
*Disclaimer – There is no guarantee of specific results and results can vary from patient to patient. Our team of consultant plastic surgeons will ensure you are in safe hands and discuss your results at your consultation.
A breast lift or mastopexy is one of the more popular cosmetic surgeries we offer at The Avoca Clinic. Breast lift surgery raises the breasts and makes the breasts firmer. If you’re contemplating whether this surgery is right for you, then this FAQ we’ve compiled is a great place to start.
A Breast Uplift, technically called mastopexy, is a surgery that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. It is the best way to raise and re-shape the breast which may have lost volume and shape following pregnancy, weight loss or just the ageing process and gravity.
In short, a Breast Uplift is the removal of excess skin from the breast area therefore allowing our patients to have fuller and more pert breasts following surgery. You may choose to have an implant to have extra volume also.
Who is the right candidate for Breast Uplift surgery?
A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result in what is called breast ptosis. This can occur because of:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Weight fluctuations
- Aging
- Gravity
- Heredity
The usual candidate that we get for mastopexy is a woman who would like higher, fuller breasts and restoration of breast volume which may have been lost through pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.
What won’t a Breast Uplift do?
Breast Uplift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller, consider breast uplift and breast augmentation surgery. This involves having a Breast Implant put in as your surgeon is carrying out the Breast Uplift. Should you want smaller breasts, consider combining a breast lift and breast reduction surgery.
What does the surgery involve?
The mastopexy surgery usually takes between 1.5 – 2.5 hours depending on whether an implant is included as part of the surgery.
1. General Anaesthetic
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic.
2. The Incision
There is usually one of three different types of incisions performed, depending on the individual requirements of the surgery. Your surgeon will explain which incision is best for you in order to give you your desired results. The Anchor, inverted T and lollipop incisions are performed in and around the nipple/areola area.
3. Reshaping your breasts
Breast tissue is then lifted and reshaped to provide a more firm and contoured breast shape. The nipple area is also lifted in line with the new shape of the breast.
4. Closing the incision
The remaining skin is then tightened around the incision as the incision is closed. Sutures may be left to support the skin and close the incision.
5. The results
The results will be noticeable immediately. There may be some post-surgery swelling but this along with the incision lines should fade over time.
6. Recovery
We do advise most of our patients to stay in the clinic overnight following the procedure. The Avoca Clinic is equipped with luxurious private rooms, dedicated to ensuring a comfortable recovery. We also have a nurse on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you have any questions or concerns following surgery.
Patients generally report noticeable discomfort the first day after receiving surgery—this is normal. Over the following days, the discomfort dramatically subsides. Pain medication is of course an option if the discomfort becomes an issue for you.
Does the surgery scar?
Breast Uplift surgery has come on leaps and bounds over the past number of decades. The surgery does result in a visible scar however thanks to our internationally renowned team of surgeons, our patients commonly report that the scarring is minimal and is outweighed by the results. The scarring can be concealed by a bikini or bra. It is important to note that in the months following surgery, the scar will be at its reddest in colour and most noticeable but it should begin to fade and reduce over time.
What are the risks associated with Breast Uplift surgery?
There are risks associated with every surgery and a Breast Uplift is no different. These will be discussed in full before your surgery.
How long before I can return to work after a Breast Uplift?
We get asked this a lot. It is important to note that recovery time varies from person to person. Our patient surveys put average recovery time at somewhere between 7-10 days. However, this is dependent on your adherence to the aftercare programme that we provide.
Will breastfeeding with an implant cause sagging?
Not necessarily, women who have undergone Breast Uplift surgery respond normally to breastfeeding.
Our Patient Advisors would be happy to give you more details on Breast lift surgery. Call us on 01 201 4563. We look forward to welcoming you to The Avoca Clinic.
It is important to note that no surgery is risk-free. All the risks associated will be discussed at length with your consultant and you will leave the clinic ready to make an informed decision. Your suitability will be determined during your complimentary consultation with one of our team of consultant plastic surgeons and our promise to you is safe surgery, premium service in luxurious surroundings at affordable prices.