Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) Surgery

Breast Uplift
Surgery
(Mastopexy)

Breast Uplift (mastopexy) Surgery

PROCEDURE DETAILS

During your initial consultation we will talk through exactly what you are looking to achieve, the level of uplift you are seeking and the scars you consider acceptable to achieve this.

Any desired changes in shape will also be discussed. The typical patients that are likely to get good results are those who have had children or whose breasts just sit a little lower than they used to and who would like their breasts to look more like the way they did before. Many people have never been happy with their appearance at all though and also do very well with an uplift, which can greatly increase your body confidence.

TECHNIQUES

There are a whole variety of techniques depending on your shape, what you are looking for and the scars involved.

Most people looking for large lifts do best with procedures that involve a scar around the areola, a vertical scar from the areola down to the crease below the breast and a further scar within the crease. Most of the scars are therefore hidden fairly well and settle with time. Some people who just want one or both breasts lifted a little do very well with only a scar around the areola or this one and a short vertical scar below this.

RECOVERY AT A GLANCE

ONE WEEK
First check up on wound healing
TWO WEEKS
Initial swelling will now be reduced
TWO MONTHS
Follow Up Appointment 1
SIX MONTHS
Follow Up Appointment 2

Most patients feel up to going home the same day and prefer this to staying in hospital overnight, but you have the option of staying overnight if you live alone, live far away, have your operation in the evening or would just rather stay overnight.

I don’t use surgical drains in my patients. You can get in the shower to wash as soon as you like, but should avoid soaking your scars in water for prolonged periods during the first 2 weeks such as deep baths or swimming.

Most of the swelling and discomfort usually settles within 3-4 weeks, though it can take a few months to settle completely. The scars usually improve considerably over the first 3 months, but will take a year to settle completely.

We will arrange a wound check one week after your procedure and follow up in the clinic at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

Breast uplifts are challenging procedures, but done well yield excellent results and very happy patients.

KEY FACTS

Type of anaesthetic
local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic
Duration of procedure
1.5-3 hours
Hospital stay
day case or overnight
Pain killers
paracetamol and ibuprofen

Dressings
skin glue and paper tape
Up and about
immediately
Bruising/swelling
2-3 weeks
Back to work
7-10 days (depending on occupation)

Washing
shower and shallow baths immediately
Driving
5-7 days
Exercise
3-4 weeks
Smoking
all patients are advised to stop smoking at least 3-4 weeks before surgery and continue this for at least 3-4 weeks afterwards

Follow up appointments
1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months
Tips/advice
buy some dark coloured, elasticated sports bras without underwires to wear after your operation and provide some comfortable support