Breast uplift

A breast uplift (mastopexy) is a procedure to remove excess skin from your breasts to improve their shape.

Your breasts should have a better shape.

Using padded bras or inserts can make your breasts appear to have a better shape.

If there is not much excess skin and your breasts are not droopy, your surgeon may be able to assess you for a breast augmentation.

If you have a large breast size, your surgeon may be able to assess you for a breast reduction.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the line of the areola (the darker area around your nipple) and a vertical cut underneath your areola. They will remove excess skin and reshape your breast tissue. Your surgeon will lift your nipple so it is in a higher position.

If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.

Regular exercise should help you prepare for the procedure, help you recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you may need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.

The healthcare team are trained to reduce the risk of complications.

Possible complications of this procedure are shown below. Some can be serious and may even cause death.

Any risk rates given are taken from studies of people who have had this procedure. Your doctor may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for you. Some risks are higher if you are older, obese, have other health problems or you smoke. Health problems include diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.

General complications of any procedure

• Bleeding during or soon after the procedure. Rarely, you will need a blood transfusion or another procedure.
• Infection of the surgical wound.
• Allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication.
• Venous thromboembolism (VTE). This is a blood clot in your leg (deep-vein thrombosis – DVT) or one that has moved to your lung (pulmonary embolus).
• Chest infection. Your risk will be lower if you have stopped smoking and you are free of COVID-19. (coronavirus) symptoms for at least 7 weeks before the procedure.

Specific complications of this procedure

• Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) inside a breast. You may need another procedure to remove the blood or fluid.
• Developing a hard lump in a breast caused by scarring or damaged fat tissue (fat necrosis). If this happens, let your surgeon know as you need to be able to tell the difference between a fat tissue lump and breast cancer.
• Numbness or continued pain on the outer part of your breast.
• Stiff shoulder.
• Loss of skin, including the areola and nipple.
• Change of breast and nipple sensation. This usually settles within a year but the change may be permanent.
• Reduced ability to breastfeed.
• Cosmetic problems. It is difficult to predict exactly how your breasts will look after the procedure.

Consequences of this procedure

• Pain. Moving your arms can be uncomfortable for 2 to 3 weeks.
• Scarring of your skin, which can be unsightly.

You should be able to go home the same day.

You should be able to return to normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks.

You should be able to return to work after 2 weeks, depending on your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The results of a breast uplift improve gradually over the first 6 months. Your breasts should become softer and more natural, and the scars should fade.

A breast uplift is a procedure to improve the shape of your breasts. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.