Breastlift Surgery

A mastopexy, or breast lift surgery is a procedure designed to reshape breasts, bringing them more in line with their original look. There are many reasons why someone would choose to undertake breast lift surgery, but the majority of women undertake the operation due to the effects of pregnancy, nursing and the overall sagging of the breasts through time.

In mastopexy surgery, the surgeon will lift the breast tissue and the nipple, to achieve the effect of a more youthful breast. In doing so, they would remove the excess skin and breast tissue allowing for the subtle reshaping of the breast. 

The Surgery – Mastopexy

The surgery itself is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, and will typically take between one to three hours. The methods employed do vary slightly depending on the individual circumstances and the state of the breast tissue; however the most common method is for the surgeon to make an ‘anchor’ incision. This anchor involves the surgeon making an incision around the nipple areola, and following down along the contour of the breast, and horizontally along the underside of the breast. For women with slightly smaller breasts, the surgeon may opt for the ‘doughnut mastopexy’ where the surgeons merely cuts around the areola.

Following Mastopexy Surgery

Following the surgery, you will be required to wear a surgical bra or elastic bandage over the gauze dressings, and it is likely that the breasts will be swollen and bruised for a number of days following the surgery. During this period, any form of bending, straining and lifted is to be avoided, and you may well be advised to sleep on your back in order to avoid putting any form of pressure on your breasts.

You will need to wear a support bra for a number of weeks following the surgery, at least until the swelling subsides, and the stitches have been removed. This is normally a couple of weeks after the surgery. During the couple of weeks following the operation, you may well experience a loss of feeling on the breast skin and the nipple area, however the sensation will generally return within four to six weeks of surgery being performed.

You will normally be able to return to normal, non-strenuous activities within 2-3 weeks of the operation.

Possible complications of Mastopexy Surgery

As with all forms of surgery, there is an element of risk, and although rare, complications are possible. As with all operations, there is the possibility of a reaction to the anaesthetic, and post-operative bleeding and infection are uncommon but do occur. Other risks with mastopexy surgery include a permanent loss of sensation around the nipples or uneven positioning of the nipples or breasts.

Another important consideration for women is the ability to breastfeed following the operation, as there is a chance that this may be affected by the surgery. It is worthwhile discussing this in detail with your surgeon beforehand.

Cost Of Mastopexy Surgery

£4,000 - £6,000