Case #1405
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A woman in her 40s, after an 80-pound weight loss and two pregnancies, underwent a mastopexy without implants.
A 44-year-old woman with a recent history of 80-pound weight loss. She had also breastfed two children and felt her breasts were now very droopy and deflated. She did not want implants but wanted lifted, more youthful breasts. Dr. Azadgoli performed a mastopexy with an internal Galaflex scaffold for support.
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Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Major weight loss changes the surgical plan — incisions are placed to manage the specific redundancy patterns left behind, not a textbook ideal.
- Bilateral breast lift (mastopexy) performed in one operative session so symmetry, tissue handling, and final shape track between both sides.
- Galaflex was the right complement to the main procedure for this anatomy — done concurrently to consolidate recovery.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil discontinued 14 days pre-op to reduce bruising risk. Acetaminophen is allowed.
- No nicotine for 6 weeks before through 6 weeks after surgery. The vascular impact directly affects skin healing.
- No overhead clothing for 3 weeks. Stock front-zip tops, supportive sports bras (post-clearance), and the drain pouches we provide.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
First week is the strictest activity window. Bilateral cases benefit most from staying ahead of swelling with consistent icing and rest.
- Week 2
Activity ramps up cautiously: longer walks, no lifting yet. Most patients return to desk work this week.
- Week 4
Return to most low-impact activity. Scar massage, compression, and skincare protocols pick up.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
Most patients consider this the "final result emerges" milestone. The remaining 10 percent of refinement plays out through month 6.
- Month 6
Final skin tightening achieved. Touch-up consult, if planned, lands here.
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Breast Lift (Mastopexy).
- Compression bra continuously for 6 weeks
- Sleep elevated on your back for the first 2 weeks
- No upper-body resistance training for 6 weeks
- Scar management protocol at 3 weeks (anchor or lollipop pattern)
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting on the full incision pattern
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- SPF 50+ on incisions for 12 months
- Fractional laser along the vertical and inframammary scars after 3 months
- LED light therapy weekly for the first 8 weeks
- Lymphatic massage starting week 2
- Aftercare
Hyperbaric oxygen series extended to 10–15 sessions for bilateral tissue support.
Bilateral procedures heal more reliably with sustained HBOT.
- Skincare
Daily silicone sheeting + tightening protocol on newly redraped skin.
Skin retraction after weight loss responds well to consistent topical support.
- MedSpa
Indiba RF sessions scheduled monthly through the first 90 days post-op.
Post-weight-loss patients typically benefit from active tissue tightening.
