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Practical Information
Plastic Surgery.
- Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty);
- Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty);
- Breast lift (mastopexy/breast lifting);
- Correction of breast asymmetry.
1 to 3 hours.
General anesthesia.
Outpatient care or a 1-day hospital stay, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation.
1 to 3 weeks.
What is Mammoplasty?
Mammoplasty is a group of surgical procedures aimed at altering the shape, size and/or position of the breasts. These procedures may include breast augmentation, breast reduction or mastopexy.
Mammoplasty can be performed for aesthetic, reconstructive or health-related reasons (including issues affecting the spine), depending on the patient’s individual needs and clinical goals.
What types of Mammoplasty are there?
There are three main types of mammoplasty:
- Breast augmentation;
- Breast reduction;
- Mastopexy.
The different types of mammoplasty can be performed using various techniques, which may include the use of implants and/or fat grafting.
1. Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a highly sought-after procedure, usually performed to enhance the size and/or shape of the breasts.
Breast enlargement is typically achieved using high-quality breast implants. In rare cases, a hybrid technique may be used, combining implants with fat grafting.
Silicone implants (available in various sizes and shapes) are safe and long-lasting, providing natural and harmonious results.
Implants can be placed beneath the mammary gland, beneath the pectoral fascia, or partially beneath the pectoral muscle.
There are also three types of incisions: in the armpit, around the areola, or in the inframammary fold. Only after a thorough consultation – during which all these points are explained – can a joint decision be made between patient and surgeon.
2. Breast Reduction (or reduction mammoplasty)
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is an option for women who wish to decrease the volume and weight of their breasts.
Breast reduction can relieve physical discomfort, improve posture and restore aesthetic proportion. With advanced and precise techniques, it is possible to achieve fine, well-positioned scars and a smooth recovery.
Regarding the incisions used, there is the vertical technique, which leaves a scar around the areola and another vertical scar from the areola to the inframammary fold.
For larger reductions, this technique is not sufficient and an additional incision is needed along the inframammary fold, known as the “T” technique.
3. Mastopexy
Mastopexy, or breast lift, is the surgery that corrects breast ptosis (sagging) by removing excess skin. This technique can also be combined with the placement of an implant (mastopexy with implants).
The procedure can be performed using three different techniques:
- periareolar technique;
- vertical technique;
- “T” technique.
Who is this surgery for?
Breast surgeries are intended for women who wish to improve the shape, volume or position of the breasts, whether for aesthetic, functional or well-being reasons.
1. Breast augmentation is indicated for women with naturally small breasts who wish to increase their volume for aesthetic reasons. This type of mammoplasty is also suitable for women with asymmetric breasts or those who have experienced a significant loss of volume in one or both breasts due to pregnancy or substantial weight loss. In addition, breast implants may be a solution for women with sagging breasts or tuberous breasts.
2. Breast reduction is indicated for any woman who wishes to reduce breast size, whether for aesthetic reasons or for health and well-being (such as back or neck pain, posture problems, moisture or irritation under the breast due to friction, or deep marks from bra straps). This surgery can also correct breast asymmetry and lift the areola and nipple, helping to reduce the appearance of sagging breasts.
3. Mastopexy is intended for women who wish to lift and reshape the breasts by correcting sagging and repositioning the breast tissue and nipple. It is recommended for women who experience breast ptosis or loss of firmness due to factors such as pregnancy, aging, weight fluctuations or genetics.
Expected Results
The results vary depending on the type of mammoplasty, but all techniques aim to improve the shape, harmony and comfort of the breasts. Below is what to expect from each procedure.
1. Breast Augmentation:
After breast augmentation, the goal is to achieve fuller breasts that remain harmonious and balanced with the patient’s physical structure. The expected results are therefore as natural as possible.
Results are usually noticeable immediately after surgery, although the breasts may still be slightly swollen at that stage. Final results are typically visible only 6 to 9 months after the procedure.
2. Breast Reduction:
The final result of breast reduction is considered definitive after approximately 4 months. A reduction that is both aesthetically and clinically balanced is expected. In other words, after the procedure, the woman should no longer experience discomfort such as back pain.
Breast reduction also helps improve breast symmetry and raise the areola and nipple.
3. Mastopexy:
The results of mastopexy are generally very satisfactory and long-lasting. Women who undergo the procedure have breasts that are lifted, firmer and more symmetrical. In mastopexy with implants, the breasts typically appear rounder and the cleavage more defined, while still maintaining a natural appearance.
Before and After Mammoplasty
Mammoplasty Post-Surgery and Recovery
Recovery and postoperative care for mammoplasty procedures share several common aspects, especially regarding the need to avoid significant physical effort in the days following surgery.
In all three cases, a compression bra should be worn for approximately 8 weeks, and lymphatic drainage may be necessary.
The timeline for returning to “normal life” varies mainly according to the type of surgery, the patient’s individual healing response, and the nature of her work, as all these factors can significantly influence recovery.
Learn more about postoperative care and recovery on the dedicated page for the procedure you intend to undergo: breast augmentation, breast reduction or mastopexy.
You may also clarify all your questions during your consultation.
What is the scar like after Mammoplasty?
Like any surgical procedure, mammoplasty cannot be performed without leaving scars. However, their size and visibility depend entirely on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. In most cases, scars become less noticeable after the 6th postoperative month.
The type of scarring varies according to the type of mammoplasty and the technique used. In general, there are four types:
- Periareolar: Incision around the areola;
Vertical: Incision around the areola with a vertical extension down to the inframammary fold (the lower contour of the breast); - Inverted-T: Incision around the areola, vertically to the fold, and horizontally along the inframammary fold;
- Axillary: Transverse incision in the armpit.
