Mammoplasty

Mammoplasty includes several types of surgery designed to change the appearance and proportions of the breasts.

Breast augmentation is performed to increase breast volume or correct breast asymmetry.

Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, raises and reshapes sagging breasts without necessarily increasing their volume.

Reduction mammoplasty reduces excessively large breasts by removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin while simultaneously repositioning the breasts higher on the chest.

These procedures may also be combined. For example, when there is both loss of volume and significant sagging, mammoplasty may be combined with mastopexy. In patients with large and sagging breasts, reduction mammoplasty may be combined with mastopexy.

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation may be indicated if the patient wishes to increase breast volume, restore volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, or correct significant asymmetry.

Augmentation may be performed using implants or, in some cases, the patient’s own fat through lipofilling.

When selecting an implant, the desired size is not the only consideration. Chest width, the thickness of the patient’s own tissues, skin elasticity, and the original shape of the breasts are also taken into account. Implants vary in shape, volume, and profile.

Breast lift - mastopexy

Mastopexy is performed when the breasts have lost their previous position or shape, the nipple-areola complex is positioned lower, or there is significant asymmetry.

During surgery, excess skin is removed, the patient’s own breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple and areola are repositioned higher. The diameter of the areola may also be reduced if necessary.

If there is sufficient natural breast tissue, mastopexy can be performed without an implant. If sagging is accompanied by a significant loss of volume in the upper part of the breast, mastopexy may be combined with implant augmentation.

The location of the incisions depends on the degree of sagging. Incisions may be limited to the area around the areola or may also include a vertical incision and an incision along the inframammary fold.

Breast reduction - reduction mammoplasty

During reduction mammoplasty, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. At the same time, the breast is reshaped and repositioned higher.

The procedure may have medical as well as aesthetic indications. Excessively large breasts may be associated with chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, skin irritation beneath the breasts, deep shoulder grooves caused by bra straps, and limitations in physical activity.

Contraindications

Aesthetic mammoplasty is planned once breast development is complete. Surgery is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding because breast size and tissue continue to change during this period.

Surgery may also be postponed in cases of active infection, an unexplained breast mass or abnormal breast imaging findings, poorly controlled diabetes, significant blood-clotting disorders, or severe decompensated chronic disease.

Diabetes itself is not always an absolute contraindication. It is important for the condition to be well controlled, as elevated blood glucose can increase the risk of wound-healing problems and infectious complications.

Preparing for surgery

Preparation begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon. The physician evaluates the size and shape of the breasts, skin condition, nipple position, asymmetry, and discusses the patient’s expectations.

Before surgery, the necessary laboratory tests and an anesthesiology assessment are arranged. Depending on the patient’s age, symptoms, and medical history, breast ultrasound or mammography may also be required.

If augmentation is planned, the implant volume, base width, profile, placement, and surgical approach are also selected during the consultation.

How is surgery performed at Nairi Medical Center?

Mammoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. The surgical technique and duration depend on the selected procedure.

During breast augmentation, a pocket is created for the implant, which is placed in the preselected position. The position and symmetry of the breasts are then checked before the incisions are closed. Breast augmentation usually takes about 1–2 hours.

During mastopexy, excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher. The procedure usually takes around 2–3 hours.

During reduction mammoplasty, excess skin, fat, and breast tissue are removed, and a smaller breast is formed in a higher position. Depending on the extent of the procedure, surgery may take around 3–5 hours.

Combined procedures may take longer.

Recovery by stages

The first 1–3 days. Swelling, a feeling of tightness, and pain are usually most noticeable during this period. Walking is recommended, but strenuous activity and sudden movements should be avoided. A special supportive bra is worn.

After 48–72 hours. In many cases, a short shower is possible if the surgeon has approved it and the type of dressing or sutures allows it. Baths, swimming pools, and saunas are permitted only after the wound has completely healed.

The first month. Swelling gradually decreases, and the patient returns to normal daily activities. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are usually restricted for approximately 4–6 weeks.

Around 3 months. The position and shape of the breasts have largely stabilized, and most of the swelling has resolved.

3–6 months. The final breast shape can usually be assessed more accurately during this period. Scar maturation continues for longer and may take up to one year.

Hygiene and postoperative care

Showering is usually possible around 48 hours after surgery unless the surgeon has advised otherwise. The sutures should not be rubbed, scrubbed, or kept under water for prolonged periods.

Creams, scar gels, or other products should only be applied to the wound once the surgeon has approved their use.

Baths, swimming pools, saunas, and open-water swimming should be avoided until the incisions have fully closed.

Follow-up examinations after surgery

During postoperative follow-up visits, the surgeon evaluates wound healing, swelling, breast symmetry, implant position, and the condition of the scars.

Ultrasound is not routinely required for every patient in the early postoperative period. It may be ordered if there is a need to assess fluid accumulation, hematoma, seroma, significant pain, swelling, or other changes.

For silicone implants, long-term monitoring remains important even in the absence of symptoms. The first ultrasound or MRI is recommended 5–6 years after implant placement and then every 2–3 years. If implant damage is suspected or symptoms develop, imaging may be required earlier.

Having breast implants does not replace routine preventive breast screening. Mammography and other examinations should continue according to age and individual risk.

Why have mammoplasty at Nairi Medical Center?

The Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Department at Nairi Medical Center performs a range of breast procedures, including breast augmentation with implants, including the dual-plane technique, mastopexy, mastopexy with simultaneous augmentation, lipofilling, reduction mammoplasty, implant placement, and correction of tubular breasts and breast asymmetry.

Breast ultrasound, mammography, and MRI are also available at the center, allowing the necessary preoperative and postoperative examinations to be performed within the same medical center.