Breast Uplift
Restore a youthful, lifted appearance to sagging breasts through mastopexy, with the option to add volume through augmentation.
Quick Facts
Procedure Type
Surgical (General Anaesthetic)
Surgery Time
2-3 hours
Hospital Stay
Day surgery
Time Off Work
1-2 weeks
Return to Exercise
6 weeks
Final Results
4-6 months (scars 18 months)
Guide Price
From £7,500 (with implants from £10,000)
Overview
Mastopexy, or breast uplift, lifts and reshapes breasts that have become droopy or saggy over time. Unlike breast reduction, this procedure primarily improves the shape and position of the breasts rather than reducing their size significantly.
The procedure removes excess skin, tightens the supporting breast tissue, and repositions the nipple to a more youthful location. Many patients choose to combine breast uplift with breast augmentation to add volume while achieving the lifted appearance they desire.
Who Is This Procedure For?
- •Women experiencing breast sagging after pregnancy or breastfeeding
- •Those with drooping breasts resulting from weight loss
- •Women seeking to address age-related changes from gravity
- •Those wanting to correct asymmetry between breasts
- •Patients experiencing physical discomfort from sagging (shoulder indentations, skin irritation)
- •Women looking to restore a more youthful, firmer breast appearance
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Breast uplift can be performed using three different techniques, depending on the degree of ptosis (sagging) and your desired outcome:
Periareolar Technique
Used for mild sagging. The scar is placed around the nipple areola only, making it less visible.
Vertical/Lollipop Technique
Used for moderate sagging. Scars encircle the nipple and extend vertically down the breast.
Anchor-Shaped Technique
Most common and used for significant drooping. Scars form an anchor pattern around the nipple and down the breast, and along the crease.
Implants can be added during the same procedure if you wish to combine uplift with augmentation for enhanced volume while maintaining the lifted position.
Risks & Considerations
All surgery carries some risk. Possible complications specific to breast uplift include:
- •Bleeding: 2% or less
- •Infection: 2-3%
- •Wound healing issues: More common in smokers
- •Fat necrosis: Death of fatty tissue (rare)
- •Changed nipple sensation: Usually improves within 6-12 months
- •Nipple loss: Extremely rare, higher risk in smokers
- •Breastfeeding: Many women can still breastfeed after uplift (individual variation)
- •Scarring: Permanent but fades significantly over 12-18 months
- •Asymmetry: Minor differences between breasts
- •Revision surgery: Less than 1 in 20 may require touch-ups
Recovery Overview
Days 1-3
Rest and recover. Wear surgical bra continuously for support. Pain managed with prescribed medication.
Week 1
Attend dressing check appointment. Wounds assessed and care instructions reviewed. Maintain continuous bra support.
Weeks 2-3
Return to desk work if comfortable. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities. Continue scar care routine.
4-6 weeks
Gradually introduce gentle exercise as tolerated. Avoid contact sports and heavy activities. Listen to your body.
6 weeks
Resume normal activities and exercise routines gradually. Continue to follow any restrictions advised by your surgeon.
3-6 months
Breasts settle into final shape and position. Scars continue to mature and fade significantly over time.
Patient Information Leaflet
BAAPS/BAPRAS Patient Information
Comprehensive guide to breast uplift surgery and recovery
Download PDFBreast Uplift Aftercare Guide
Already had your procedure? Visit our detailed online aftercare guide with recovery timelines, checklists, medication schedules, and when to contact us.