Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)

Breast Uplift Surgery (Mastopexy)

Cosmetic Surgery | Breast Surgery

Breasts may naturally lose their elasticity after pregnancy, sudden weight gain or ageing. Breast uplift procedures (also known as Mastopexy) offer women the chance to lift and restore firmness to their breasts, giving them a more youthful appearance.

Our surgeons at The McIndoe Centre guarantee the highest standards of surgical care and offer life-changing results for women looking to enhance their breasts.

Breast uplift surgery is a fantastic option for women looking to restore their body confidence and adopt a more youthful appearance.

Breast uplift surgery focuses on ‘lifting’ your breasts so they become firmer and higher. The surgery focuses on removing extra or loose skin from the breasts to make them appear more youthful.

  • The main advantages include:
  • Creating a firmer breast shape
  • Fighting the effects of ageing
  • Restoring volume after weight loss
  • Restoring body confidence

Unlike breast augmentation, this procedure does not increase the size of your breasts. However, your breasts may appear larger due to their new, higher placement and they will also feel firmer.

Why have a breast lift?

Breasts will naturally lose elasticity with age, after pregnancy, breastfeeding and sudden weight loss. The skin and fibrous ligaments within the breast tissue slowly stretch over time, leaving the tissue with little support.

While it is not possible to replicate the fibrous support of the breasts, they can be reshaped and lifted by removing excess skin from targeted areas. This includes remodelling breast tissue and repositioning the nipples on the new breasts.

The procedure can also involve reducing the size of the areola while having the breasts repositioned at the same time.

As previously discussed, this procedure has the potential to boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable socially. The ideal candidates are women with smaller breasts that have sagged or lost noticeable elasticity.

About the procedure

The type of breast uplift procedure you will undergo depends on your breast size and your desires and expectations (covered in your consultation).

To lift your breast, your surgeon will create a cut around the areola to remove excess tissue and tighten the surrounding skin. The breast will then be reshaped and the nipple repositioned to a natural level and combined with breast augmentation if required.

The surgery can take between two and three hours, depending on your requirements. Like any other procedure, it may take several weeks for your breasts to settle into their new shape.

What will happen before my surgery?

After you have arranged your consultation with one of our consultants, you will begin talking about your surgery and what you expect from it. Your consultant will examine your breasts and potentially draw outlines of where loose skin will be removed from and also give you an idea of the final position of your new breasts.

Your consultant will also ask questions regarding your medical history. Additionally, if you are overweight or planning to become pregnant, your consultant may suggest delaying your operation.

What does breast uplift surgery involve?

A breast lift otherwise referred to as a Mastopexy raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to help reshape and support the desired breast contour.

The procedure helps restore your breasts so that they become firmer without drastically changing the cup size.

Combining surgeries

For many women, a breast lift alone isn’t enough. If your breasts are sagging with very little breast volume, or if they are naturally small, a breast lift alone may not create the desired result – in such cases, implants may be required.

The combination of breast uplift and implants will help both lift and increase the volume of your breasts. This combined surgery offers firmness and fullness. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail and the most suitable breast lift and implant treatment for you, including the size of the implant and the extent of the breast lift.

Your breast uplift aftercare

Following the breast lift procedure, you will need to remain in the hospital for one night, but this can be discussed with your consultant. In all cases, it is strongly recommended that you take a week off work and to avoid any strenuous activity for at least three weeks to aid the healing process.

Your surgeon will also recommend you wear a firm dressing or support bra for a few weeks. This will encourage full healing to take place and will stop the weight of your breasts from pulling on your healing wounds.

Only drive if you feel comfortable doing so, and the seatbelt does not cause any discomfort.

The results

While results are immediately noticeable, they will be masked by swelling and bruising, especially for the first few weeks. In some cases, it can take over two months for the swelling to completely settle.

You can expect to see your full results after six months. Your new breasts may take some getting used to, and although your bra size may not change, you may require a different cup size or shape.

Following and maintaining a healthy diet is the most important aspect of your aftercare. Good dieting and exercise will see your breasts maintain their shape and firmness. Avoiding heavy smoking and drinking is also advised - and if you do smoke, you must stop six weeks before your operation.

Are the results permanent?

Although this surgery will reshape and offer your breasts a more youthful appearance, the procedure cannot prevent the effects of ageing. Your breasts will still change depending on weight fluctuation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and returning to your weight before pregnancy.

Your breasts will inevitably droop with age, but the effects of your uplift surgery should drastically increase the shape and firmness of your breasts for several years. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising will help and you may find that wearing a supportive bra will help provide support (especially for the first six months).

Minimal scarring after surgery

Although scarring is unavoidable, they are minimal and are unlikely to be visible when wearing normal clothing as well as swimwear.

In the weeks and months after surgery, the scarring will fade considerably. The type and amount will depend on the technique your surgeon uses. How you heal is dependent on a number of genetic factors, each person will scar differently but with modern management programmes, any scarring should fade very well.

Your breast uplift cost

Breast uplift treatments vary per patient as every woman will have different requirements and expectations.

Your surgeon will discuss your individual case, including costs and treatments, with you during your consultation. In any case, we advise that you come in for a consultation at a time that is convenient for you.

This article was written by The McIndoe Centre, in collaboration with Paul Banwell BSc MB BS FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Plast) Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. All information, advice and procedures were updated on 17th September 2019.

Consultants that perform this procedure

Patient Information Hub

If you are thinking about having cosmetic surgery, here are some important questions that you should ask yourself to help you make the decision that is right for you.

  • What do I want to change and why do I want to have surgery?
  • Have I considered all the options?
  • Can surgery give me the results I want?
  • Am I expecting the surgery to change my life as well as my appearance?
  • Is now the right time?

Having surgery is a big decision

For more information and advice about cosmetic surgery contact our Private Patient Advisory Team on 01342 488054 or email info@mcindoe.co.uk

Planning your long-term goals with your consultant, and researching the procedure, will reinforce whether surgery is the right option for you.Surgery is not without risk so you should be sure in your reasons for wanting to go ahead. It is important that your expectations are realistic and that the advantages to you always outweigh the risk of surgery.

Take this checklist to your consultation with the surgeon performing the procedure. Discuss each topic with your surgeon to help you make the decision that is right for you before having surgery.

Having surgery is a big decision

For more information and advice about cosmetic surgery contact our Private Patient Advisory Team on 01342 488054 or email info@mcindoe.co.uk

Think carefully before having cosmetic surgery

Never feel rushed or pressured into giving your consent. Be wary of surgeons or staff who try to convince you to go ahead. Take plenty of time to make your decision.

We strongly advise you take at least two weeks after your consultation with the surgeon performing the procedure to think things through before surgery.

Having surgery is a big decision

For more information and advice about cosmetic surgery contact our Private Patient Advisory Team on 01342 488054 or email info@mcindoe.co.uk

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