Breast Uplift/ Mastopexy
Waterfront Hospital Edinburgh, Scotland
A breast uplift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes and tightens the skin around the breasts, leading to a lifting of the breasts.
Changes in weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the ageing process can lead to loss of skin elasticity and sagging and drooping breasts. Breast uplift surgery may be a good option if you want to restore a more youthful and uplifted appearance.
Excellent
I had an excellent experience at the Waterfront Private Hospital. The care was great throughout, from pre-op consultations to post-op check ups. I had a breast reduction/lift and couldn’t be happier with the results. Recovery was fast with no complications. Would highly recommend!
Jade
Oct 2024
Overview
Breast uplift
- TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
General - LENGTH OF SURGERY
2-3 Hours - HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery - RECOVERY
1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
What the procedure involves
Our approach to breast uplift surgery at Waterfront Private Hospital is meticulous and patient-focused, involving the following key stages:
- Consultation and Customised Planning: Each procedure starts with a detailed consultation to understand the patient’s goals and to tailor the surgery to their specific needs.
- Incision Techniques: Depending on the individual’s breast size and degree of sagging, one of several incision patterns is available. This could be around the areola (peri-areola), extending vertically down from the areola to the breast crease (lollipop), or horizontally along the breast crease (anchor-shaped).
- Lifting and Reshaping: Excess skin is removed, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a more youthful height, and breast tissue is reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness. Some heavier breast tissue may be removed.
- Advanced Closure Techniques: Incisions are closed with care to minimise scarring, using techniques that promote healing and maintain the improved breast shape.
Benefits and expected outcomes
Enhanced Appearance
- Youthful Look: A breast uplift raises and reshapes the breasts, giving them a more youthful position and appearance, including repositioning the nipple and areola.
- Improved Symmetry: Corrects uneven breast size or shape for a more balanced and natural look.
- Smoother Contours: Reshapes the breast tissue for a more attractive and proportionate profile.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
- Boosted Confidence: Many patients feel more confident and positive about their body after the procedure.
- Improved Body Image: A better breast shape can lead to greater satisfaction with your overall appearance.
Lifestyle Improvements
- More Wardrobe Options: Feel comfortable wearing a wider range of clothing and swimwear styles.
- Ease in Physical Activities: Reduces discomfort during exercise or daily activities, especially if sagging is significant.
Long-Lasting Results
- Durable Changes: Enjoy long-term results with scars that fade over time.
- Skin Comfort: Helps relieve irritation or rashes under the breasts.
Post-Pregnancy and Weight Loss Benefits
- Post-Pregnancy Rejuvenation: Restores breast shape and position after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Post-Weight Loss Enhancement: Ideal for addressing sagging breasts after significant weight loss.
Before and after breast uplift
Who is an ideal candidate?
You might be a good candidate for a breast uplift if any of the following sounds like you:
- My breasts have started to sag due to ageing, weight loss, or changes after pregnancy, and I’d like to restore a more youthful shape and position.
- I’m in good overall health and don’t smoke, and I have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.
- I’m close to my ideal weight and have been able to maintain it steadily.
- I’ve completed my family or don’t plan to have children in the near future, as pregnancy can affect the results of the procedure.
If this feels like your situation, a breast uplift could be a great option to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your body.
Risks and considerations
Like any surgery, a breast lift comes with some risks. While complications are uncommon, it’s important to understand them so you can make an informed decision. Here’s what you should know:
- Bleeding: In rare cases (fewer than 1 in 50 patients), bleeding may require a follow-up procedure.
- Infection: There’s a small risk of infection, but this is usually manageable with proper care and treatment.
- Slower Healing: Some patients may notice that their incisions take longer to heal.
- Fat Necrosis: Occasionally, some fat tissue may not get enough blood supply, leading to tissue loss.
- Changes in Nipple Sensitivity: You might experience increased or reduced nipple sensitivity, which can be temporary or permanent.
- Nipple Tension: Adjustments during surgery may create a feeling of pull or tension on the nipples.
- Nipple Loss: Although extremely rare, there is a small risk of partial or total nipple loss.
