What Is a Breast Lift?

One of the procedures that foreign women come to Mexico for is a mastopexy, typically called breast lift. Don't confuse it with mammoplasty, the procedure used to augment the size of the breasts, commonly called a boob job.

A breast lift is used to give one or both breasts a more aesthetically pleasing form, usually by modifying the contour and elevation of the breasts. It is the 7th most common cosmetic procedure among medical tourists. In addition to its aesthetic benefit, it is also less risky than a mammoplasty.

The effects of a breast lift usually lasts for decades. Women get a breast lift to counter the effects of aging on the breasts, which causes them to sag. When this happens, many women feel less feminine or attractive. In the United States and Europe, this procedure tends to be expensive and it's not typically covered by health insurance, because it's cosmetic. However, in Mexico this procedure is much more affordable, and the low risk makes it even more attractive.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some factors to take into account. One of them is the viability of the tissue of the areola. The surgeon has to make sure that there are no factors that would affect its sensibility. If a woman is planning to have children in the future, the surgeon may have to make sure that she will be able to breast feed. Other factors to consider is bleeding and blood circulation, infections, reactions to anesthetics, and breast cancer (individually or in the family). All of these elements have to be studied before a patient is authorized to have a breastlift.

After the procedure, the patient needs to avoid exercise, sexual activity, or any activity that requires a lot of effort for at least 2 weeks. Light activity is typically authorized, although only your surgeon will be able to evaluate that. After the 2 weeks, the level of effort in activities can be increased in small increments. A patient normally has to keep certain habits for life after a breast lift, although these are not really disruptive to a normal life. She has to keep a good diet and exercise regularly, since overweight can cause the breasts to start sagging again. Also, the scars will be permanent, although they are difficult to see and will become even harder to see over time.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to  get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.