Breast Enlargement & Uplift

What is Breast Enlargement and Uplift?

A breast enlargement combined with a breast uplift helps increase breast volume while also lifting the breast into a higher, more youthful position. This procedure is often chosen by women who have lost fullness and firmness after pregnancy, weight changes or ageing, and want both improved shape and size in one operation. The aim is a natural, balanced result that suits your figure.

Why Choose This Combined Procedure?

This surgery can restore volume, correct drooping (ptosis), and reshape the breasts in a single procedure. It can help your clothes fit better, improve symmetry, and create a more defined, lifted look. For many women, it offers a long-lasting boost in confidence and body proportion.

How the Procedure Works

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic. An implant is placed first to add volume, and then the uplift is carried out to tighten the skin and reposition the nipple to a natural height. Incisions vary depending on how much lifting is required, but your surgeon will choose the most suitable approach for your breast shape and goals. Most patients return home the same day, although an overnight stay may occasionally be recommended.

What to Expect After Surgery

You can expect swelling, tightness and discomfort for the first few days — this is normal. A supportive front-fastening bra should be worn day and night for around 6 weeks to help healing and support the new breast shape. Gentle activities can resume quite quickly, but strenuous exercise, lifting and high-impact movement should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Your final results will continue to settle over the following months.

Important Considerations & Long-Term Information

Breast implants are long-lasting but not lifetime devices, and future revision surgery may be required. As with all surgery, there are potential risks such as changes in sensation, scarring or capsular contracture. The uplift component also carries additional scar lines, which fade over time. If implants are removed in future, additional surgery may be needed to reshape the breast.

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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.

Key Features To Be Aware Of:

  • 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

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • 16 May 2024 C.A. Verified patient
    I can not speak highly enough of the care I received under Philippa Jackson. From initial consultation, through surgery, follow up and beyond, my treatment has been exceptional. Any questions/concerns were explained and reassured and my results are far better than expected.
    16 May 2024 C.A. Verified patient
  • 16 May 2024 S.S. Verified patient
    The care I have received from Miss Jackson is faultless. From the first consultation to the ongoing care after the surgery it has been amazing. She is always available to answer any queries I have and made me feel at ease and comfortable throughout.
    16 May 2024 S.S. Verified patient
  • 17 May 2024 J.M. Verified patient
    Exceptional care throughout. Had some complications and was amazed at how many times Ms Jackson insisted on coming in to the hospital daily to insure progress and high standard of post op.
    17 May 2024 J.M. Verified patient
  • 19 May 2024 K.W. Verified patient
    I can't fault Miss Jackson's care, consideration and expertise. Clinical treatment and administration were both excellent.
    19 May 2024 K.W. Verified patient
  • 11 June 2024 E.K. Verified patient
    Philippa is so empathetic, professional and skilled. I felt listened to and knew I was in safe hands. She achieved an incredible outcome with my reconstruction - beyond even my most optimistic expectations. Philippa gave me back ownership of my body and I recognise myself again.
    11 June 2024 E.K. Verified patient
  • 15 November 2024 S.L. Verified patient
    Miss Jackson was just brilliant in my consultation with her. She is compassionate and kind, actively listens and exudes calm professionalism. She laid out my options clearly and didn't try to influence me into a decision that I wasn't ready to make.
    15 November 2024 S.L. Verified patient
  • 30 January 2025 F.L. Verified patient
    Philippa has been absolutely amazing throughout the whole surgery process, from initial consultation, to surgery day and post-op. She explained everything very clearly and was more than happy to speak to me outside of appointments to answer any questions I had.
    30 January 2025 F.L. Verified patient
  • 21 July 2025 A.C. Verified patient
    Extremely informative and thorough, happy to talk through all procedures in detail and great after care. Very happy with surgery results. Thank you.
    21 July 2025 A.C. Verified patient
  • Miss E.S.
    Thank you so much for everything! You have given me confidence in my body that I never had before! I am truly so happy and cannot thank you enough!’.
    Miss E.S.
    Breast Reduction
  • Ms R.S.
    ‘A massive thank you for the amazing work you have done and for the end result. You have given me my confidence back and I cannot thank you enough. You’re an amazing surgeon and I’m glad I listened to your advice. Your kindness, support and knowledge and friendly smile put me at ease on every appointment. I feel like a new woman that can finally wear my summer dresses and go swimming with convince again. A massive, massive thank you’.
    Ms R.S.
    Breast Asymmetry Correction
  • Mrs A.D.
    ‘I just wanted to write a note to say a huge thank you for all your work on my reconstruction. Even though the journey was sometimes hard, you have always been so positive and supportive. Your skill is not only in the technical side of surgery but also in the psychological support and guidance you offer. The results of my surgeries are both physical and emotional - I am more confident and so pleased with the outcome. Thank you for all that you’ve done’.
    Mrs A.D.
    Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Further information on Miss Jackson's work and independent testimonials can be found on her TopDoctors profile.