Can Keyhole Mastectomy Be Done At The Same Time As Mastopexy?

First things first: let’s distinguish the difference between a keyhole mastectomy and mastopexy.

The keyhole or periareolar mastectomy is most appropriate for those with small breasts and limited or no overhang. During this surgery, the breast is removed through a small incision at the bottom of the areola and the nipple itself is left intact. To allow the skin to contour to the chest, drains may be inserted and brought out under each arm to collect any fluid that may want to accumulate under the empty skin. Mastopexy is the clinical term for a type of breast lift, which repositions the nipple higher on the chest wall. The procedure can also include nipple grafts or nipple and areola resizing. If you are deciding whether or not to have a keyhole mastectomy, weigh the pros and cons. This type of top surgery has the advantage of not leaving a long scar on the chest. However, it is only an excellent choice if you are have small breasts and tight skin. There are limitations to having a keyhole mastectomy. The position of the nipple is determined by its position on your breast. It cannot be altered by the operation, as there is no skin removed. Because of this, a mastopexy can most likely not be done at the same time as a keyhole procedure. Revisions are not usually able to reposition the nipple or to remove skin excess without causing obvious scars. A keyhole procedure has the great advantage of no long scar and is an excellent choice if you already have small breasts and tight skin.Although it is very common to do combined procedures in plastic surgery, the decision of whether it is safe to proceed is determined on a case-by-case basis by a surgeon. Factors at play in making this decision include a patient’s overall health, the specific procedure, duration of the operations and recovery. It is not uncommon to combine breast surgery and body contouring procedures. It is recommend that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to come up with a unique plan for you. Contact us today to speak with a FTM Surgery physician regarding your options and to schedule a consultation.