Breast Uplift Surgery (Mastopexy)

What is Breast Uplift Surgery?

Breast uplift surgery is an operation which involves the removal of any extra skin around the breast area. The overall aim of the operation is to give patients a more youthful look and a firmer feel. Breast uplift surgery provides patients with a way to reshape their breasts to achieve a more desirable appearance, this is a major operation and like all types of surgery, it comes with some risks.

Reasons for Breast Uplift Surgery.

Breast uplift surgery can help resolve breasts drooping which may occur as a result of getting older, weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding which can cause the breast skin to break down, stretching the skin and causing loss of skin elasticity, thus losing the original shape of the breast. At Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic, we work with some of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons to ensure that you get the results that you want and deserve from Mastopexy uplift surgery.

Droopiness of the breast is a common factor of motherhood, with breastfeeding plus gravity having an impact on the position and fullness of the breasts. Pregnancy and the hormonal effect of swollen breasts from breast milk, cause the supportive bands on the breasts to break down and the breast skin to stretch. After giving birth, the smaller and less supported breasts settle into the stretched skin and gravity pulls them down.

Both weight loss and weight gain can be a factor of drooping breasts, as when weight is gained and then lost the stretched breast skin is pulled down by gravity. Breast uplift surgery is often performed at the same time as a breast enlargement or breast reduction, to assist in achieving the desired shape and size and aiming to create a more youthful appearance.

Many women consider the Mastopexy uplift operation once their family is complete as further pregnancy may stretch the breast once again, reducing the effectiveness of the surgical outcome long term. Breastfeeding is usually possible after the procedure although some patients may not be able to perform this as a result of surgery.

The Breast Uplift Operation

The Mastopexy uplift procedure involves raising the nipple /areola and removing excess skin from under the breast from a lower position to the centre of the breast so that this can be reshaped. The breast is then remodelled into a tighter, firmer shape and the nipples repositioned at a higher level, in line with the tightened breasts. There are different techniques for Mastopexy and the most suitable type of breast uplift surgery for you depends on your breast size and the result you are seeking. Different types of breast uplift surgery result in varying scars on the breasts.

Whichever type of breast uplift surgery you opt for, the scars should not be visible whilst wearing normal clothes, bras or swimwear, including bikini tops. The most common type of breast uplift performed is with a cut around your areola and vertically under your breast. There may be an incision to the crease under the breast in an anchor shape. Additional skin is removed from underneath the breast, which is reshaped into a tighter cone and the nipples are moved to a higher level. The size of the areola can also be reduced during a Mastopexy operation.

Women who are concerned about the size of their breast may seek to enhance the size by placing an implant into the tightened breast for optimum results. The breast uplift procedure is normally successful in improving the appearance of drooping breasts but will not significantly alter the fullness above the nipples. Having breast implants is the only way to substantially increase the upper fullness of the breasts; however, weight can make the breast droop again over time.

Your surgeon will discuss the technique and will explain the scarring accordingly, which should fade into fine lines but will still be visible.

There may be a temporary loss of nipple sensation following this procedure and you will be advised to wear a supportive bra post-surgery, refrain from driving for approximately 2 weeks and undertake vigorous exercise no earlier than 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Opting for breast uplift surgery can occasionally result in complications such as increased or reduced sensation of the breast, bleeding, asymmetry, extrusion, reaction to the anaesthetic, healing problems or infection.

Breast Uplift FAQ

Will I have scars following breast uplift surgery?

Your Mastopexy breast uplift surgery should leave minimal scarring which is permanent, however the scars should fade over time. After the breast uplift surgery the scars initially appear red, however over approximately 12 months they should fade to a light pink colour. Your cosmetic surgeon will always aim to keep scarring to a minimum and the extent of the scarring will also depend on your skin type, age and lifestyle following surgery.

How will pregnancy affect my breast uplift?

Becoming pregnant affects breast uplift surgery if you gain a lot of weight during pregnancy, as the skin of the breast can stretch, which may cause sagging of the breasts following pregnancy.  In most cases, breastfeeding is still possible following Mastopexy uplift.

Will my breasts lose sensitivity following Mastopexy?

With any breast surgery procedure there is a risk of loss of sensitivity following breast uplift surgery, which may vary from patient to patient. Changes in breast sensation is normal, as due to the nerves, nipples or other parts of the breast may become more or less sensitive than prior to surgery. This is normally temporary, however can sometimes be permanent.

When can I drive after breast uplift surgery?

Your surgeon will normally recommend resuming driving a minimum of 2 weeks following breast uplift surgery, to allow sufficient recovery time and for insurance purposes.

How long after Mastopexy surgery should I exercise?

You are advised to not to commence strenuous exercise until 6 weeks following your breast uplift operation, including lifting, bending, stooping, swimming or vacuuming.

Further benefits, risks and your expectations will be discussed and explained during your consultation with a fully registered Consultant Plastic Surgeon.

• Procedure Time: 2-3 hours (general anaesthetic)
• Hospital Stay: 1-2 nights
• Recovery Time: 2-3 weeks off work

Get in contact with Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic to organise your procedure on 0151 329 0866 in Chester, Liverpool, Newton Le Willows or Manchester: or fill out an online contact form for your nearest clinic here.