similar mirror manner. Hands at chest level. Sharply try to move your hands away from each other as much as possible, without releasing your forearms from your palms	The effect is obvious after the first week of regular training. The mammary gland retreats, transferring its position to the muscles

Playing sports is mandatory to strengthen muscles .
They will help you quickly and effectively tighten your bust without surgery. Charging can be done at home. Use dumbbells. Take dumbbells weighing no more than one kilogram in each hand. Stretch your arms in front of you and lower them, spread them to the sides and lower them.

Note ! Exercises for chest elasticity are performed at home or in the gym under the guidance of an experienced trainer.

Training in the gym is good because the instructor will select the optimal set of exercises aimed at solving a specific problem.

What to do to prevent breasts from sagging

Undoubtedly, toned and firm breasts are the dream of every woman. But after pregnancy and with the advent of old age, it may lose its elasticity and shape. As a result, the woman begins to try different methods to tighten the skin and improve its condition.

Hydromassage

The most pleasant and easiest way to prevent breast sagging is to regularly perform hydromassage. Moreover, you can carry out this procedure yourself. The stream should not be weak or strong; the temperature should be chosen at a pleasant temperature. It is necessary to describe about 10 circles in a vertical direction along the entire décolleté area, paying special attention to the sides and the area under the breasts. Finally, a stream of water should be directed to the nipples, then dry with a hard towel and apply a nourishing cream.