Breast modelling

What is breast modelling

Breast modelling or mammaplasty or mastopexy is a plastic surgery procedure to lift your breasts and improve their firmness and shape. The principle of the procedure is to improve the shape of sagging breasts by removing excess skin, lifting the areola and nipple and placing the newly shaped breast to a desired location on the chest.

Who is a good candidate for the procedure

Undesired changes of the breasts mostly occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding but also due to a major weight loss or ageing.

Before the procedure

If you consider mammaplasty, it is always necessary to undergo a non-binding initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, who will assess whether the procedure is right for you. The surgeon will discuss your expectations and suggest a method most suitable for you in terms of the goals of the surgery and your particular situation – breast shape and size, skin quality or other surgery in the breast area.  He or she will explain the technique and the incision placement. You will be informed about the type of anaesthesia, as well as about the possible risks associated with the surgery. During the consultation you can ask any questions, in particular those related to the course of the surgery, as well as your expectations and concerns about the breast modelling results.

When making a binding appointment, you will be given and explained instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, as well as information regarding eating, drinking, smoking and taking or withdrawing from certain medications. Compliance with all these instructions is necessary and will facilitate a smooth procedure and seamless healing after mammaplasty.

How is breast modelling performed

Breast modelling is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon often takes pictures from front and side view and from half profile. He or she will also measure your breasts and, depending on your age and family history, he or she will recommend mammography (X-ray) or ultrasound examination of your breasts.

During mammaplasty, excess skin is removed and while reducing the breast volume, a portion of the mammary gland is removed as well. Resulting scars remain around the areola, going vertically down to the inframammary crease and then along this crease. 

After the procedure

After breast modelling, you may temporarily experience bruises, swelling, discomfort, numbness and very dry skin. Permanent scarring can occur. When lying, a position on the back is recommended. Three weeks after the surgery, perform daily pressure massage and scar taping. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the skin of the surgery area. Wear special underwear 24 hours a day for 14 days, then at least 12 hours a day until full stabilization is achieved, i.e. for two to three months. Scars fade out in a few months. Based on the check-up, the stitches will be removed 6 – 14 days after the surgery. After the breast modelling, a return to normal activity is usually possible within 2 – 3 weeks. Avoid physical activity for 4 weeks after the surgery. The longevity of the procedure varies depending on any subsequent pregnancy, ageing and weight fluctuation.