Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)

What is breast uplift surgery?

Breast uplift surgery, otherwise known as mastopexy, helps the breast and nipple to appear perkier and higher.

Who will benefit from breast uplift surgery?

Almost anybody can undergo breast uplift surgery but non-smokers are better candidates, as they are not as susceptible to infections - so it is advised to stop before and after surgery. Breast uplifts have helped thousands of women gain confidence and many patients decide on having a breast uplift after losing weight, having children or getting older, as breasts may have begun to hang low down, point downwards or lose firmness.

Procedure

Breast uplift (mastopexy) surgery can be undergone without changing the size of the breasts; however some women choose to have an enlargement at the same time as the uplift. The patient is marked for surgery and placed under a general anesthetic (although this may vary depending on the individual), and can last up to two hours. While there are several options for surgery, they all result in the removal of excess skin and reshaping of the breast, sometimes lifting the areola (the area around the nipple) into a higher position. Incisions are made around the areola, to the sides and along the crease underneath the breast to remove fatty tissue. The incisions are then closed and sutured below the areola to create the breast uplift.

Recovery period

You will be probably be required to stay in hospital overnight, take roughly two weeks off work and avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks. Your breasts will need support and it is advised to wear a sports bra or similar. There will be some bruising and swelling which may take a few weeks to settle and sutures, if needed, will be removed approximately one to two weeks after breast uplift surgery.

Risks

Initial scarring should settle after a few months, but may remain raised and red. You may also experience a loss of feeling in your nipples and/or breasts, and asymmetrical nipples.

References

Department of Health
About.com: Womens Health
The Harley Medical Group