Breast uplift – also known as mastopexy - is surgery to reshape and remodel sagging breasts. By removing extra skin and moving the position of the nipples, the breasts can become firmer and sit higher up on your chest.

If your breasts are droopy or large, a breast reduction (or mammoplasty) may give you the result you want.

Breast feeding is a common cause of sagging breasts. They can become distended with milk, causing the ligaments which usually support the breasts to stretch and begin to break down.

Similarly, if you’ve lost a lot of weight, excess skin can cause your breasts to sag.

The most common benefit of mastopexy is that it improves the appearance of your breasts and, as a result, can boost your self-esteem.

As with all types of surgery, mastopexy has risks associated with the procedure including scarring, bleeding, increased or decreased sensation, problems with stitches and asymmetry of your breasts. Your Consultant will talk you through these and any risks associated with anaesthesia.

When you meet your Consultant at the initial appointment, they’ll discuss why you want a breast uplift and how you’d like your breasts to look after the procedure. They’ll ask you about your medical history, including any medication and whether you’re planning on becoming pregnant soon.

Next, your Consultant will measure your weight and height to ensure that it’s safe for your operation. They’ll then examine your breasts and take photographs for your medical records.

Your Consultant will ask you to sign a consent form before the examination and you’re welcome to bring someone with you for this part of the appointment.

There’s not much you need to do to prepare for your mastopexy surgery, but – as with most operations - you should ensure that you’re as healthy as possible before your procedure. This could include keeping your weight stable and eating healthily.

You should stop smoking or vaping at least three months before your surgery, which will help the wound heal. Your Consultant will advise whether you should stop any medication ahead of the procedure.

On the day of your surgery, you should shower as normal to ensure the area is as clean as possible.

Your surgery will depend on the type of uplift you’d like and your breast size and will usually be carried out under a general anaesthetic.

The most common uplift uses a cut around your areola (the area of dark-coloured skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple) and vertically under your breast. Your Consultant might also make a cut in the crease under your breast in the shape of an anchor.

They’ll remove the excess skin from under your breast and reshape the breast into a tighter cone shape. Your nipples can be moved higher at this stage as well.

On average, a bilateral mastopexy (both breasts) will take two hours.

After the surgery, we’ll give you antibiotics to prevent infection. Depending on your recovery, you may go home the same day, or you may need to stay overnight in hospital.

Someone will need to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you overnight.

Your Consultant will talk to you about your recovery and aftercare, including how to manage any soreness and pain, what bra to wear and how soon you can go back to your normal activities. You may need to take some time off work and avoid driving until you feel comfortable wearing a seatbelt.

It can take several months for the swelling to subside and for the final results to be visible. If you notice any swelling, redness or pain you should call us immediately.