Breast Uplift Surgery (Mastopexy)  

What is a Mastopexy?
Droopiness of the breasts is a common problem following pregnancy, breast feeding, weight loss or as part of the ageing process. The aim of a Breast Uplift or Mastopexy is to tighten the breast skin envelope and restore a youthful shape to the breasts. Mastopexy can be combined with breast implants to enhance breast volume and shape.

What does the operation involve?
Mastopexy is usually performed under general anaesthesia or under local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation as a daycase. 

Excess breast skin is removed without removing any breast tissue itself. Small uplifts will result in circumferential scars around the nipple-areolar border only. Larger uplifts without implants will result in additional scars, vertically downwards on the breast and horizontally in the crease underneath the breast.

Is it right for me?
Breasts of all sizes can be lifted, but ladies with small sagging breasts benefit most.  Mastopexy does not normally interfere with breast-feeding but a further pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts and reduce their size once more. Therefore, if you're planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your surgery.

BEFORE MASTOPEXY

AFTER MASTOPEXY

What are the risks and long term implications?
Complications are RARE, but you should be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision.

Every operation carries with it the risk of bleeding, infection and delayed healing, all of which may require urgent or early reoperation.  In addition, there are risks that are specific to mastopexy. There may be loss of part or all of the nipples, though this is rare. There may be loss of nipple sensitivity. There may be asymmetry or areas that require further ‘touch-up’ or revision procedures at a later stage.

Scars may be red and lumpy initially, but eventually soften and fade with time. They may also, however, stretch and widen with time. In dark-skinned patients, the scars may become hypertrophic or keloid and may be darker than the surrounding skin.

Future pregnancies and breastfeeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts, and further surgery may again be required.

What should I expect following surgery?
Following surgery, you may find your breasts swollen, bruised and uncomfortable. The pain is usually not severe and oral painkillers, prescribed following your surgery, will control any discomfort you have. Occasionally, drains may have been inserted to remove any fluid or blood that may accumulate during the postoperative period. Generally, these will be removed before you are discharged. Occasionally, it may be safer for you to be discharged with the drains still in place, to be removed in a few days’ time.

The recovery period may last between 2-4 weeks, during which you will need to wear a soft, stretchy sports bra with no underwiring. You should bring this with you on the day of your operation so that it can be worn immediately after the operation is completed.

You will be able to move around at home in the first week, venture out in the second week, and gradually adopt your normal routine again in the third and fourth weeks.

During the recovery period it is necessary to refrain from heavy lifting (including small children) and reaching up to high shelves, as well as driving until you are confident you can perform all necessary manoeuvres safely. 

Our practice nurse will keep in close contact with you whilst you recover at home. Generally, you will have a follow up appointment at the clinic at one week and one month postoperatively. However, if there are any problems or concerns, you will be seen more frequently than this, or as often as you wish. In the longer term, you are welcome to see Mr Ng for a check up at any time. All follow up appointments are free of charge whether they be at 2 months or 2 years post operatively.