Breast uplift

Before and afters
Frequently asked questions

A breast uplift or “Mastopexy” will raise and reshape the breasts giving a more rounded, firmer and far more youthful appearance. This technique is particularly suitable for correcting the position of sagging breasts, making them more curvaceous.

The shape of your breasts will improve immediately but the final shape can take up to six months to fully emerge. No implant is needed for this treatment unless your breasts are small, in which case a correction of the breast is necessary and an augmentation is carried out at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if surgery is right for me?

Your surgeon will to tell you which surgery is most suitable for you and he will help you understand the risks. Only you can decide whether the operation is right for you. Your surgeon will help you achieve your aim. Although no surgeon can give a guarantee, surgery should not be scheduled unless there is a good chance you will be pleased with the result. The decision remains a personal one and one that only you can make. The exact method of surgery is determined by the amount of loose skin you have in the breast.

Where is the scar going to be?

The scar for a standard mastopexy is often placed around the nipple, from the nipple to the natural crease under the breast and then along the crease of the breast. Various methods may use different scars. All surgery requires a scar and all scars take time to soften and fade. You will not see the final appearance of your scar until up to a year after surgery. The scar is usually red and raised for the first month or two after your operation.

Who makes a good candidate for an uplift?

Women with small, saggy breasts will benefit the most from a breast lift, if the breasts are too large, gravity may make the breasts sag again. If you are planning more children in the future then you should postpone surgery as pregnancy may stretch the breasts again and counteract the results. Several techniques are available to construct an uplift and your surgeon will discuss these with you.

Will I need to have implants inserted during my breast lift?

When too much volume has been lost to achieve a full breast shape an implant will be necessary. In some cases a breast enlargement is performed at the same time to increase the overall size of the bust.

Will I need to take time off work?

Breast uplift can take up to 3 hours to perform. It will be under general anaesthetic and require a 1-2 night stay in hospital. Patients should take 7-14 days of work as determined by your surgeon.

Will I feel pain afterwards?

Patients will feel sore or uncomfortable for several days after the operation. Pain killers and anti inflammatory medication will be prescribed. Patients must anticipate noticeable bruising which may persist for a number of weeks but this is normal. The results may be obscured by swelling for some time.

Will I be able to breast feed after surgery?

No, during the operation the milk ducts are cut in most cases when the breasts are being repositioned preventing breast feeding in the future.

Will I have any scars?

The most usual method leaves a scar that runs around the edge of the areola (surrounding the nipple) and one in the crease underneath the breast with a vertical scar linking the two. These scars do not usually show outside an ordinary bra or bikini top and will fade with time.

What does breast uplift surgery entail?

If you undergo a Mastopexy (breast uplift) at our clinic, rest assured it will be carried out by one of our highly experienced surgeons and will be done under general anaesthetic. Three incisions are usually made in each breast that allows the surgeon to create the kind of look that you want for your breasts. It could be that a small implant is inserted to give your breasts a little more volume. Should you require a breast enlargement at the same time as the implant, discuss this at your initial consultation with your doctor. There are other breast uplift techniques available, and our team will be happy to advise you on what they think is best for the look you’re trying to achieve.

Does my opinion on how I want my breasts to look matter?

YES! You will have an initial meeting with one of our trained surgeons who is highly experienced in breast uplift surgery and he will discuss with you what kind of breast size and shape you are hoping for at the end of the procedure. They need to know what your expectations are, and whether or not they are realistic for your situation. If they feel they can’t deliver what you wish for, they will explain why and tell you what would work for you.

Does the surgery carry any risks?

Although there are general risks associated with any type of surgery, complications are rare. It's wise though, to be aware of the possible problems that can occur - which your surgeon will be happy to talk you through in greater detail. However, the majority of breast uplift procedures are carried out without any complications at all.

What happens after the Mastopexy?

Initially you should expect some bruising and swelling from the breast uplift surgery, and will be required to wear a support bra (our experienced team can help advise you on the best kind of bra to bring with you) for a number of weeks until the swelling disappears. Any stitches will either dissolve naturally, or be removed around two weeks after the procedure. You will be given advice on things that you shouldn’t do in the days, and early weeks following your Mastopexy. People who have had a breast uplift have certain restrictions on activities that require lifting, bending and straining for example. You should plan on returning to your normal lifestyle within 1-2 weeks – as long as this is non-strenuous.

Does breast uplift surgery leave scars?

A Mastopexy will leave some scars from the incisions made into the breast, but these will fade in time. You should keep in mind however that any scarring created by a Mastopexy is usually in areas that are not visible, even if you choose to wear low cut tops/dresses!