Breast Lift Valencia & Alicante (Alcoy): Mastopexy

Mastopexy: Breast lift

Plastic surgeon Dr. Antolín explains the characteristics of mastopexy surgery, also known as “breast lift”, as well as the patient care process at the Valencia and Alcoy clinics (from where he also sees patients from Ontinyent, Ibi, Cocentaina and Onil, amongst others).

Let’s discuss:

• The approach route and the scarring.
• Mastopexy with or without augmentation with breast implants: we will discuss whether you wish to undergo augmentation alongside the lift.
• The characteristics of breast lift surgery.
• Tips for a smoother recovery.
• Results from real cases: before and after photos
• Price and financing of your mastopexy.

Before that, let’s address the question:

Why choose your mastopexy with Dr. Antolín?

✅ For mastopexy with augmentation, we use MENTOR implants, with lifetime warranty.

✅ Beautiful, firm and lifted breasts with a natural result.

✅ Option to finance over up to 5 years.

✅ Surgical technique featuring:

► Faster recovery.

► Less visible scarring.

► Less painful postoperative course.

✅ Dr. Antolín is part of the Microsurgery Unit of plastic surgery at La Fe Hospital in Valencia.
✅ She is a member of the breast committee of La Fe Hospital and specialises in the most advanced breast reconstruction techniques.

What is breast lift surgery or mastopexy?

Mastopexy, or lifting mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that performs the elevation and repositioning of the mammary gland that has descended due to ageing, pregnancy and lactation, or weight loss and sudden slimming. It addresses the effects of ageing, pregnancy and lactation, or sudden weight loss and slimming.

It is a highly requested procedure amongst women who have had one or more pregnancies and who choose mastopexy without implants or with them as part of postpartum cosmetic surgery. Through postpartum surgery, women seek to recover fuller and lifted breasts, a flat abdomen free of stretch marks and so on.

On other occasions, it is performed as a post-bariatric reconstructive procedure, in patients who have undergone massive weight loss.

This requires the removal of excess skin and the remodelling and anchoring of the mammary gland to a higher position.

In mild cases, the issue can be resolved through placement of a breast implant alone.

At your consultation, we will show you before and after photos of naturally lifted breasts without prostheses and with the finest breast implants available.

We will also show you breast augmentation before and after photos so you can appreciate the difference.

A great deal of information must be communicated by the patient, and the surgeon must be able to interpret it correctly in order to establish the most optimal surgical plan and make the most appropriate decisions. The patient must be thoroughly assessed by the surgeon and listened to with genuine care and attention. It is essential that the patient receives excellent care, is well informed, is operated on with skill, and of course, most importantly, that the patient feels genuinely excited about the result.

Candidates for mastopexy

The ideal candidate for breast lift surgery or mastopexy should meet the following criteria:

• Sagging or drooping breasts: Women whose breasts have a sagging appearance, lack volume in the upper region, or have nipples positioned below the natural breast fold may be good candidates for a breast lift procedure.
• Realistic expectations: Women who are most satisfied with the results of breast lift surgery are those who have maintained realistic expectations and who are in overall good health.
• Stable body weight: Prior to the breast lift procedure, candidates should be able to maintain a stable body weight. Weight fluctuations after the procedure can affect the quality of results over time.

The initial consultation

Prior to surgery, all patients will visit our clinic on several occasions to consult with Dr. Antolín.

During this first visit, which is completely free of charge, you will receive answers to all your questions, you can communicate the goals you wish to achieve through surgery, and together we will ensure that both parties understand the results we will achieve.

Types of lifting mammoplasty

During surgery, several different techniques can be employed, depending on the patient’s needs and the degree of correction required.

• Each breast will be lifted and reshaped to create a more rounded and youthful appearance.
• The nipple will be repositioned to a central location on the breast, and Dr. Antolín will take care to minimise the risk of sensation loss.

Every effort is made to conceal the scars as much as possible, to achieve the best aesthetic appearance of the scars and to minimise their impact.

In general, the incisions extend around the areola, across the lower pole (5–6 cm) down to the inframammary fold and may even extend along the breast crease.

