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Medically reviewed by Dr Kam Singh Bsc(Hons), MRCGP, MBCAM
Medical Advisory Committee for London Private Hospital
Last Reviewed July 4th 2024
Mastopexy, also called a breast uplift, is a cosmetic surgical intervention aimed at lifting and reshaping a woman’s breasts. This procedure is designed to change the contour, elevation, and size of the breasts, particularly for people dissatisfied with sagging or drooping.
The primary goal of breast uplift surgery in London is to enhance the beauty of your busts and ensure they balance your upper body. Factors like ageing, losing or gaining weight, and having babies can affect how breasts look. During these times, you can lose some elasticity in your bust and experience sagging because muscles and ligaments are stretched too much.
Gravity also plays a part, and it can result in lasting drooping. During a mastopexy, excess skin is often removed, and breast tissue is reshaped to elevate the breasts. Mastopexy may also be combined with other procedures, like breast augmentation using implants, or it may be done with breast reduction surgery to address oversized breasts.
A breast lift procedure, or mastopexy, can significantly enhance your appearance by restoring a youthful shape and firmness to sagging breasts. This surgery is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced changes in breast appearance due to ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss.
A mastotomy can improve breast symmetry and contour by lifting and reshaping the breasts, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette. Additionally, many women find that the procedure boosts their self-confidence and comfort in clothing, contributing to an overall improved quality of life.
If you want a mastopexy or breast lift surgery, you need to plan it out carefully. The procedure involves distinct phases before, during, and after the surgery itself.
Before the surgery, you will meet with our board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, health history, and what you’d like to achieve. They’ll examine your breasts and recommend the best approach based on your needs. This could involve small cuts around the nipple (periareolar lift), cuts around the nipple extending down the crease (vertical lift), or a T-shaped incision for more significant changes.
You will also receive detailed instructions on what to do before surgery, like stopping certain medications, what to eat, and what to bring on the day. Our surgeons will administer general anaesthesia so you will be asleep during the procedure.
During the surgery, our surgeon will make precise incisions based on the chosen technique. They will carefully remove extra skin and reposition the breast tissue to create a more lifted shape. They will also move nipples that have stretched or lowered to a more aesthetically-pleasing location.
The incisions will then be sutured closed. Our surgeons will also place tiny tubes under the skin to drain out excess fluid.
Once the surgery is complete, you’ll rest in a recovery room before heading home. Your breasts will likely be bandaged and placed in a supportive bra. The tiny tubes might stay in for a day or two.
Immediate Post-Operative Period
After a mastopexy procedure, you will spend some time in a recovery area where medical staff will monitor your initial recovery from anaesthesia. You might feel groggy, and it’s common to feel some pain and discomfort. We will prescribe you some painkillers for that. Swelling and bruising around the breasts are typical and should gradually subside over the following weeks.
The First Few Days
You will need to wear a special surgical bra or compression garment to support your breasts as they heal. It’s important to keep the surgical area clean and dry, and follow your surgeon’s instructions for changing dressings. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and raising your arms above your head to reduce the risk of complications and promote proper healing.
The First Few Weeks
During the initial weeks, you will have follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and remove any stitches if necessary. You may feel some tightness, tingling, or numbness, which should diminish over time. It’s crucial to sleep on your back to avoid putting pressure on your breasts.
Long-Term Recovery
Most swelling and bruising should resolve within a few months, but it can take up to a year for your breasts to fully settle into their new shape. Scarring is inevitable, but scars typically fade over time and can be minimised with proper care, such as using silicone sheets or scar creams as your surgeon recommends. You should begin to see the final results of your mastopexy as the swelling subsides and the breast tissues heal completely.
Activity and Lifestyle
You can usually return to work and light activities within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your job and how you feel. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks, or as advised by your surgeon. It’s important to maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle to preserve the results of your breast uplift procedure.
Overall, a mastopexy can significantly improve the shape and position of your breasts, enhancing your appearance and self-confidence. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that results can vary based on individual factors such as skin elasticity and overall health.
What are Some Risks of Breast Uplift Surgery?
Breast uplift surgery, or mastopexy, carries several potential risks and complications. Understanding these risks is crucial before deciding to undergo the procedure. Common risks include:
Infection: Manageable with antibiotics, but sometimes requiring additional surgery.
