Mastopexy without implants or with implants: differences, results, and which to choose

When the breasts lose firmness and position, a very common doubt arises: Mastopexy without prostheses or with implants? Both techniques lift the breast, but they do not offer the same result nor are they indicated for the same cases. The choice depends on the quality of the patient's tissue and their volume expectations.

In this article, we analyze the advantages, real results, opinions, and prices to help you decide with medical criteria and safety.

What is a mastopexy and when is each technique used?

Mastopexy or breast lift is a surgery that corrects mammary ptosis (sagging breast), repositions the nipple to its ideal height, and reshapes the existing gland. The goal is not just to lift, but to restore harmony and youthfulness to the breast by eliminating excess stretched skin.

What mastopexy corrects

• Breast sagging after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss: Repairs tissues that have given way due to sudden volume changes.
• Loss of firmness: Tightens the skin and compacts the glandular tissue for a firmer feel.
• "Empty breast" effect: Solves the sensation of a lack of content, especially in the upper area.
• Drooping or enlarged areolas: Allows for reducing the size of the areola and placing it in a centered and aesthetic position.

When is mastopexy without implants used?

Mastopexy without prostheses (or mastopexy without implants) is indicated strictly when the patient has sufficient volume (glandular tissue and fat) and seeks to lift and reshape without adding extra size. It is the most frequent option today, especially in women who prioritize maximum naturalness and wish to avoid foreign bodies in their organism.

It is common for patients to search for references regarding mastopexy without prostheses opinions or photos of mastopexy without implants to visualize how the patient's own tissue can be reorganized to create a natural "auto-implant," restoring the conical shape without the need for silicone.

When is mastopexy with implants used?

Mastopexy with implants (or with prostheses) is recommended when, in addition to lifting, there is an evident lack of volume or projection, or when the breast has become very "empty" or "deflated" after prolonged breastfeeding or massive weight loss. In these cases, the patient's own tissue is not sufficient to achieve an aesthetic shape, so implants are necessary to provide filling, firmness, and that characteristic rounded shape.

Mastopexy without prostheses: advantages, results, and opinions

In which cases is a mastopexy without implants ideal?

This technique is the perfect candidate for women with a good glandular base who feel their breast "weighs" or has sagged, but are satisfied with their current cup size (or would even like to reduce it slightly). Adequate breast volume and mild or moderate sagging are required. It is ideal for patients who do not want prostheses under any circumstances.

Advantages of mastopexy without prostheses

• Very natural results: The breast moves and feels 100% your own.
• Less risk of complications: Since there are no implants, risks such as capsular contracture or rupture disappear.
• Simpler surgery: The procedure focuses exclusively on tissue remodeling.
• Faster recovery: By not manipulating the muscle to accommodate a prosthesis, the postoperative period is usually more bearable.
• No future replacements required: It is a definitive solution that does not involve maintenance surgeries due to implant wear.

Results of mastopexy without prostheses (before and after)

The visual result is a more elevated, firm, and harmonious breast. The conical and youthful shape is recovered, maintaining its natural volume, but with a much more aesthetic position on the thorax.

Real patient opinions

Patients often highlight the naturalness and comfort in day-to-day life. They positively value the sensation of "lightness" and the peace of mind of not depending on implants or long-term prosthesis check-ups.

Mastopexy with prostheses: advantages, indications, and results

When is mastopexy with implants recommended?

It is the main medical indication when there is insufficient volume to fill the excess skin. It is used in cases of empty breasts after pregnancy or breastfeeding, when the patient desires greater projection of the upper pole (the "cleavage"), or for the correction of complex asymmetries where an implant helps to equalize sizes.

Advantages of mastopexy with implants

• Greater fullness in the upper part: Achieves a fuller cleavage that is difficult to obtain with own tissue alone.
• More rounded or defined results: Depending on the type of prosthesis (round or anatomical), the exact desired shape can be designed.
• Notable improvement in projection: The breast protrudes more from the thorax, improving the silhouette in profile.

Opinions on mastopexy with prostheses

Patients greatly value the radical change in shape and volume, recovering a silhouette they may have never had or lost years ago. Although they assume the commitment to future implant maintenance, aesthetic satisfaction is usually very high due to the improvement in body proportions.

Which technique leaves better scars?

It is important to clarify that the scar does not depend on wearing implants or not, but on the amount of excess skin the surgeon must remove to lift the breast. Incisions are necessary to achieve the new shape:

• Anchor or Inverted-T: For cases of severe ptosis where there is a lot of skin to eliminate.
• Vertical: For moderate ptosis; the scar is limited to around the areola and a vertical line downwards.
• Periareolar: Exclusively for mild ptosis, where the scar remains camouflaged on the edge of the areola.

How much does a mastopexy without prostheses and with implants cost?

Price of mastopexy The cost usually ranges between €5,200 and €8,000 as a guideline. This range varies depending on whether high-end implants are used, the complexity of the glandular remodeling, and if no other combined intervention is requested.

Factors that influence

The final budget includes the medical team's fees, the technique used, the complexity of the case, operating room and hospitalization costs, anesthesia, and postoperative follow-up. It is fundamental to prioritize clinical safety over cost.

Mastopexy without prostheses vs. with implants: real testimonials

Experience tells us that many patients who initially hesitated opted for mastopexy without implants after assessing with the surgeon that their volume was sufficient, achieving an elegant and comfortable result. Others, conversely, sought a more evident and lasting change in the cleavage, so they chose implants with full satisfaction upon seeing their figure revitalized.