Breast Enlargement & Uplift
This surgery aims to increase the volume of the breast and simultaneously lift the existing breast tissue, it is also called an augmentation mastopexy. You will discuss in your consultation what you are hoping to achieve and the scars you are prepared to accept. Patients who get the best results from this surgery are those who have lost breast volume over time or whose breasts have stretched. It is occasionally advisable to have the surgery in 2 stages and this will be discussed at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What does surgery involve?
Under a general anaesthetic cuts are made around the nipple and on the lower part of the breast to create a space for the breast implant. The same incisions are used to lift the breast tissue over the top of the implant. All these wounds a stitched closed and a drain may be inserted.
2How can I prepare for surgery?
You will need to buy a post-surgical front-fastening bra. You should buy a selection of sizes. You will need to wear the bra day and night for 6 weeks after surgery. You should stop smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery and follow any advice about your medication.
3What are the risks of surgery?
These will be discussed in the clinic. The main considerations are to do with wound healing in the short term and tissues becoming relaxed in the long term. When placing an implant under the breast to increase the volume while simultaneously reducing the amount of skin a fine balance must be achieved to reduce the risk of complications. This is why sometimes the surgery is best done in 2 stages.
4What is the post-operative recovery?
Your wounds will usually be healed in 2 weeks. Occasionally areas can take up to 6 weeks to heal. You will need to wear your post-surgical bra day and night for 6 weeks.
5What about breastfeeding?
If you have not started or completed your family you should consider the possibility that you will not be able to breastfeed.
6What about mammograms?
When having mammograms in the future you should let them know you have had surgery as they will use a technique to displace the implant to see the breast tissue more clearly. There is a higher chance you will be recalled to check an area in the breast but there is no increased chance of getting breast cancer after this surgery. You may be advised to get a mammogram prior to having surgery. This could be related to a high-risk family history or if you are due for a mammogram on the national screening programme.
7Will my breasts drop again in the future?
Yes – we cannot escape gravity. However, with a breast uplift operation the goal is to achieve a long-term, higher position of the breast tissue on the chest wall and the implant provides long-term volume. Sometimes we see the breast tissue cascade over the implant with time.
- Surgical time – 3-4 hours
- Anaesthetic type – General anaesthetic
- Time off work – 1-2 weeks office work, 2-6 weeks manual work
- Hospital stay – 1 night
- Shower – next day
- Reasonably mobile – 2 days
- Sleeping position – back
- Exercise including gym – 6 weeks
- Bras & garments – front fastening post-op bra for 6 weeks post op day and night
- Sexual activity – after 1-2 weeks when comfortable
- Full recovery – 6 weeks
- Driving – 1-2 weeks