Breast uplift surgery

Published by Bupa's Health Information Team, October 2010.

This factsheet is for women who are having a breast uplift operation (mastopexy), or who would like information about it.

Breast uplift surgery is done to lift and re-shape the breasts.

You will meet the surgeon carrying out your procedure to discuss your care. It may differ from what is described here as it will be designed to meet your individual needs.

About breast uplift surgery

Breast uplift surgery involves removing skin from underneath the breast or from around the areola (the area of dark tissue surrounding the nipple). The skin and tissue of the breast is tightened and the nipple is moved to a higher position to give a more youthful and firm appearance. A breast enlargement or breast reduction procedure may be done at the same time.

Getting advice

It's important not to rush into the decision to have cosmetic surgery. Discuss your options with your GP, who may be able to recommend a reputable surgeon or give advice about how to choose which hospital to be treated in.

Before opting for breast uplift operation, discuss with your surgeon what you are hoping to gain from the operation and the result you can realistically expect.

Preparing for your operation

Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for your operation. For example, if you smoke you will be asked to stop, as smoking increases your risk of getting a chest and wound infection, which can slow your recovery.

Bring in a soft, supportive bra without under-wiring to wear after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you about the most suitable type of bra beforehand.

Breast uplift surgery usually requires an overnight stay in hospital. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation.

You will be asked to follow fasting instructions. This means not eating or drinking, typically for about six hours beforehand. However, it's important to follow your anaesthetist's advice.

At the hospital your nurse may check your heart rate and blood pressure, and test your urine.

Your surgeon will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your procedure, and any pain you might have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for the procedure to go ahead, which you may be asked to do by signing a consent form.

Your surgeon will measure your breasts and assess their shape and the position of your nipples. He or she may mark the position of the surgical cuts on your breasts. Photographs may be taken, so that the results of surgery can be compared with your original appearance and you may have a mammogram (X-ray of your breasts).

What happens during breast uplift surgery

Your surgeon will make several cuts on your breasts. The exact number and position of the cuts will vary, depending on the technique your surgeon uses. The operation can take two hours or more, depending on what needs to be done.

Skin is either removed from around the areola or from under your breasts. The nipples are re-positioned, and the size of the areola may be reduced, to suit the new shape.

Your surgeon may need to insert breast implants to help give shape to the breast. Usually a silicone breast implant is used. This is placed directly under the breast surface or beneath the muscle in the breast.

If you have large breasts, your surgeon may need to remove some breast tissue to stop them from drooping.

When the operation is complete, the cuts are closed with stitches and your breasts are wrapped in a special supportive dressing or support bra.

Fine plastic tubes may be left in each breast for up to 48 hours afterwards. These allow blood and fluids to drain into a bag.

What to expect afterwards

You will need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic have passed. You may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off.

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. If you're going home on the same day as your operation, try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours after your operation.

Before you go home, your nurse will give you advice about caring for your breasts, hygiene and bathing. You will usually be given a date for a follow-up appointment.

The length of time your dissolvable stitches will take to disappear depends on what type you have. However, for this procedure they should usually disappear in about seven to 10 days. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed 10 to 14 days after surgery.

Recovering from breast uplift surgery

If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

General anaesthesia temporarily affects your co-ordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards. Follow your surgeon's advice about driving. You shouldn't drive until you're confident that you could perform an emergency stop without discomfort.

You will need to wear your support bra for four to six weeks after the operation. This helps to stop the weight of the breasts pulling on the healing wounds. Your breasts may feel sore and you may have swelling for a few weeks. Using extra pillows when sleeping can help reduce the swelling around your breasts.

Don't lift heavy objects or do any strenuous activity for the first six weeks after the operation. If the implant is placed under your chest muscle, activity may be restricted for longer.

After having breast uplift surgery, there is a risk of infection. An infected wound can take longer to heal and may result in a more noticeable scar. Contact your surgeon for advice if you have any of these symptoms:

• increasing pain
• a temperature higher than 37.5°C
• breasts feel unusually hot to the touch
• wound looks red, inflamed or starts to weep

At your follow-up appointment, your surgeon will give advice about when you can resume your usual activities and return to work. It may take several months before your breasts settle into their new shape

What are the risks?

Breast uplift surgery is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications.

Side-effects

Side-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects you may get after having the procedure. Side-effects of breast uplift surgery include:

• soreness, swelling and bruising - this can last up to a month
• burning sensation in your nipples - this can last several weeks
• scarring - you will have permanent scars, they will be pink and noticeable at first, but usually fade over time

Complications

Complications are when problems occur during or after the operation. Most women having breast uplift surgery aren't affected. The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).

Complications specific to breast uplift surgery are uncommon but can include:

• infection - antibiotics may be needed
  
• bleeding under your skin (haematoma) - this may require surgery to stop the bleeding and drain the area
  
• change in skin and nipple sensation - this can be permanent
  
• unusual red or raised scars (keloids) - these can take years to improve
  
• an unevenness in size and shape - possibly caused by natural differences highlighted by the surgery
  
• loss of part, or even all, of a nipple - changes in blood supply can cause tissue death

It's possible that you may not be completely satisfied with your appearance after the operation.

The exact risks are specific to you and differ for every person, so we haven't included statistics here. Ask your surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you.

For answers to frequently asked questions on this topic, see Common questions.

For sources and links to further information, see Resources.