What is a breast uplift?

Breast uplift surgery is known in plastic surgery as mastopexy surgery. And this is surgery which is designed to lift the position of the breast, reduce excess skin and change the nipple position.

Are breast reductions and uplifts the same thing?

A breast reduction and a breast uplift are very similar procedures. Frequently both will involve use of an anchor shaped scar. And both procedures will involve removal of some tissue from the breast.

With a mastopexy, it tends to be skin-only, possibly with a small amount of breast tissue which is removed. But, with a breast reduction, a greater amount of tissue is removed. In some definitions of breast reduction, it is suggested that removal of 500 grams or more of tissue defines a breast reduction.

So, in many ways, breast reduction and mastopexy surgery or uplift surgery are very similar procedures.

Will a breast uplift change my cup size?

Measurement of bra size is a bit of a dark art. And I think lots of people find if they go into a shopping centre and go into four or five shops, they may end up with two or three different cup sizes. And also depending on the style of bra that you choose to wear, you may also find that your same breast size comes out at a different cup size, depending on the manufacturer or style of bra. So, can breast uplift surgery change your bra size or your cup size? Yes, it can.

Sometimes repositioning the tissue on the chest wall means that the cup size actually increases but, more commonly, as the technique does involve removal of a little piece of tissue, the cup size may reduce.

How is a breast uplift done?

Breast uplift surgery is performed as a general anaesthetic operation, either as a day case or with a one-night hospital stay.

There are various different scar patterns that can be considered, and your surgeon will help you to select the pattern which is most appropriate for you. But these would include a circum-areola pattern where there is a scar just around the areola, a lollipop or circum-vertical procedure, where you have a scar around the areola and then down towards the infra fold and then the traditional anchor shaped pattern, which involves a scar around the areola down to the chest wall and then along the fold of the breast.

These procedures can also be combined with implant surgery if what you actually require is additional volume in addition to a redistribution of your breast tissue.

How long does a breast uplift take?

Well, depending on the technique which is most suitable for you, a breast uplift may take from around an hour to around 2.5 hours to complete.

How long is does recovery from a breast uplift take?

So, with the breast uplift, the scars are closed with dissolving stitches, a glue and a tape dressing. You need to wear a supportive post-surgical bra for the first six weeks following the operation. But with the dressings that are used, you should be able to shower from two days after the procedure.

In general, you should be able to drive from around two weeks following the operation. And you have to be safely in control of your vehicle and able to perform an emergency stop.

But for the wounds to fully heal can take around 6 to 12 weeks. And, of course, scar maturation, whereby the scars become soft and flat and pale can take up to a year following surgery.

How long does a breast uplift last?

Well, breast uplift surgery will reposition the nipple and the gland of the breast. But sadly, you can't stop the clock. So, over the years, with the effects of gravity and aging and loss of elasticity, the results will change. But most people would achieve a correction which lasts for many years following the procedure.

Breast uplift – also known as mastopexy - is surgery to reshape and remodel sagging breasts. By removing extra skin and moving the position of the nipples, the breasts can become firmer and sit higher up on your chest.

If your breasts are droopy or large, a breast reduction (or mammoplasty) may give you the result you want.

Breast feeding is a common cause of sagging breasts. They can become distended with milk, causing the ligaments which usually support the breasts to stretch and begin to break down.

Similarly, if you’ve lost a lot of weight, excess skin can cause your breasts to sag.

The most common benefit of mastopexy is that it improves the appearance of your breasts and, as a result, can boost your self-esteem.

As with all types of surgery, mastopexy has risks associated with the procedure including scarring, bleeding, increased or decreased sensation, problems with stitches and asymmetry of your breasts. Your Consultant will talk you through these and any risks associated with anaesthesia.

When you meet your Consultant at the initial appointment, they’ll discuss why you want a breast uplift and how you’d like your breasts to look after the procedure. They’ll ask you about your medical history, including any medication and whether you’re planning on becoming pregnant soon.

Next, your Consultant will measure your weight and height to ensure that it’s safe for your operation. They’ll then examine your breasts and take photographs for your medical records.

Your Consultant will ask you to sign a consent form before the examination and you’re welcome to bring someone with you for this part of the appointment.

There’s not much you need to do to prepare for your mastopexy surgery, but – as with most operations - you should ensure that you’re as healthy as possible before your procedure. This could include keeping your weight stable and eating healthily.

You should stop smoking or vaping at least three months before your surgery, which will help the wound heal. Your Consultant will advise whether you should stop any medication ahead of the procedure.

On the day of your surgery, you should shower as normal to ensure the area is as clean as possible.

Your surgery will depend on the type of uplift you’d like and your breast size and will usually be carried out under a general anaesthetic.

The most common uplift uses a cut around your areola (the area of dark-coloured skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple) and vertically under your breast. Your Consultant might also make a cut in the crease under your breast in the shape of an anchor.

They’ll remove the excess skin from under your breast and reshape the breast into a tighter cone shape. Your nipples can be moved higher at this stage as well.

On average, a bilateral mastopexy (both breasts) will take two hours.

After the surgery, we’ll give you antibiotics to prevent infection. Depending on your recovery, you may go home the same day, or you may need to stay overnight in hospital.

Someone will need to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you overnight.

Your Consultant will talk to you about your recovery and aftercare, including how to manage any soreness and pain, what bra to wear and how soon you can go back to your normal activities. You may need to take some time off work and avoid driving until you feel comfortable wearing a seatbelt.

It can take several months for the swelling to subside and for the final results to be visible. If you notice any swelling, redness or pain you should call us immediately.