Breast Lift Without Implants in Medellín

Breast lift without implants, mastopexy without implants, or a lift using your own tissue: these are all names for the same surgery. In Colombia you'll hear it called mastopexia sin implantes. It's a breast lift in which no implant is placed. Your surgeon removes extra skin, reshapes the breast, and raises the areola and nipple. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a lift doesn't significantly change breast size. That's why it's an option if you like your volume. In Medellín, we perform it in the licensed operating rooms at Q2, never in a doctor's office.

The difference is that no volume is added. The ASPS also notes that a lift on its own doesn't fill out the upper part of the breast, the part you see in a low-cut top. If that's what you miss, we look at a breast lift with implants.

Your scars depend on how much lift you need and on your anatomy. The ASPS describes three incision patterns: around the areola; around the areola and straight down; or, in addition, along the crease beneath the breast. They're permanent and, in most cases, fade over time.

According to the ASPS, you may be a candidate if you're healthy, have a stable weight, don't smoke, and are bothered by sagging, nipples that fall below the breast crease when unsupported, or one breast that sits lower than the other. Without implants, it's also best if you like your volume. It's better to wait or think it over if:

• You're planning more pregnancies: the ASPS says they can reduce or undo the lift.
• Your weight isn't stable.
• You smoke and don't plan to quit.
• You want bigger breasts or a fuller upper breast: this surgery doesn't do that.

Even without an implant, this is surgery, and it has risks. The ASPS lists these, among others:

• Anesthesia risks, bleeding or hematoma, infection, and fluid buildup.
• Asymmetry or irregularities in breast shape.
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
• Poor wound healing.
• Fat necrosis, meaning some of the fatty tissue under the skin dies.
• Partial or total loss of the nipple and areola.
• Deep vein thrombosis, and heart and lung complications.
• The possibility of revision surgery.

Before you decide, we go over each one with you, and you sign an informed consent form.

You get your pre-op tests, stop smoking, and review what you take with your specialist: according to the ASPS, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements can increase bleeding. We'll tell you what to stop taking and what to bring. You need an adult to take you home and stay with you at least the first night.

You leave wearing a post-surgical bra. The first week is for taking it easy and caring for your incisions. Between weeks 2 and 4, you ease back into your routine, with no strenuous activity. Plan on about 2 to 3 weeks off work.

If a lift isn't all you're after, a different surgery may suit you better:

• You want a lift and more volume: breast lift with implants.
• Your breasts don't sag and you want more size: breast augmentation.
• You want smaller breasts: the ASPS suggests combining the lift with a breast reduction.
• You have implants and want them removed: implant exchange or removal can be done along with the lift.
• You're also concerned about your stomach after pregnancy: mommy makeover.

At your consultation, we'll tell you what makes sense for you.