BREAST UPLIFT
A breast uplift or mastopexy is a cosmetic breast surgery procedure that aims to correct any sagging of the breast. This sagging, known as ptosis, often occurs after pregnancy and breastfeeding or as a result of the ageing process. A breast uplift can be a fantastic procedure to restore more youthful contours to the breast.
During a breast uplift, I will improve the position of the breast on the chest wall, as well as the position of the nipple on the breast. It is also possible to reshape and resize the areola around the nipple. A breast uplift can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with a breast augmentation to improve volume, particularly in the upper part of the breast.
Am I a suitable candidate for a breast uplift?
Often patients may arrive at consultation wanting a breast augmentation as they’ve seen a loss of volume in the upper pole of the breast. However, if there is a degree of sagging and the nipple is too low, then a breast augmentation alone can make the problem worse. In this case, a lift is required. If you also want to increase the size of your breasts, it is possible to combine a breast lift with an enlargement.
What happens during a breast uplift procedure?
I perform breast lifts with the patient under a general anaesthetic and it is a procedure that usually takes one and a half to two hours. Different incisions may be employed for the optimum results, but this will be discussed in detail at your consultation.
Typically, an incision is made underneath the crease of the breast and then another extends around the nipple and down to the bottom of the breast. The breast tissues and the nipple are then positioned higher on the chest wall and an implant inserted at this point if required. Excess skin is then removed.
If there is less sagging then it may be possible to concentrate the incisions around or just above the areola and then breast tissue and skin can be removed to create a small lift.
Are there any possible risks or complications associated with a breast uplift procedure?
After a breast uplift procedure, you will feel sore and your breasts will be swollen and bruised which should take a couple of weeks to disappear. I will ask you to wear a non-wired post-surgical bra for the first six weeks after surgery. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for the first one to two weeks. You can return to light exercise at two weeks and full gym activity at four weeks. The majority of the swelling has gone by six weeks, but can last up to three months sometimes.
I try to reduce the chances of complications as much as possible, but all surgery carries a number of potential risks. These include infection, bleeding, fluid collections under the skin and nerve damage that may result in loss of sensation in the breast skin and/or nipple.
What results can I expect from my breast uplift procedure?
The scarring is more noticeable after a breast uplift procedure compared to a breast augmentation, but the scars do settle well with time. A breast lift also will not stop any further sagging as you age or if your weight fluctuates.
Please see my gallery page for examples of my patients who have had this procedure.