What is a Breast Uplift?
A breast uplift is a cosmetic procedure that improves ptosis and the shape and size of the breasts, creating a more youthful, uplifted appearance. Many patients experience drooping and a natural loss of shape in their breasts over time, this can be due to several factors such as weight loss, ageing, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Breast lift surgery can be a lifechanging procedure for women who are looking to achieve a fuller, uplifted breast shape.
What is Ptosis?
Ptosis is a term used to describe the sagging of the breasts, symptoms can range from mild to severe and may differ in each breast. Patients that are unhappy with the shape of their breasts and present with ptosis, may choose to have a breast lift surgery.
Why Choose Breast Uplift Surgery?
Patients who consider breast lift surgery are typically wanting to achieve a fuller, uplifted breast shape for the following reasons:
Their breast appearance has changed following pregnancy, weight loss, ageing or breastfeeding
To increase the size and volume of their breasts
To improve breast and nipple symmetry
Improve the shape of the breasts
Increased self-esteem and confidence
To improve ptosis (sagging)
Tubular breast correction
To achieve a firmer more youthful appearance.
Different types of Breast Uplift
All women’s breasts are different, it is common for patients to present with slight asymmetry, therefore some patients may require a combination of breast lift procedures.
Mastopexy – This procedure is carried out to remove excess skin and tissue from the breast to improve ptosis and the shape of the breasts. There are two different techniques for this procedure resulting in either an anchor scar or lollipop scar. The surgeon will typically make an incision around the areola, then a vertical line from the nipple towards the breast crease and may make a 3-5cm incision along the breast crease dependent on the chosen technique.
Augmented mastopexy – This procedure is a mastopexy with implants; the surgeon will typically use the same anchor technique to lift the breast and insert a breast implant to increase the size and volume of the breast.
Modified mastopexy – This procedure is commonly known as a nipple lift or reduction and is carried out to reposition or resize the areola and nipple. The surgeon will typically make a circular incision around the areola or a crescent incision around the top of the areola.
What to expect during a breast uplift consultation
Here at MYA, we provide a number of consultations to assess both your body and your needs for a breast uplift.
The initial eConsult is an opportunity to speak to one of our team from the comfort of your own home. It’s completely FREE of charge and you can ask as many questions as you like about breast uplift surgery - we aim to provide a safe space for everyone that comes to us for a consultation and ensure they feel supported.
You will then be invited in for a surgeon consultation. This is a chance to meet with the surgeon who will be performing your breast uplift surgery and ask further questions. A physical examination will take place at this stage - our MYA surgeons will examine your breasts, take measurements, and recommend the best treatment plan for you based on your physical requirements, body shape, existing breast tissue, degree of ptosis and your desired result. The surgeon may also recommend a combination of two procedures such as an augmented mastopexy (breast uplift with implants).
If breast implants are required, the final look will depend on:
Breast Implants:
Size – Breast implants are measured in cubic centimetres (or CC’s for short), not in cup sizes, for example: 350cc or 400cc.
Shape – There are two shapes of implants round or anatomical (also known as teardrop).
Placement – The placement of breast implants refers to whether the implant is placed under the muscle, over the muscle or partially between both, described as submuscular, subglandular and subfascial.
Profile/Projection – The profile of breast implants refers to how much it projects forward when you are standing and is described as low, moderate, high or ultra high profile.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure about the look and shape you want. Our experts can help you come to that decision during your consultation.
How is a Breast Uplift Performed?
On the day of your surgery, our nurses will help you get settled, and ready for surgery, and be there to ease any concerns you may have on the day.
Breast uplift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes between 2-2.5 hours in theatre. Depending on the surgeon’s recommendations and your personal preference, there’s an option to be a day case patient or stay overnight to recover in one of our MYA hospitals where you will be closely monitored by our clinical team.
What to expect after a Breast Uplift
It’s important to note that everyone heals at different rates after cosmetic surgery. However, there are a few things to be aware of before your breast uplift recovery journey begins that are completely normal and part of the healing process.
Patients should expect bruising and swelling to the breasts and surrounding areas and may experience tightness, discomfort and sensitivity following their procedure. Pain should subside after 7-14 days and pain relief will be prescribed to ease any discomfort.
To ensure full recovery from your breast lift, patients are advised to take 7-14 days off work for office-based jobs. If your job is more physically demanding, you may need to take a longer period off work for your recovery. This should be discussed with your clinical team prior to surgery to ensure you can safely return to work without the danger of hindering your recovery.
In terms of post-op appointments, you will be booked in for one between six weeks and six months after your surgery. Your surgeon will review your results, offer further advice and answer any aftercare questions, before signing you off.
Life after a breast uplift
So, you’ve just had a breast uplift…what now?
When you’ve passed the initial recovery period, you can start enjoying your new boobs. After 6-8 weeks they should have dropped and fluffed, to give you an idea of the final result. This is also the time when you can go back to work and start doing light exercises.
You can also buy new bras to fit your new shape - be aware that the final result will only fully appear after 12 months, so it’s normal for your bra size to change during your journey.
While you can start enjoying life as you used to after your recovery, we recommend you ease your way back into regular activities. Don’t push yourself too much at the gym, and we recommend continuing to wear a sports bra at home and when exercising to keep your new boobs supported.
When you choose MYA for breast uplift surgery, we like to create a community-like atmosphere. You can talk to our MYA nurses whenever you have a concern or question. We also have a forum for past, present and future patients to discuss life after surgery.
Book a breast uplift consultation today