- Breastfeeding: Depending on the extent of the surgery, your ability to breastfeed may be affected.
- Asymmetry: While the goal is to achieve symmetry, perfect symmetry isn’t always possible.
- Scarring: Scars are a natural part of surgery, but they are carefully placed to be as discreet as possible and often fade over time.
- Under or Over Correction: There’s a small chance the lift or shape may not meet your expectations.
- Revision Surgery: In rare cases (fewer than 1 in 30 patients), a minor revision may be needed, usually under local anaesthesia.
At Waterfront Private Hospital, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. We’ll discuss these risks in detail during your consultation and answer any questions you have. This ensures you feel fully informed and confident about your decision.
Further reading: BAAPS – Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)
Aftercare and recovery
Post-surgery, patients may experience swelling and discomfort, which typically subside within a few weeks. Recovery instructions include wearing a support bra and avoiding strenuous activities. Most patients return to regular activities within several weeks. We provide ongoing support and follow-up care to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Frequently asked questions about breast uplift
How Much Does Breast Uplift Surgery Cost in Scotland?
Waterfront Private Hospital’s guide price for breast uplift surgery is approximately £7500. This cost includes the surgical procedure, anaesthesia, and necessary aftercare. The guide cost of a breast uplift with implants is £10,000.
How Long Is the Recovery Period After a Breast Uplift?
Recovery varies, but generally, patients can return to work and normal activities within a few weeks. Complete healing and fading of scars may take several months.
Will Breast Uplift Surgery Affect My Ability to Breastfeed?
The ability to breastfeed after a breast uplift can be affected, especially if the milk ducts are disturbed during surgery. It’s an important consideration for women planning future pregnancies.
Can a Breast Uplift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes, breast uplifts are often combined with breast implants (breast uplift with implants or augmentation mastopexy) for added volume or with breast reduction for comfort and proportionality.
How Long Do the Results of a Breast Uplift Last?
While the results are long-lasting, they are not immune to the effects of ageing, gravity and future pregnancies. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help prolong the results.
How Is Breast Uplift Different from Breast Augmentation?
Breast uplift (mastopexy) primarily raises and reshapes sagging breasts, while breast augmentation increases breast size using implants. The two can be combined for added lift and volume.
Will My Breast Size Change After an Uplift?
A breast uplift aims to improve the shape and position of the breasts rather than significantly alter their size. Even if no breast tissue is removed, the breasts can appear smaller and more compact as they are lifted.
Can I Undergo a Breast Uplift If I Have a History of Breast Cancer?
It’s crucial to discuss your complete medical history during the consultation. A breast uplift may be possible but will be carefully considered based on your individual health and recovery history.
Is It Possible to Achieve Perfect Symmetry with a Breast Uplift?
While significant improvements in symmetry are achievable, absolute perfect symmetry is impossible. The goal is to create a natural and more aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
How Should I Choose the Right Surgeon for My Breast Uplift?
It’s important to choose a surgeon who is board-certified, experienced in breast uplift procedures, and whom you feel comfortable with. Checking before-and-after photos of their previous work can also be helpful.
How Noticeable Will the Scars Be?
Scars from a breast uplift are permanent but will fade over time. They are typically hidden under the natural contours of the breasts or around the areola.
What Kind of Anesthesia Is Used During the Procedure?
General anaesthesia is commonly used for breast uplift surgery to ensure patient comfort and safety during the procedure.
What Happens During the Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation involves a physical examination, a discussion of your aesthetic goals, a review of your medical history, and an explanation of the procedure, risks, recovery, and expected outcomes.
How Soon After Pregnancy Can I Undergo a Breast Uplift?
It’s recommended to wait at least 6 months after completing breastfeeding to allow your breasts to stabilize in size and shape before undergoing a breast uplift.
What Are the Limitations of a Breast Uplift?
While a breast uplift can significantly enhance the appearance of sagging breasts, it does not stop the natural ageing process, and some degree of sagging might occur over time. A breast uplift will also not provide much fullness in the upper part of the breasts.
