Breast Uplift Surgery (Mastopexy)
Breast uplift surgery or mastopexy is used to correct droopy breasts. Some women have more skin on their breasts than breast tissue and this can cause the breasts to sag and their nipples to point down. This may be due to reduction in breast volume after pregnancy or maybe something that developed as you matured. Women feel extremely embarrassed about having droopy breasts, even more than having small breasts and it is not surprising that many women seek an operation to correct this.
Do I need breast uplift surgery?
If you have saggy breasts but like the size they are within a bra then you may be a candidate for a breast uplift. If you have droopy and small breasts then you may require a breast augmentation along with your uplift to give the best result.
How is a breast uplift carried out?
There are many different ways to do a breast uplift and this depends on the size and shape of your breasts. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will examine you and following the consultation will recommend a type of uplift that will give you the best result whilst minimising the scars from the operation. Most breast uplift procedures leave scars on the breast and these are wither in a straight line under your nipple or in an anchor shape. Your Surgeon will discuss this with you. The skin is tightened on the breast and the breast tissue moved around to give a more natural looking breast.
Will I have smaller breasts afterwards?
No, the aim of the operation is to leave the breast tissue behind but tighten the skin. However as the breasts are uplifted to their natural position it may appear like they have become slightly smaller. If you would like larger and uplifted breasts then a breast implant can be used to give you a larger volume.
How long will I be in hospital?
Depending upon the size of the uplift you require you may get out the same day or the next day after your operation.
When can I go back to work?
Most women are able to go back to a desk job at 2-3 weeks, though exercise should be avoided for the first 6 weeks
What are the risks?
After the operation a drain may be left in case of bleeding. This normally comes out the next day and you go home. Occasionally you may require to go back to theatre if a blood clot develops within the breast. This is uncommon and does not tend to affect you final result. Infection is also uncommon and in usually responds to antibiotics, unless a breast implant has been used.
Some change in the feeling of your nipples is common after the operation, but in most cases improves with time.
It is important that you realise that it is not always possible to give you the perfect shape and although your breasts will look much better there may be slight asymmetry.
In larger breast uplifts long scars are left on the breast. In most cases these settle well are hidden by a bra or swimsuit. Occasionally scars can stretch, remain red or become bulky. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will see you regularly and if this starts to happen treatment may be possible.
What happens after the operation?
You might experience discomfort for the first week and you will be given ample painkillers to combat this. Your dressings will be removed after a week and you will be able to see your new breasts. After this it is important that you wear a well fitting, non-underwired bra day and night for the next six weeks to help mould your new breasts. After 3 weeks it is advisable to start massaging your scars with bio oil to help them settle. The scars will continue to settle for 18 months after the operation.
Your new Breasts
Most women undergoing a breast uplift do so entirely for themselves. Often their partners wonder why and try to persuade them against it. A breast uplift is a very personal procedure and most women feel very satisfied with how their new breasts look.
A breast uplift doesn’t last forever, though and gravity or pregnancy will affect the shape, although the operation can be repeated.