What is Breast Uplift?
A Mastopexy (Up-Lifting of Droopy Breasts), Droopiness of the breast is a common legacy of motherhood, nursing and the force of gravity taking their toll, and the effect of pregnancy and a distension of the breasts with milk causes the fibrous bands which support the breasts in their youthful shape to break down and the skin to stretch. With the subsequent shrinking the unsupported breasts settle into the stretched skin and gravity pulls them down. Putting on weight and then losing it can have the same effect. So too does the ageing process, which is why women dislike the appearance of their droopy breasts.
What are the Limitations?
Because it is not possible to recreate the natural attachment of the breast to the tissues underneath, a Mastopexy alone will not greatly increase the fullness of the breasts above the nipples. Fullness above the nipples can be achieved, however, by increasing the size of the breasts with silicone implants. The extra weight of the silicone implants may accelerate the return of the droopiness of the breasts and in any event there is a tendency for the breast to sink downwards as time goes by. You can lessen.
What you should do before the Operation
If you smoke, you should stop now. If you are taking the Contraceptive Pill, change to an alternative method at least six weeks beforehand. If you are overweight, reduce it beforehand.
What are the Consequences?
This is a good operation to improve the appearance of droopy breasts but you would be left with scars, possibly some numbness of your nipples and you may not be able to breast feed again.
Mastopexy can be carried out by a number of different techniques and the scars will differ accordingly. The most common technique involving scars are illustrated below. It may be possible for the operation to be performed with less scars and Mr Khan will discuss the possibility of this with you.
Usually these scars are fine but they are not invisible and could be noticed by others for example, if you were topless on the beach
The Surgery
Breast Uplift Surgery usually requires an overnight stay in hospital and is usually done under general anaesthetic. This means you’ll be asleep throughout.
Breast Uplift Surgery works by making an incision on each breast, the skin is then lifted and stitched in its new position and excess skin removed. The nipples will then be removed and repositioned to ensure that your newly positioned breasts look as natural as possible. If there is a lack of natural breast tissue and you are looking for a fuller effect, Mr Khan may recommend that you combine the procedure with Breast Augmentation, which involves inserting breast implants to add fullness to the breasts. Afterwards the cuts will be closed with stitches and your breasts will be wrapped in a special supportive dressing or tape.
The operation itself can take between two and three hours, depending on the exact type of procedure you have.
Recovery after Breast Uplift Surgery
You will probably experience some pain, swelling and bruising immediately after the operation. This is normal and your symptoms will start to improve over the next few weeks.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines Mr Khan feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days.
When you get home you’ll need to take things easy at first. Arrange around two weeks off work and you'll gradually be able to return to normal activity within 4 to 6 weeks. Light activity will be comfortable after around two weeks but you shouldn't do anything too active - like go to the gym or go swimming - for around a month.
Mr Khan will probably recommend that you wear a firm dressing or support bra for a few weeks while you heal. This will help to stop the weight of your breasts pulling on your healing wounds.
End Result
You will be left with scars from the incisions but these should ease with time and Mr Khan will always try to put them in less visible places, beneath or around the side of your breasts. The extent of the scarring will also depend on your skin type, age and the efforts you make to eat healthily after the operation. Bruising, twinges and pains may continue for the first few weeks and it may take several months for your breasts to settle into shape. Changes in sensation are quite common. Different parts of the breasts, including the nipples, can become more or less sensitive than before. This is usually temporary, but can be permanent.