mastopexy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “mastopexy” mean?
A surgical procedure to lift and reshape sagging breasts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surgical procedure to lift and reshape sagging breasts.
A cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery aimed at elevating the position of the breasts on the chest wall, often with reshaping and sometimes resizing, without altering breast volume significantly. It is commonly part of a 'mommy makeover'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The procedure name is standardised in international medical literature.
Connotations
Medical/technical term in both regions. No cultural or evaluative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both the UK and US. Used almost exclusively within medical, cosmetic surgery, and related patient education contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mastopexy” in a Sentence
undergo a mastopexyperform a mastopexy on [patient]mastopexy is performed to [verb]mastopexy combined with [another procedure]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mastopexy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mastopexy procedure requires careful planning.
- She discussed mastopexy options with her surgeon.
American English
- The mastopexy technique used was a vertical lift.
- He specializes in mastopexy revisions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the business of cosmetic surgery clinics, marketing, and medical tourism.
Academic
Used in medical textbooks, surgical journals, and anatomy/plastic surgery courses.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in detailed conversations about cosmetic surgery options.
Technical
The primary context. Used in surgical plans, medical consultations, operative reports, and clinical discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mastopexy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mastopexy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mastopexy”
- Misspelling as 'mastoplexy' or 'mastopaxy'.
- Confusing it with mammoplasty (general breast reshaping) or augmentation (adding volume).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to mastopexy' is incorrect; use 'to perform a mastopexy').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A mastopexy (breast lift) primarily repositions existing breast tissue. A breast reduction removes tissue to reduce size and often includes a lift. They can be combined.
Yes, a mastopexy is often performed without implants. It focuses on lifting and reshaping the patient's natural breast tissue.
The suffix '-pexy' comes from the Greek 'pexis', meaning 'fixation' or 'suspension'. It indicates a surgical procedure to fix or secure an organ in place.
Typical candidates are individuals experiencing breast ptosis (sagging) due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or genetics, who desire a more elevated breast position.
A surgical procedure to lift and reshape sagging breasts.
Mastopexy is usually technical/medical in register.
Mastopexy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæstə(ʊ)ˌpɛksi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæstəˌpɛksi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MAST' (like a ship's mast that holds things up) + 'OPEXY' (from Greek 'pexis' meaning 'fixation'). A mastopexy fixes the breast in an upward position.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURGERY IS SCULPTING / THE BODY IS A STRUCTURE TO BE REINFORCED AND LIFTED.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a mastopexy?