1 – What is mammary ptosis?

Mammary ptosis refers to sagging breasts. The mammary gland sags and the skin is loose. It may be related to mammary hypotrophy (small breasts) that would require the placing of breast implants. On the other hand it may be related to mammary hypertrophy (large breasts) that would require breast reduction.

2 – What does correction of mammary ptosis consist of? Can mammary ptosis be corrected without surgery?

Correction of mammary ptosis involves the lifting of the breast and the areola. It may require breast augmentation by the use of implants or breast reduction. Re-draping of the skin is necessary to not only adapt to the size of the breast but also to get a lovely shape for the breast. It is not possible to increase or reduce the breast size without surgery. No ‘firming’ cream can lift sagging breasts.

3 – What scars result from mammary ptosis correction?

Depending on the particular case, the correction of mammary ptosis may result in a single scar all around the areola (round block) or connected to a vertical scar and in some cases to a horizontal scar too.

4 – How long does the operation take?

Mammary ptosis correction takes from about 1.5 hours to 2 hours.

5 – What is the length of the stay at the clinic?

The surgery is normally ambulatory or 1 night.

6 – Is the surgery painful?

Mammary ptosis surgery is mildly painful. In the majority of cases simple painkillers like Doliprane are enough. The operation takes place under general anaesthesia so you will not feel anything during the surgery.

7 – Is pregnancy and breastfeeding possible after mammary ptosis correction?

A post operation pregnancy is obviously possible but it is recommended that you wait 6 months after the operation. Breastfeeding is not always possible after mammary ptosis correction.

8 – Does the risk of breast cancer increase?

The risk of breast cancer is not increased by this surgery.

9 – What are the risks inherent to mammary ptosis correction surgery?

Performed by a certified plastic surgeon qualified in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in a certified plastic surgery clinic, cosmetic treatment of mammary ptosis is commonly practiced and is considered a sure operation. Like in all surgery complications are possible but rare. These are listed in the information flyer of the French Society for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. If properly managed, complications leave little or no trace. Post operation monitoring is therefore indispensable. Dr Louafi takes care of the post-operative monitoring of his patients.

Specific risks will be detailed and explained during the consultation.

10 – How much does it cost? Does the social security reimburse mammary ptosis treatment?

Reimbursement by the social security is only possible if the treatment requires breast reduction for hypertrophy. In this case the breasts are too large and sag. If more than 300 gm are removed from each breast then reimbursement is possible. Only the surgeon is authorized to present your case for reimbursement if the reduction will require removal of more than 300 gm from each breast. In this case the charges for the clinic will be entirely paid by the social security. You will be left with the complementary surgeon and anaesthetist’s fees, which may be fully paid by your mutuelle depending on your contract with them. Complementary fees for surgery are vary (Rates from 3600 euros) and may be fully settled by your mutuelle. You may not have to pay anything, depending on your case, even if the operation takes place in a private clinic. Should the treatment require breast augmentation by use of implants the social security will not cover the charges. In this case the rates for the treatment vary depending on the particular case. Fees start at 4200 euros (price of implants not included). Please find all the rates for cosmetic surgery with Dr Louafi on this website. (Estimated rates from…).

In conclusion, mammary ptosis correction is a sure operation which gives very good to excellent results in a majority of the cases in terms of functional benefits both physical and psychological. Like for all surgery it presents a risk of complications even though the risk is very low when the operation is performed meticulously and professionally. One must therefore ensure that they choose a qualified board certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon who will not only perform the surgery but will also ensure post operation monitoring. A surgeon who will accompany you all through the process: before, during and after the operation.