Breast Lift Surgery

A more technical term for breast lift surgery is a mastopexy. The purpose of a breast lift surgery is to improve the shape of your breasts and give them a fuller appearance.

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

As mentioned above, the main purpose for going through a breast lift surgery is to improve the appearance and shape of the breasts by lifting them up and giving them a fuller appearance. This can be combined with a breast augmentation procedure or it can involve reducing the amount of breast tissue to get the correct results.

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What Should You Expect During Your Consultation?

As with any procedure, it’s important during your consultation that you’re honest and open with us so that we can determine and advise on the best possible procedure for you. Here, we will also go through the expectations, complications and concerns that you have about the procedure as your health and safety is what is most important to us.

From a clinical point of view, we will need you to be as truthful as possible about your health, desires and lifestyle so we can cater the surgery to your needs.

How Should I Prepare For Breast Lift Surgery?

In order to perform the surgery, you will be put under general anaesthetic. If you are unwell or have any health issues leading up to the surgery you should let us know and contact us. There are certain precautions that you have to take leading up to the surgery and this includes following these steps:

  • Stop smoking around 6 weeks before
  • Any form of inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements should be stopped
  • Don’t take aspirin

You should also consider arranging a mode of transport to and from the surgery as you will initially feel discomfort after the procedure. We’d advise taking around 2 weeks off at work depending on the profession that you’re in. The more physical your work, the more time you will need.

If there are any preoperative tests that are required before the surgery, we’ll arrange this for you.

What Happens During Surgery?

Breast lift surgery takes around 1.5 – 2.5 hours and will involve creating incisions around the nipple area down towards the breast crease. In some circumstances, an incision will be needed around the breast crease also. Once the incision is created, it will be here where the breast tissue is removed before being reshaped. Once completed, the skin is tightened and the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.

Aftercare From Breast Lift Surgery

After the surgery has taken place, you will be taken back to the ward where you’ll be given time to find your mobility again. Drains won’t be required so you’ll be able to eat and drink. Considering the type of surgery that you went through, you may feel signs of discomfort. Noticeable swelling will also be visible after the breast lift surgery, so pain relief will be provided that can help to numb the pain. For ideal results, wear a support bra both day and night for around 4 weeks after the surgery, keeping the wounds dry in the process.

Regular reviews of the progress of your healing will be conducted at the clinic. Try to avoid heavy exercise for the first week or so before trying to perform light exercises around 2-3 weeks after. Massaging the scar once it’s healed can help with appearance.

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FAQs

  • What are the risks involved with the surgery?

    Although the majority of patients that have surgery with us are happy with the results, there are also complaints and concerns that patients can have with the surgery. Minor complaints or concerns can involve the following:

    • Changes in sensation
    • Bruising
    • Swelling
    • Differences between the breasts

    More major and more uncommon forms of complaints can be:

    • Infection
    • Haematoma
    • Delayed Healing
    • Seroma Formation
    • Thickened Scars
    • Respiratory Issues from Anaesthesia
    • Deep Vein Thrombosis
    • A Feeling of Complete Numbness
    • Loss of the Areola

    It’s important to note that over time breast tissue can age so further operations may be required in order to tighten the skin.

    Scars can also take between months and weeks to heal after breast lift surgery and the colours of it may change over time. Abnormal and unusual scarring is rare once the surgery has been conducted but if scar revision is required, this should be considered around a year after the surgery.

  • Are There Any Implications With Screening?

    Breast cancer is something that can, unfortunately, naturally occur in women. It’s quoted around 1 in 10 women can develop breast cancer. If you feel that you’re getting common signs of breast cancer then you should contact your GP as soon as possible. If this is discovered you can be offered a mammogram which is when you need to advise that you’ve had surgery on your breasts.

  • What Are The Breastfeeding Implications?

    Breastfeeding will be affected by the surgery so you should consider this before going ahead with the surgery.

  • Are There Any Alternatives To Breast Lift Surgery?

    In order to advance the surgery, there are longer-term products being considered and created to achieve this. For example, mesh can be used for the surgery but the pros and cons of this can be discussed during your consultation.

  • Would I Be Suitable For The Surgery?

    If you’re looking to improve the appearance and shape of your breasts, this would be the ideal surgery for you.

  • Who Wouldn’t Be Suitable For It?

    If you have been influenced by others to have the surgery and have unrealistic expectations as a result, this wouldn’t be ideal for you. Your medical history will also be considered if it is lengthy.

  • How Much Would The Procedure Cost?

    As we will discuss several aspects during your consultation, this will help to determine the cost of the procedure. If you are suitable, a quote will be provided which will also consider the surgery, surgeon, hospital and anaesthetic costs.