At Living Clinic, we are committed to ensuring that, in any surgical procedure, the patient is left with the smallest scar possible.
In the case of breast augmentation, one of three types of incisions may be used: periareolar (around the areola), inframammary (under the breast) or transaxillary (in the armpit area).
For breast reduction or mastopexy, the scars may be: circular around the areola–nipple complex, vertical from the areola to the inframammary fold, or horizontal in the fold (forming an inverted T).
Each person has a unique healing process, and scars may take up to a year or longer to fully stabilise.
If necessary, the patient may undergo Fractional CO₂ laser scar treatment to improve their appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of anesthesia is used?
At Living Clinic, all three types of mammoplasty are performed under general anesthesia.
How long is the hospital stay?
Mammoplasty procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis or with a one-day hospital stay, depending on the medical team’s recommendation.
Can I lose nipple sensitivity after surgery?
With current techniques, there is only a slight change in sensitivity immediately after surgery, which typically returns within 3 weeks. Cases of complete loss of nipple sensitivity are rare.
How long does mammoplasty surgery take?
Although it can vary, the experience of the Living Clinic team shows that mammoplasty usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours.
What are the risks of mammoplasty?
At Living Clinic, patient safety is our top priority. All procedures are performed with strict adherence to protocols. However, as with any surgery, mammoplasty carries risks, which may include:
- Infections;
- Reduced nipple or breast sensitivity;
- Unaesthetic scars;
- Hematoma;
- Seroma;
- Capsular contracture (in the case of silicone implants);
- Implant rupture;
- Asymmetry;
- Among others, all of which are clearly explained during pre-operative consultations.
Can mammoplasty affect breastfeeding?
No, provided that during the operation the nipple, mammary gland and milk ducts are not affected.
In breast augmentation – especially when the implant is placed through the inframammary fold – the mammary gland is generally not affected. Therefore, if the integrity of the areola and nipple is preserved and the ducts and nerve endings are not damaged, breastfeeding should not be compromised.
In breast reduction, it depends on how much glandular tissue is removed and whether the milk ducts are affected. The surgical technique can be adapted accordingly. If you plan to become pregnant and breastfeed after surgery, you should discuss this with your Living Clinic plastic surgeon.
Are there contraindications?
Some patients are not eligible for any type of mammoplasty. This includes women with:
- excess weight;
- under 18 years of age;
- reduced breast blood flow;
- immune system, blood clotting or wound-healing disorders;
- cardiovascular or endocrine diseases associated with surgical risk.
Additionally, the surgery should not be performed on pregnant women, women in the immediate postpartum period, or those who are breastfeeding.
Plastic Surgeon
[Medical License #53318]
Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He completed his degree in Medicine at the School of Medicine of the University of Oporto and the Internship in Specific Training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery took place at Hospital de São José (Lisbon) and Hospital de São João (Oporto).
Dr. Francisco Martins de Carvalho performed several internships, namely on Oncology Surgery of the Head and Neck at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology – Oporto and a fellowship of Hand Surgery, organized by the Portuguese Society of Hand Surgery. He also performed international internships in Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema at the Clinic Planas – Barcelona, at the University Hospital of Brussels and at the Villa Sant’Apollonia Clinic – Bergamo, having contacted with references in Plastic Surgery such as Dr. Jaume Masià, Dr. Moustapha Hamdi and Dr. Enrico Robotti.
Currently, he is also a plastic surgeon at the Hospital de São João – Oporto, and a Invited Lecturer at the School of Medicine of the University of Oporto.
In the field of cosmetic surgery, he has a special interest in facial cosmetic surgery, breast cosmetic surgery, body contouring surgery and vaginal cosmetic surgery.
What is the Price of Mammoplasty?
The prices of mammoplasty vary according to several factors, including the type of procedure being performed. To find out the cost of a breast reduction, breast implants or mastopexy for your specific case, schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon.
Financing options: At Living Clinic, we want to ensure that all patients have access to the treatment they desire. That is why we provide financing options (interest-free financing for up to 12 months), allowing you to undergo your surgery in a more affordable way, without compromising the quality of the procedure and care.
Plastic Surgery Testimonials
“Dr. Francisco Martins De Carvalho doesn’t forget the smallest detail. He seeks perfection and finds it. A unique and sublime talent. I woke up with the body of a teenager (I’m 41). Thank you for making me smile.”
“Very attentive doctor, very helpful and friendly receptionist. Welcoming and pleasant environment.”
“I had a gynocomastia surgery about two weeks ago, performed by Dr. Carvalho. The surgery went exactly as he outlined during the consultation. The process was very smooth and painless. Even though it’s only been two weeks, it feels like I never had surgery, and the result is truly flawless. Dr. Carvalho provided very detailed […]
“One of the best surgeons, I’m so grateful for the excellent work he did with me! A perfectionist!! I couldn’t be happier with the results! Thank you, Dr. Francisco Carvalho!”
“Dr. Francisco Carvalho is undoubtedly the best plastic surgeon with a very promising future ahead. His dedication, responsibility, professionalism, concern for patients, sensitivity, and humility are second to none. I highly recommend him. Thank you, Dr. Francisco, and the entire team for everything, but especially Dr. Francisco Carvalho. I recommend this plastic surgeon to anyone […]
LOCATION
Where to have Mammoplasty in Porto?
Have your Mammoplasty at Living Clinic with maximum safety and natural results! We are located at Av. da Boavista 117 6th floor, Room 607, 4050-115 Porto, Portugal.
Schedule a consultation with the plastic surgeon to hear his recommendation for your specific case and clarify all your questions.
