The shape of the female breast changes over time due to various factors. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight fluctuations, aging and, of course, gravity can cause the breast tissue to lose firmness, the skin to stretch and the nipple to point downwards. This condition is known as “breast ptosis” or colloquially as breast sagging. Sagging breasts can negatively affect a woman's self-confidence and body image.
Many patients are satisfied with the current volume of their breasts and just want a perkier, firmer and younger appearance. At this point, the following critical question comes to mind: “Is it possible to lift my breasts without using implants?”
The answer is unequivocal: Yes, it is possible! The name of this procedure is Mastopexy, a breast lift.
What is Breast Lift without Prosthesis (Mastopexy)?
Mastopexy without prosthesis is the process of lifting and lifting the breast to a higher position by reshaping the existing breast tissue and removing excess skin, without increasing breast volume. This operation creates a “bra” effect on the breast from the inside.
As Dr. Alper Eskalen, our aim in this operation is to process the breast's own tissue like a sculptor and give it a more rounded, aesthetic and youthful form.
The operation includes the following basic steps:
- Removal of Excess Skin: Loose and loose skin, the main cause of sagging, is surgically removed. The incision scars are planned according to the degree of sagging and usually extend around the nipple, along a vertical line going downwards and sometimes along the inframammary fold (in the shape of a “lollipop” or “inverted T”).
- Reshaping the Breast Tissue: The underlying breast tissue is rescued from its scattered and flattened form and recovered to give a more compact, firm and rounded shape.
- Repositioning the Nipple (Areola): Over time, the downward-facing nipple and the surrounding brown area (areola) are moved to a higher and more facing position. If necessary, the enlarged areola can also be reduced at this time.
Who is Mastopexy without Prosthesis Suitable for?
This operation is an ideal solution, especially in the following situations:
- Women who are satisfied with the current size (volume) of their breasts but complain of sagging.
- The nipple is at or below the level of the inframammary fold line.
- Those who have a “hollowed out” and sagging appearance in their breasts after childbirth and breastfeeding.
- Those who want a natural look and do not prefer to have a foreign object (implant) placed in their body.
- Those whose breasts are asymmetrical and a more symmetrical appearance is aimed with a lift.
So, When Do I Need Prosthesis? (Augmentation-Mastopexy)
If a patient both complains of sagging breasts and thinks that their volume is too insufficient, then a breast prosthesis may need to be added to the lift operation. This combined procedure is called “Augmentation-Mastopexy”. The prosthesis is used to restore lost fullness, especially in the upper part of the breast (“upper pole fullness”) and to provide a fuller décolleté appearance.
The decision depends entirely on the patient's expectations and the condition of the existing breast tissue. During a detailed examination with Dr. Alper Eskalen, it is decided together whether the most appropriate method for you is a lift with or without prosthesis.
Breast lift (Mastopexy) is a highly effective method to restore sagging breasts to their former firm and aesthetic form. Remember that you do not always need a prosthesis to achieve perkier and younger looking breasts. When your breast's own tissue is reshaped with the right surgical technique, it is often possible to achieve the natural and aesthetic results you desire.