Bleeding and Haematoma: Excessive bleeding may need further surgical intervention.
Anaesthesia Complications: Rare reactions can lead to respiratory issues or other complications.
Scarring: Inevitable but typically fades over time, though it can be more pronounced in some individuals.
Asymmetry: Slight differences in breast shape or nipple position may occur.
Changes in Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation.
Poor Wound Healing: Influenced by factors like smoking or poor nutrition.
Skin or Tissue Necrosis: Rarely, inadequate blood supply can cause tissue death.
Breastfeeding Challenges: Potential difficulties due to changes in breast tissue and ducts.
Need for Revision Surgery: Ageing, gravity, and weight changes may necessitate future surgeries.
Discuss these risks thoroughly with your surgeon to make an informed decision and follow all pre- and post-operative care instructions to minimise complications.
Here are some signs you might be a good candidate for breast lift surgery:
Dissatisfaction with breast appearance: If you’re uncomfortable with sagging breasts, loss of shape or volume, or nipples that point downwards, a lift can help.
Significant sagging: This can be caused by factors like large breasts, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, or weight fluctuations.
Good overall health: You should be in good physical health with no major medical conditions that could complicate surgery.
Non-smoking: Smoking can negatively impact healing and results.
Realistic expectations: You should understand that a lift primarily addresses sagging and reshaping and does not increase breast size.
Stable weight: Ideally, you should be at a stable weight for optimal results.
However, it’s important to consult with our surgeon for a definitive assessment. They will examine your breasts and discuss your specific concerns and desired outcomes. They will also assess your overall health and any risk factors and explain the different types of lift procedures before recommending the best option for you. Most importantly, they will discuss the potential risks and side effects in detail.
So, the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for breast lift surgery is to have a thorough consultation with our qualified surgeons.
Choose London Private Hospital for its exceptional care, experienced surgeons, and state-of-the-art facilities. The hospital offers personalised treatment plans, advanced medical technology and comfortable, patient-centred environment. With a reputation for high standards of safety and excellence, London Private Hospital ensures comprehensive care from consultation through recovery, making it a top choice for surgical procedures.
A breast uplift (mastopexy) improves the shape and position of breasts. There are several techniques, depending on your needs:
Periareolar lift: This is a smaller cut around the nipple itself, which addresses drooping nipples and mild sagging.
Vertical lift: Creates a more lifted and youthful appearance through an incision around the nipple and down the crease.
T-anchor lift: Similar to a vertical lift, but with an extra cut across the fold below your breast. It’s best for when you need a lot of lifting and tightening.
While breast lift results are long-lasting, they’re not entirely permanent. The repositioned breast tissue creates a perkier look that lasts for years, and the removal of excess skin ensures a tighter, smoother contour. However, ageing and weight fluctuations can cause some degree of sagging over time. If you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, it can make the results of our mastopexy last longer.
While breast lift surgery isn’t entirely pain-free, you won’t experience any pain during the procedure itself thanks to general aanesthesia. However, some pain and discomfort are likely in the days following surgery, particularly around the incision sites. This discomfort is usually manageable with medication prescribed by our surgeon. You might also experience numbness in your nipples, areolae, and breast skin for several weeks, which is a normal and often a temporary side effect.
This depends on the type of procedure performed. Discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.
The cost will vary depending on your individual needs, surgeon’s fees, facility costs, and anaesthesia charges. London Private Hospital offers financing options to help make the procedure more accessible.
Here are some questions to get you started:
Am I a good candidate for a breast uplift?
What type of uplift procedure do you recommend for me?
What are the risks and complications involved?
What will recovery be like?
What financing options are available?
Feeling like your breasts are drooping? Breast uplift can help! Here at London Private Hospital, we offer this procedure to give you a more balanced look. We also offer 0% finance options through Chrysalis Finance to make breast reduction surgery more affordable. What this means for you: Pay for your surgery in manageable monthly payments with NO interest! Get pre-approved to see if you qualify (your credit score, etc.). Review the terms carefully before making a decision. Ready to learn more? Contact us today! During your consultation, we can discuss your goals, recommend the best surgery plan for you, and provide a final price.
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