Breast Enlargement & Uplift

Breast enlargement and uplift, or augmentation mastopexy, combines the benefits of a breast lift with the added fullness achieved through implants. This procedure is ideal for women who have experienced a loss of volume and sagging, often after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight change. By combining lift and augmentation in one surgery, We creates results that are fuller, more youthful, and balanced with the body.

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.

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes around three hours. It involves lifting and reshaping the breast tissue, repositioning the nipples into a more youthful position, and inserting implants to restore volume and contour. Careful planning is essential to achieve the right combination of lift and size, I take time to ensure that each procedure is personalised. An overnight hospital stay may be recommended for comfort and observation.

In the days following surgery, swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected. These improve steadily, but a supportive bra should be worn day and night to protect the new breast shape and aid recovery. Most patients return to light activities after two weeks, but exercise and lifting should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.

Follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor progress and provide aftercare guidance. As the breasts settle, scars gradually fade, and the final shape continues to improve over the following months. Implants are long-lasting but may eventually need to be replaced. Augmentation mastopexy provides a long-term solution, combining uplift and volume to restore confidence and create a natural, rejuvenated appearance.

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