Breast uplift (mastopexy) is a cosmetic operation to remove excess skin from your breasts to improve their shape. The procedure is very similar to breast reduction surgery. However, in a breast lift procedure your breasts are reshaped by tightening the skin, without removing any breast tissue. This means your breasts will remain the same size, but be reshaped so they look firmer and perter. If you would like extra volume or a larger breast, then a breast uplift and breast augmentation using a breast implant can be combined to create your desired look.
Living with breasts that are sagging and no longer firm and pert can affect a woman’s self-esteem and make her feel self-conscious both in and out of her clothes. If your breasts are having a negative impact on your physical appearance and/or your self-confidence, then a boob lift may be appropriate for you.
You are suitable for breast uplift surgery if you are experiencing one or more of the following:
Whilst there is no age limit, the best candidates for a breast uplift procedure are in good health and emotionally-stable. If you’re planning to have children in the future or to lose considerable weight, then it might be best to postpone breast uplift surgery until after these events.
At your initial consultation your cosmetic surgeon will discuss with you your options and, realistic goals and expectations of a breast lift procedure. The final decision will be made between you and your cosmetic consultant.
Breast uplift surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour and a half.
Your surgeon will make a cut on the line of the areola (the dark area around the nipple) and a vertical cut underneath your areola. They will remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. Your surgeon will lift your nipple so it is in a higher position.
You may have decided with your cosmetic surgeon to have a breast reduction or breast augmentation whilst having a breast lift to achieve the breast look you desire. Your procedure may take up to two and a half hours if you combine these surgeries. Your surgeon may reduce the size of the areola area around your nipple to suit your new breast size or insert breast implants.
As with any other surgery, there is a risk of complications occurring and your consultant will fully explain these to you before you decide to go ahead with surgery. Complications specific to a mastopexy include: infection, developing a swelling or lump in your breast, loss of skin including the areola and nipple, change of breast and nipple sensation and, reduced ability to breastfeed.
Your breasts will look discoloured and feel very firm and swollen immediately after breast uplift surgery. You should be able to go home the same day.
Most women return to normal activities within two to three weeks. You should be able to return to work after the second week, depending on your type of job and, also do a limited amount of activity, such as lifting young children, after about two weeks.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
The results of a breast uplift improve gradually over the first six months. Your breasts should become softer and more natural.
It’s important for you to have realistic expectations regarding your breast uplift surgery. By looking at before and after photos of past patients who have had a breast lift you can see the results that can be achieved by this type of procedure. Your cosmetic surgeon can show you before and after photos.
During breast lift surgery your cosmetic surgeon can lift, transform and reshape sagging breasts to give a more pert, firmer and fuller breast appearance.
All patients will experience different results as they have individual reasons for breast uplift surgery and surgery will be tailored to achieve theses specific goals.
As a guide, breast lift surgery cost ranges from £4,804 to £11,000 with Ramsay Health Care UK. This package price will vary depending upon your individual requirements of breast uplift surgery.
Breast lift surgery is not normally covered by private health insurance. Here at Ramsay Health Care UK we offer our Total Care package with the following benefits:
We also offer easy to arrange, affordable and competitive finance options so you don’t have to wait for your breast uplift.
Your cosmetic surgeon will endeavour to ensure you have minimal scarring following your breast lift surgery. Immediately after a breast uplift the scars will be red but they will fade and should become light pink within twelve months.
It is possible to breast feed after a breast lift. However, if you are considering breastfeeding in the future, then you should be aware that if your nipples are repositioned during breast uplift surgery they may be separated from your milk ducts and you may not be able to do so. You should discuss with your cosmetic surgeon the option of keeping your nipples connected to your milk ducts.
When your breasts are healing after the breast lift procedure your nipples will feel very sensitive. After about six months full feeling in your nipples is often regained. However, all women are different and sometimes this can take longer or some women experience a change in sensitivity of their nipple area.
Immediately after your breast uplift surgery you will be able to see the changes made. However, your breasts will be swollen for some time afterwards. You will need to wait six to twelve months until all the swelling has disappeared to see the full results of surgery and truly see your new breast shape.
Your healthcare team will advise you what to wear following your breast lift and where to purchase any items. For the first six weeks you’ll need to wear a post-op bra or non-underwired sports bra 24 hours a day.
Breast uplift (mastoplexy) is a cosmetic operation to remove excess skin from your breasts to improve their shape. The procedure is very similar to breast reduction surgery. However, in a breast lift procedure your breasts are reshaped by tightening the skin, without removing any breast tissue. This means your breasts will remain the same size, but be reshaped so they look firmer and perter. If you would like extra volume or a larger breast, then a breast uplift and breast augmentation using a breast implant can be combined to create your desired look.
Mr Stephanos Papanastasiou
Mr Stephanos Papanastasiou is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Pinehill Hospital in Hitchin, Hertfordshire
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