- Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) - Surgery to raise the breast

Breast Surgery

What is a breast uplift procedure and why is it performed?

A breast uplift procedure (Mastopexy) can help women of all ages to correct drooping pendulous breasts. The procedure involves the surgical tailoring and tightening of breast skin under general anaesthetic.

Patients undergoing this procedure usually stay in hospital for one night to recover. The objective of uplift surgery is to produce a pert, firm, more youthful breast shape, that is in proportion to the rest of a woman's figure.

What kind of women request this procedure?

Women of all ages who want to correct the general shape of their breasts.
Women who have been affected by the effects of gravity following ageing, pregnancy or significant weight increase or loss.
Women who suffer with uneven (asymmetrical) breasts.Women who are limited by the way their pendulous breasts interfere with their confidence to choose certain items of fashionable clothing.
Women who feel that their self esteem, social confidence or relationships are affected by concerns about their breast appearance.

What are the results like?

This particular procedure can provide excellent results, freeing women from the concerns that drooping breasts can cause. In some instances where significant weight loss or pregnancy has occurred, this procedure can also be performed in conjunction with breast implant surgery.

Combining breast uplift surgery with implant surgery will boost both the size and shape of the breast. This advanced corrective procedure is reasonably lengthy and complex and needs to be performed by a Consultant Plastic Surgeon who is fully qualified and experienced to skillfully perform this type of breast surgery. However, even the highest standards of breast uplift surgery will result in visible scarring on the breasts.

How is a mastopexy procedure performed?

This procedure involves the rearrangement of soft tissue, repositioning of the nipple and tightening of the surrounding breast skin. Occasionally, breast augmentation (enlargement) can be incorporated into this procedure to also provide a fuller breast in addition to the mastopexy (uplift) procedure. This procedure can take an average of around one to one and a half hours to perform under a general anaesthetic.

Techniques for breast uplift vary between surgeons and according to the individual needs of each case. However, the most common incision methods are shaped in a "mid-line or anchor-like" appearance, leaving a scar which extends around the darker tissue surrounding the nipple (areola) and extending down the midline of the lower segment of the breast and then following the natural crease line beneath the breast.

Another technique involves an S-shaped incision, leaving a scar which extends around the aureola and across the lower outside aspect of the breast, which finishes in the natural crease line beneath the breast.

How will you feel after surgery?

Whilst the operation of breast uplift is obviously a relatively major procedure, the operated area is often quite numb following surgery and patients often express that they experience a surprising lack of post operative pain. However, analgesic tablets (pain killers) are provided for any discomfortin the early recovery stage.

The return of nipple sensitivity following surgery is an entirely variable one from patient to patient. The sensation in the nipples may be preserved, but can be temporarily reduced or enhanced whilst the scars heal. A proportion of women will lose some or all feeling in one or both of their nipples. Breast feeding may or may not be possible if a future pregnancy were to occur. In the early days following discharge, patients are strongly advised to stay mobile at home, but to avoid any level of activity that would put undue strain on the new surgical wounds.

Whilst surgical scars are going through their early healing stage, patients are advised to wear a soft supportive bra, ideally one that does not have an under wire. Good support of the breast area following uplift surgery is considered important, as it can enhance wound healing, as well as reduce post-operative swelling and breast discomfort.

Patients will be advised to take a specific amount of recovery time away from work. This advice will be dependent on the type of work individuals perform, but it is usual to take between 1 to 2 weeks away from work and to refrain from any strenuous exercise for at least 8 weeks following surgery.

Are there any risks involved in breast uplift surgery?

All surgery involves an element of risk from developing complications. However, cosmetic surgery is usually undertaken voluntarily and only when a patient is in good health. Therefore, the probability of experiencing complications with this kind of surgery are substantially lower than those who undergo surgery for ill health reasons.

Risks such as bleeding, assymetry, alteration in sensitivity, delayed healing, infection and scarring will all be discussed quite openly at consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.

Smoking may adversely affect wound healing and heavy smokers may be precluded from having this type of surgery as a result. The appearance of surgical scars (which generally fade progressively after surgery) are a highly individual matter. Usually, scarring matures and begins to fade to a cosmetically acceptable level within 6 - 12 months following surgery.

Very occasionally, patients can develop red, unsightly, firm scars, which do not fade easily, this condition is known as hypertrophic or keloid scarring, which may require further corrective treatment.

What next?

The importance of a thorough pre-operative consultation with the Consultant Plastic Surgeon who will perform your operation cannot be over stressed. You need time to consider all the benefits and risks of breast uplift surgery, as well as the opportunity to reflect and consider all the information your surgeon offers you before you make a decision regarding potential surgery.

At Capio, each consultation is tailored to an individual's needs, but the process will always involve a thorough evaluation of your present and past medical history and a physical examination of the problem area. Your surgeon will take time to listen to your concerns regarding your present breast shape and will take care to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of what can be done to help, the procedure itself, the varying recovery stages and a clear explanation of the risks involved.

You are positively encouraged to ask any questions that you may have and to look at photographs of others who have had the same type of surgery you are considering. If you would find it helpful, our helpline staff will also be delighted to arrange for you to speak with a past patient who is willing to discuss her experience and views with you over the telephone.