A breast uplift, also known as a mastopexy or a ‘lift’, is a cosmetic surgery that reshapes your natural breasts to create a firmer feel and position them higher than they were before.
The procedure involves reshaping the area around the breasts which may have naturally stretched and drooped with age or after weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
When stretched, the skin and fibrous ligaments in the breast are weakened, so the breast tissue becomes less supported. It’s not possible to recreate the fibrous support of the breasts, but they can be lifted by removing extra skin and reshaping the area. The nipples can also be moved to sit correctly on the breasts. Other options are to reduce the size of the areola (the skin surrounding the nipple), or to have breast implants inserted during the procedure (breast augmentation).
Having a breast uplift will make them look firmer and give them a more attractive and youthful shape. As a result, you may feel more confident about your body after the procedure. Breasts of any size can be lifted, although women with smaller, ‘sagging’ breasts may have the best results - large, heavy breasts may be pulled back down more quickly, and reverse the procedure. In this situation, your surgeon may speak to you about considering a breast reduction at the same time.
The results of a breast uplift may help you feel more confident about the shape of your breasts, as they’ll be firmer and higher.
This could also mean you’re able to wear clothing you might not have felt comfortable wearing before. Following the procedure, your breasts may help your body shape to feel more in proportion.
The procedure reverses the sagging that comes with age, pregnancy and weight loss, so higher, perkier breasts can make you feel like you’re turning the clock back and regaining your confidence.
As with every surgical procedure, it’s important that you’re aware of any potential risks that a breast lift surgery may pose, however small, so that you can weigh these up against the benefits that surgery can bring.
Your surgeon assistant and expert surgeon will be happy to discuss any possible complications and give you detailed information regarding the procedure. As a guide, these may include bleeding, infections, bruising, numbness, scars and rupture.
You might be considering breast uplift surgery if you are unhappy with the sagging and ‘empty’ feeling of your breasts and you want them to be perkier and firmer.
It’s important to know that most surgeons are unlikely to perform breast uplift surgery if you are planning a pregnancy, as the finished result will be stretched again during the upcoming pregnancy. If you are currently breast feeding, then we recommend you wait at least 6 months after finishing before having your surgery so your breasts can return to their regular size.
Weighing up the pros and cons is all part of the decision-making process and we’re here for you every step of the way.
Do you have a question about a breast uplift or would like to enquire? Fill in the form and one of our experts will contact you shortly.
Before and afters photo's from our breast uplift with implants patients.
Whatever procedure it might be, many of our customers tell us that preparing for their cosmetic surgery procedure is a really exciting time especially if it is something that they have been looking forward too for a while and can’t quite believe it is finally happening!
Read The BlogBreast uplift surgery will take around two to four hours, and you’ll be put under general anaesthetic. You’ll need to stay in hospital for around two nights, where you’ll be under our high-quality care from our nursing team.
You’ll probably need to stay in hospital for two nights. Your surgeon will check that you are recovering well before you return home.
Following breast uplift surgery, your breasts will initially be swollen, but the results will be visible straight away. Your breasts should appear in proportion to your body, whilst also appearing lifted and firmer. It may take a few months for your new breasts to settle into their new shape and for any swelling to subside. You can discuss the visual aspects with your surgeon during the free consultation.
You will be in our hospital for around two nights following the procedure, then we advise you take two weeks off work. At that point, you should be fit to do light activities and return to work, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting must be avoided for six weeks. We recommend that you don’t drive until you feel comfortable wearing a seatbelt, and it’s best to check with your insurance policy provider to make sure you’re covered. You will be required to wear a support bra without any wiring to support your breasts while they heal - this is an important part of the healing process, and needs to be worn for six weeks.
As with any breast procedure that involves incisions, there is a risk of loss of sensitivity when you undergo breast lift surgery, but this can vary from patient to patient. Breast uplift surgery involves the remodelling of the breast tissue and therefore you could experience a change in sensitivity to the nipple area as a result.
A breast uplift should leave minimal scarring, and these scars should fade over time. After the surgery, you will find the scars are red, but they should fade to a light pink over the course of 12 months. Efforts will always be made by your surgeon to keep scarring to a minimum.
Breast uplift surgery is designed to give you long-lasting results. However, over time, the force of gravity and the natural ageing process can cause your breasts to lose their fullness again. As with any surgical procedure, it is important to have realistic expectations, and you can discuss this with your surgeon before the breast uplift surgery.
Yes, a breast uplift is often combined with a breast enlargement or breast reduction, depending on your desired results. For a breast enlargement with an uplift, an implant is placed inside the breast tissue to create the appearance of fuller breasts. In the case of a reduction, breast tissue is removed before the skin is removed and tightened to complete the breast uplift.
Breast uplift procedures are most common in women who suffer a loss of elasticity and volume after childbirth, but if you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, you can consider breast uplift surgery at any age over 18. Your surgeon will make the final decision with regard to eligibility for surgery.
As with most breast surgeries, there is a risk that breastfeeding could be affected due to gland or nerve damage during the procedure. Such risks and concerns will be discussed in depth by your surgeon at your initial consultation, and they will always strive to keep any damage to a minimum.
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