Although some scarring is inevitable with any breast lift procedure, it will fade significantly over time.

What scarring is necessary?

The procedure involves scars on the breast that may be:

• Periareolar: around the areola.
• Vertical: across the lower pole.
• Horizontal: in the inframammary fold.

The extent of the scar will depend on the degree of ptosis (breast descent) and the excess skin to be removed.

We aim for the best results with the minimum possible scarring, but when the technique requires a periareolar scar and an inverted-T pattern, it is because this is the option through which we will achieve the best and most long-lasting result.

Minimal-scar mastopexy procedures in cases requiring a wider approach have historically resulted in poor outcomes necessitating revision surgery.

We assess the breast size, the volume of breast below the inframammary fold and the distance of the areola from the sternal notch and the clavicle.

These parameters define the degree of breast ptosis, which ultimately determines both the surgical technique and the scar pattern.

Mastopexy with or without breast implants: Is an implant necessary?

Implant placement is not essential.

Mastopexy can be performed in various ways.

Only in cases in which sagging is accompanied by very significant atrophy of the breast do we recommend implant placement.

For all other cases, the decision will depend on:

• the patient’s preferences,
• her motivation regarding an implant or wish to increase breast volume, and
• whether she desires a full upper pole for an extended period.

In many cases, we use the sagging breast tissue, mobilise it and position it in the upper pole to serve as a natural filler.

In this way, excellent results are achieved without the need for implants.

However, in cases of mild sagging, placement of an anatomical breast implant alone may suffice and be the most suitable option, thus avoiding the more extensive scarring patterns.

The procedure: surgical characteristics

• The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
• It lasts approximately 3 hours and requires one day of hospitalisation.
• We do not use drains, except in very specific situations where they are clearly necessary.
• Following discharge from the clinic, you will wear a dressing for 3–4 days, which will be replaced by a specialist sports bra to be worn for one month.

Postoperative care and recovery

Once discharged, it is recommended that you rest at home for four days and follow a gradual return to normal activity so that you can resume your family and work life within 7 days (although this should also be assessed on an individual basis).

Patients are monitored during the first month with weekly appointments for follow-up, wound care, suture removal and to receive progressive information and guidance.

• All forms of massage are discouraged.
• You will be able to resume your sporting activities from the first month onwards.

Once the first month has passed, we will provide guidance on therapeutic options to achieve the best possible scar appearance, though our primary ally will be time.

This is probably the breast surgery that requires the most comprehensive and detailed information, and the procedure in which the anatomical structure of the breast most influences the surgical technique employed.

Recovery tips

Following a mastopexy procedure, the patient should concentrate on resting and taking care of herself for several days before returning to her usual routine.

In the meantime, there are many simple steps that can be taken to make your breast lift recovery in Valencia with Dr. Antolín as straightforward as possible.

• Which medications to take and which to avoid: Dr. Antolín will likely prescribe pain medications to take for the first few days after the breast lift. However, aspirin, naproxen and supplements such as fish oil, St. John’s wort and vitamin E should be avoided, as these can increase bleeding risk.

• Obtain a specialist pillow: During the initial stages of breast lift recovery, keep your upper body elevated to help minimise swelling.
• Gentle walking around the home will help maintain circulation and reduce swelling.
• Maintain regular contact with Dr. Antolín throughout recovery and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
• If you have any questions or concerns at any point, contact the clinic or doctor to address them.
• Furthermore, consultation should be sought before resuming physical activity.

Results

The result of breast lift surgery is worthwhile, and in all cases is immediately evident.

As the mastopexy recovery progresses, postoperative swelling will diminish and the incision lines will fade.

Satisfaction with your new appearance should continue to increase as you recover from surgery.

The results of mastopexy will improve over the following months as the shape and position of the breasts continue to settle.

The incision lines are permanent but will fade considerably over time.

The results will be long-lasting. Over time, the breasts may continue to change due to ageing and gravity, but you can maintain your new appearance longer by:

• Maintaining a balanced weight
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Following your surgeon’s instructions is essential for the success of the surgery.

It is important that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive strain, swelling, friction or movement during the healing period. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on wound care.

Mastopexy without/with implant: before and after real cases