Mastopexy - Breast Uplift Surgery

 

 

Mastopexy (or breast uplift) lifts and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin, which may result in firmer breasts and a more youthful position and shape.

Some of the most highly qualified and experienced Breast Specialist Plastic Surgeons in the country have come together at Sthetix Cosmetic Surgery Clinic.  As members of BAAPS, BAPRAS and/or ISAPS, surgeons are required to have demonstrated a high skill level, as well as completed accredited specialist training.

We offer direct consultations with Plastic Surgeons who specialise in breast uplift, breast reduction and breast enlargement surgery.

Who is suitable?

Breast uplift is a procedure for women who want more youthful and firmer breasts.  Drooping breasts may result as a consequence of pregnancy, breast feeding,  gravity or loss of skin elasticity.  Some women may naturally develop drooping breasts with the nipples pointing downwards.

Women who have drooping breasts who are also concerned about small size can have a combination of uplift and breast enlargement, which improves the shape, size and appearance of their breasts.

 

Prior to surgery you will be asked:

• To stop smoking.  Smoking introduces toxins into the blood which increase the risk of healing problems, loss of skin and anaesthetic complications. It is essential that smokers stop well before the surgery date (at least 6 weeks) and do not start again until wounds have completely healed.
• To discontinue oral contraceptive pills (use alternative methods)/ HRT.
• Not to take aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs as they increase the risk of bleeding.
• Not to take ‘off-the-shelf’ herbal medicines or nutritional supplements.

 

You will be required to attend a medical examination at a pre-operative assessment clinic where certain tests may be carried out to ensure your safety during anaesthesia and surgery.

 

The procedure:

The breast uplift procedure involves repositioning the nipples to a more balanced position, which depends on your height and build.  The breast tissue is also moulded to a new shape and excess skin is removed.  If you have chosen a breast enlargement to be done at the same time, a breast implant is also inserted.

Breast uplift can be carried out using a number of different methods.  The most suitable procedure for you will be decided after taking into consideration your existing breast shape, the position of the nipples and your wishes.

 

Scar:

Usually the procedure results in an anchor-shaped scar.  Other techniques involve different shaped scars.  All of this will be explained by your surgeon.

Scars take around 18 months to mature and improve, and tend to be red and sometimes lumpy in the first few months.

 

Recovery:

It usually takes 2-3 weeks to recover and heal from this procedure.  Patients are advised to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks after this procedure.

 

Smoking:

Smokers are strongly advised to stop at least 6 weeks before surgery, and must refrain from smoking at least until fully healed.  Smoking is well known to interfere with healing and may also increase the risk of complications.

 

Exercise:

It is recommended that gentle exercise in the form of short walks is taken as soon as you are comfortable.  Strenuous exercise should start gradually, and only after 6 weeks.

 

Return to work:

Depending on the nature of work, most people are comfortable returning to work around 2-3 weeks after surgery.

 

Driving:

It is recommended that you don’t drive a vehicle for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.

 

Can I breast feed?

In most cases, breastfeeding is possible after breast uplift; however it is important to understand that even in the general population, some women are naturally unable to breastfeed.  The surgery is not understood to be related to the ability to breastfeed.

 

Potential risks and limitations:

The most common cause of dissatisfaction after this procedure is a mismatch between the expectations of the patient and what can physically be achieved safely.  As a result of this, it is important to have realistic expectations and an understanding of what is physically achievable.

Breast uplift is a major surgical procedure and some bleeding, oozing, bruising, swelling and discomfort are inevitable after this surgery.

All surgical procedures carry some potential risks. The risks with breast uplift include infection, poor scars, haematoma, asymmetry, pain, loss of sensation, loss of a nipple and skin, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) etc.  Your surgeon will explain the limitations and the potential risks of this procedure during your consultation, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Breast shape and size can be altered and improved with this procedure, but, after surgery the shape, size and position of the breast will continue to change due to effects of gravity, weight changes and ageing changes.

 

Aftercare:

Your wellbeing is our first priority.  To monitor your progress we will arrange appointments at regular intervals for follow-up examinations with your surgeon.   All your aftercare is fully included in the cost of surgery.

When you are discharged, care instructions will be given to you and you will have 24 hour access to trained staff who will be there to advise you should you have any questions or concerns.

Two weeks after surgery, one of our trained staff will see you and check your wounds.  There are usually no stitches to remove in cases of breast uplift and the wounds have healed by 2 weeks.  The surgeon who performed your surgery will see you after 6 weeks for a follow-up and as often as required until you are fully recovered.  This follow-up is a standard and will be provided at no extra cost.

In the unlikely event of a problem, arrangements will be made for you to be seen by trained staff, and if required, by the surgeon who performed the procedure.  As all our surgeons live and work locally, it is always possible to see your surgeon at relatively short notice if required.  Our surgeons don’t leave the country, or indeed the local area after performing the surgery.  On the rare occasion that the surgeon leaves the local area for other commitments, there will always be another trained plastic surgeon from our team available to provide care.

In the unlikely event of a complication which is directly related to your surgery, we will provide or arrange further surgery and/or treatment at no extra cost.