In elastic mastopexy, the breast is shaped by de-epithelializing the skin. De-epithelialization involves removing the most superficial layers of the skin. Once the areolae have been raised and the breasts shaped, the elastic thread (Elasticum Korpo srl) is used to create a suspensory ellipse; this integrates the natural Cooper's ligament, which has stretched on account of the weight and density of the breasts. Lifting by means of the elastic thread also increases the volume of the upper pole. The integrity of the glandular tissue enables the result to be maintained over time; this is not the case in operations in which the mammary glands are manipulated, causing trophic damage to the tissues. After elastic mastopexy, which is performed under local anesthesia, the patient can go home immediately.
Sagging breasts are normally manipulated and often reduced by surgeons. This type of surgery is called reduction mammoplasty. Every manipulation leads to the recurrence of ptosis and to hollowing of the upper pole of the breast. Indeed, damaging the stroma causes biological damage and loss of breast tissue. Moreover, any subsequent ultrasound examinations are more difficult to perform in breasts that have been reduced in size. To improve the result, it is often necessary to implant a silicone prosthesis. In this case, the procedure is called breast augmentation with skin reduction. If we consider the above, we understand that true mastopexy surgery is not performed in practice. Today, if the patient has an adequate breast volume, if she wishes to maintain the naturalness and functionality of the breasts and make them young again, it is not necessary to implant silicone prostheses or manipulate the gland. With elastic mastopexy, the mammary stroma remains intact, the elastic threads shape, lift and keep the breasts in place, giving them a new youthful appearance. Once the elastic thread has been colonized by connective cells, it is transformed into a "natural ligament", which means that the correction can be defined as anatomical.
Elastic mastopexy. The breasts can be lifted while keeping the mammary glands intact. Stable result after 7 years
We use the same technique of suspension by means of elastic threads in breasts with silicone implants. If the prostheses are heavy, the unsightly "ball in a sock" appearance often occurs. The elastic thread conizes the apex of the breasts and lifts the breasts, giving them a natural look.
For all of this, good cooperation between the surgeon and the patient is necessary.
Elastic mastopexy in a patient with silicone breast implants, carried out through an 8 mm incision and a hole made by a 16 G needle. From a "ball in a sock" to a well-shaped breast.
