Breast uplift, also called mastopexy is an operation used to change the shape of a breast and to uplift it at the same time. The saggy breast is reshaped to bring the nipple in a more prominent position at the highest point of the breast. Excess breast skin is excised from the under side of the breast. The areola, which maybe stretched, is reduced in size to match with the new breast shape. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and involves overnight stay in hospital.
Scars, which usually heal well, are present around the nipple, and in an inverted 'T' fashion under it, running horizontally in the lower breast fold. In some cases the operation can be done without the horizontal scar, and occasionally with only a scar around the nipple. The scars are permanent and will remain red and lumpy for months before they soften and pale down. If necessary a breast implant can be placed at the same time as the uplift.
After your surgery the patient is instructed to wear a firm support bra for one month. Breasts will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a few days, but the pain should not be severe and will be treated with painkillers. Haematoma is a complication that might occur within the first few hours of surgery and can be treated by a return to the theatre to wash out the blood. If wound infection occurs, then it may involve administering antibiotics until the infection settles. Also, patients might experience swelling and numbness of the breasts. This usually improves with time but sometimes it can be permanent.
Women are unlikely to be able to breast feed after this operation, although breasts will react by normal increase or decrease in size with pregnancy, weight changes and menopause. Scars are permanent. Depending on the size of the breast, it might be possible to carry out the operation using a vertical scar only, thus avoiding the big horizontal scar. Surgeons will advise which technique is appropriate for each case.
