Augmentation Mastopexy

Breast uplift (mastopexy) with implant surgery is undertaken to raise drooping breasts and achieve a fuller volume, so that they appear more youthful and shapely. It involves removing excess skin from the breasts and firming up and reshaping the breast tissue, with insertion of an implant to increase size especially in the upper pole.

Procedure Overview

Augmentation mastopexy is suitable for individuals who feel that their breasts have shrunk and become droopy and who want to restore a more youthful shape to their figure. This can happen after childbirth or weight loss, or it can occur as a natural effect of ageing.

A breast uplift with augmentation can provide a significant boost in confidence and self-esteem. It is important to be aware, however, that the surgery will not prevent the breasts from drooping again in the years following the surgery.

Northwood Hospital - Augmentation Mastopexy Procedure Overview

Aim

The surgery aims to deliver well-elevated and youthful-looking breasts that have an enhanced shape and size.

At A Glance

Tailored to each patient, this procedure offers transformative results for improved confidence.

Expected results:

Lifted, youthful-looking breasts

Treatment time:

2 hours

Anaesthesia:

General anaesthesia or local anaesthesia combined with sedation

Recovery time:

6 weeks

Return to work:

1–2 weeks

Lifetime of procedure:

Breasts will continue to be subject to natural age related changes

Northwood Hospital - Augmentation Mastopexy The Procedure

CONSULTATION

In the initial consultation, your surgeon will listen carefully to your concerns about the shape of your breasts, and develop a plan for reshaping them in accordance with your own preferences. The surgeon will explain how they intend to approach the procedure in order to achieve the results you are looking for.

Book a consultation

PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION

Setting aside time to focus on preparation before you attend for surgery is important if you wish a successful outcome. Healthy eating (avoiding refined sugars, and ultra processed foods), reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking, vaping or taking recreational drugs is extremely important in the 6 weeks running up to surgery. For breast reduction surgery it is important to be as close to your target weight as possible for the best outcome. In addition it is also important to train the relevant muscles so that they are fully primed for the recovery phase. Working on core strength so that all the abdominal muscles are as strong as possible will help your body cope with the surgical makeover. Regular respiratory deep breathing techniques such as breath exercises used with yoga or diving are important when having a general anaesthetic as there will be less chance of developing breathing problems in the recovery phase.

SURGERY

Augmentation mastopexy is usually performed under general anaesthesia. It takes approximately 2 hours.

The surgeon will make an anchor-shaped incision: a circular incision around the areola, a vertical incision below it, and a horizontal incision around the base of the breast. Having made the incisions, the surgeon will remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to a more lifted position, ensuring that the breasts have an attractive, natural shape. If necessary, they will also move the areola, so that it is in the right place in relation to the new shape of the breasts.

Implants are inserted either directly under the breast tissue (subglandular) or underneath the pectoral muscle (submuscular) depending on the body type, and muscle condition. Finally, the incisions will be carefully closed in the optimal way to minimise scarring, and you will then be transferred to the recovery area for monitoring.

RECOVERY

When you wake up from surgery, you may have been fitted with a drain in both breasts to remove excess fluids from the surgical area. These will be removed in the days following surgery. You will notice an immediate change to the appearance of your breasts, although there will be a degree of swelling and discomfort as the wounds heal. You may experience pain and swelling in your breasts for the first few days after surgery. You will be prescribed pain medication to help manage this.

For 6 weeks after surgery, you will need to wear a non-underwired support bra to support your breasts and assist the healing process. Once you are home you should refrain from all strenuous physical activity including bending and lifting (even children) for two weeks. After this time you may resume light exercise, but more intensive physical activity, such as heavy lifting, needs to be avoided for six weeks. You should be able to return to work within two weeks of the surgery.

You will be given advice on how to care for your scars, so as to make them as inconspicuous as possible. The scars will look red and raised at first, but these will settle over time, until by 18 months post surgery they will have faded. Your surgeon may recommend surgical tape, silicone sheets or other aids to help the appearance of your scars.

The progress of your recovery will be monitored carefully in follow-up appointments with your surgeon. It is important to attend all of these both for your safety and in order to optimize results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is augmentation mastopexy safe?

While all surgical procedures involve some risks, breast reduction is a well-established operation, with relatively low risk of complications. General risks of any surgery include bleeding, infection and a reaction to the anaesthetic. Among the specific risks of this surgery are changes to sensation in the nipple area, and complications in the healing of the wound. Mild asymmetry in the breasts and nipples after surgery may be noticed, but even in breasts that have had no surgery there will be a degree of asymmetry. Your surgeon will aim to minimise asymmetry as much as possible. Following all the guidelines given by your surgeon will ensure the lowest possible risk of any problems arising from the surgery.

How long-lasting are the results?

It is important to be aware that, following a augmentation mastopexy, your breasts will continue to be subject to the factors that caused them to droop in the first place. As time passes the effects of age and gravity will continue to have an effect on your breasts, so although surgery is usually very successful, the results will not last forever.

What is the aftercare for augmentation mastopexy?

Good aftercare is vital for a smooth recovery and optimal results. You will be given follow-up appointments after surgery to monitor healing and progression of results. See the description of the recovery process above for more information.

When can I resume driving after surgery?

Patients can typically resume driving within a week after breast reduction surgery, provided they are no longer taking prescription pain medication, are pain free, and can do an emergency stop. It is important that you have full mobility in the arms and chest, and that the seatbelt does not irritate your breast area.

Will the surgery interfere with breastfeeding?

This depends on the technique used. Some techniques may have an impact on milk production and make it difficult for the individual to produce sufficient milk to breastfeed effectively. However, many women who have a breast uplift remain able to produce a sufficient milk supply.

Does breast uplift require an overnight stay?

Most patients who undergo breast surgery will spend one night in the hospital and go home the following day. Patients must arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for the following 24 hours after surgery if treated as a day case.