Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery/Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift can raise and reshape breasts for a youthful contour

As skin loses its elasticity, breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts and create a more youthful breast contour and attractive position. 

Breast lift – also known as mastopexy procedure can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume (for example, after pregnancy or weight loss), breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size. 

Breast lift surgery

The process of breast uplift involves a cosmetic surgical procedure to lift and reshape breasts. It removes excess fat and breast tissue. Some women also opt to have a breast implant inserted at the same time, to restore fullness and volume to the breasts. 

There are many different techniques of mastopexy, and the position of the resulting scars may vary. There is always a circular scar around the nipple. A second vertical scar running from the lower most point of the nipple to the fold beneath the breast is also common. In some techniques, there is also a horizontal scar in the fold beneath the breasts. The horizontal scar is usually kept quite short, but its length does vary depending on the original shape of the breasts. 

As a starting point, breast uplift surgery patients have an initial consultation with an expert specialist in this area. During surgery, the healthcare team performs the breast uplift mastopexy under local anaesthetic and sedation. A typical procedure takes 2 to 3 hours and patients are fully recovered after around 12 weeks. Scars usually fade after around 1 year.  

For recovery, patients must wear a support bra for a few weeks post-surgery to support the breasts while bruising and swelling subside.  

Shot of two women having a discussion in a home office

A breast lift removes the excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to create a more youthful breast contour. A breast life can also reshape the breast and balance differently shaped breasts to improve appearance.

Breast lift techniques can vary. However, the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Excess glandular tissue, fat and skin is removed, and the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. The skin from both sides of the breast is brought down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.  

Our team then close the incision with dissolvable sutures that will allow the wounds to heal. A small drain may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day.

Breast lift surgery usually takes between 2-3 hours.

Procedure Overview

  • Cosmetic surgical procedure to lift and reshape breasts by removing excess fat and tissue from the breast area 
  • Performed under general anaesthetic
  • Typical procedure takes 2 to 3 hours  
  • Patients should be fully recovered after around 12 weeks and scars should fade after around 1 year 
  • A support bra should be worn for several weeks post-surgery to support the breasts while bruising and swelling subside  
  • You will have an initial consultation with an expert specialist in this area 
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Breast lift surgery lifts and restores the position of the breasts. It removes excess fat and skin and then moves the breast to a more desirable position, restoring perkiness to the breast. A Breast Augmentation alters the volume and shape of the breast through implants being inserted into the breast.

Ultimately it is dependent on the individual as to whether a breast lift is permanent. It is possible patients may need another breast lift but, in many cases, this is not the full-length procedure and the breast do not require a full lift.

During the breast lift procedure, patients are under general anaesthetic and therefore no pain or discomfort is felt. Following the procedure, patients may experience some pain and discomfort especially when moving around or cough, however, this should only last for a couple of weeks.

Breast lift surgery is quite a low-risk surgery however there are complications in some cases. There is possibility for complications such as bleeding and infection. In addition, the procedure may lead to an inability to breastfeed as the procedure does remove many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.

The price for a breast lift varies between patients, and the total cost will be confirmed following the initial consultation.

"I was extremely pleased with Miss Ali's entire bedside manner. She is kindhearted, incredibly professional and answered all of the questions I had in great detail. The care and attention provided could not have been at a higher standard. During my consultation I felt very comfortable and relaxed in what could have been a very anxious and uncomfortable experience. Miss Ali went above and beyond my expectations and I am truly thankful for everything she has done for me. I couldn't recommend Miss Ali enough!"

"From the moment I met Angelica I knew that she would be my surgeon of choice! She is so friendly, professional and knowledgeable and looked after me from start to finish. She explains everything that will be done during the operation and kept me fully informed of each stage and my recovery is going great. Her staff at her consulting rooms are lovely too l, I’m so glad that I researched and found her, I couldn’t be any more pleased!"

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