Breast lift

A breast lift (also called ‘mastopexy’) is a cosmetic procedure to lift and reshape the breast, giving it a more youthful shape and position on the chest wall.

This can be a very good option for people who feel their breasts are beginning to droop or sag. While they are usually happy with the volume of their breasts, they are not happy with the overall appearance caused by the droopiness. Breasts can droop for a number of reasons, including significant weight loss, aging or pregnancy, and a breast lift can help restore a lifted, firmer and more youthful appearance to the breasts.

A personal approach

Whatever your reasons for considering a breast lift, it is important that we talk together about what you are hoping to achieve from the surgery. It is important that we set realistic expectations about what can be achieved by a breast lift, as well as what cannot be achieved; for example, if you would like the volume of your breasts increased (i.e. to enlarge them), we would need to talk about breast augmentation surgery instead.

Like any surgery, a breast lift should only be chosen when you have a clear understanding of the benefits and the potential risks. Before any surgery, I will meet with you at Sulis Hospital Bath for at least two pre-operative consultations. These consultations are your opportunity to talk about your reasons for wanting the uplift surgery and to explain what you hope to achieve as a result of it. Working together, we will fully explore the best surgical options for you, and I will talk you through every step of the process so that you know exactly what to expect before, during and after surgery.

These consultations are your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about a breast lift, and I will always give you honest, unbiased answers.

The surgery

A breast lift corrects the position of the breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple in order to give a lifted and more youthful appearance.

The operation is done under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep. It usually takes around three hours and most patients will stay at Sulis Hospital Bath for a couple of nights afterwards so that we can monitor recovery and help ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

Following your surgery, I will see you at Sulis Hospital Bath at regular intervals to check you are healing well and are happy with the results of the surgery. Of course, if there are every any problems, or you have any concerns at any stage, we are only ever a phone call away.

You should expect your breasts to be a bit sore for the first few weeks, but you will be mobile and you pain will be well-controlled with suitable painkillers. Most people are back to full health and activity again after around three months, but I always tell people how important it is to give themselves enough time to recover properly. For this reason, you should avoid heavy lifting and any activities that may affect the quality of wound healing. Before your operation, I will talk with you about this so that you know exactly what to do and what to avoid.

Why me?

The Royal College of Surgeons has a cosmetic accreditation process. To gain this advanced accreditation, a surgeon has to submit a body of supporting evidence and references for their work and go on a professional skills course to demonstrate that they have the ability, the skills and the values that are in keeping with what the Royal College of surgeons think are important for patients seeking cosmetic surgery.

I’m delighted to say that I am one of very few specialist breast cosmetic surgeons with this accreditation (you can find my details on the website for the Royal College of Surgeons by clicking here and searching for me). I also work extensively in the NHS, which ensures ongoing clinical oversight and governance.

The decision to have any cosmetic surgery, including a breast uplift, is yours alone. I am always very happy to talk with you about the options available to you and to give you my advice and recommendations, but there is never any pressure put on you to have surgery if it is not absolutely right for you.