Breast Uplift is an aesthetic surgical procedure carried out on the breasts to correct sagginess. There is no reduction in the volume of the breasts during this procedure – i.e. no breast tissue itself is removed. Although the actual technique applied may vary depending on the extent of the surgery, in general the surgical procedure consists of initially removing excess or saggy skin with the nipple being relocated to a higher position. The breast mound is then reformed and the reduced skin resutured.
What is a Breast Uplift (Mastopexy/Skin Reduction Mammoplasty)?
Breast uplift is an aesthetic surgical procedure to be carried out on the breasts to correct sagginess. There is no reduction in the volume of the breasts during this procedure – i.e. no breast tissue itself is removed.
How is an uplift performed?
Although the technique applied may vary depending on the extent of the surgery, in general the surgical procedure consists of initially removing excess or saggy skin with the nipple being relocated to a higher position. The breast mound is then reformed and the reduced skin resutured.
What results can I expect?
Breasts that are firmer, higher and therefore not as pendulous.
Is Breast Uplift suitable for me?
The decision to go ahead with an aesthetic procedure is a very personal one. The first step is a consultation with one of the qualified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Day Surgery. Whatever your reasons you should frankly discuss your personal goals and expectations with respect to the outcome of the procedure (both physical and emotional) with your surgeon. As with any aesthetic surgery you should always keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.
How long will the procedure take?
Depending on the extent of the procedure, breast uplift surgery may last anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. However, please keep in mind that this is only actual surgical time. To ensure the highest standard of personalised patient care, attention to details and results, the Aesthetic Day Surgery requires you to spend appropriate time both immediately before and after the procedure within the surgery. In general you would need to allocate up to a full day of your time to allow for pre-operative procedures, the surgery itself and appropriate post operative care. (Note: this time would be in addition to your initial and follow up consultations with an ADS Surgeon).
How long will it take me to recover from a Breast Uplift?
It is best to reduce activities, particularly arm movements in the first days after the surgery but most household activities can be recommenced at about 10-12 days. Typically most patients return to work after 2-3 weeks however you would need to continue to avoid exercise, particularly that involving much use of the arms, for some 5-6 weeks.
Will the procedure leave any scars?
The advanced surgical techniques applied by the surgeons at the Aesthetic Day Surgery are designed to minimise (and where possible eliminate) all visible scarring. While the operation is not always performed in the same way scars are usually placed around the nipple, in a vertical line running from the nipple down to the crease under the breast, with a further scar in the crease under the breast itself. While the scars after a breast uplift remain visible they are generally quite acceptable to the patient and fade considerably over time.
We prefer patients to avoid using a bra for the first several weeks, particularly one that is tight, as this often rubs on the ‘T’ scar which is fragile and can be damaged at this early stage. Instead a sports or crop top is recommended.
Photographs of the different degrees of scarring will be shown to you.
Are there any side effects of this procedure?
It is possible to have complications after any surgery, including breast uplift surgery but the incidence of this is generally low. Although each patient varies, in general, you will have some bruising and swelling of the breasts which will be present for the first 1-2 weeks. Overall, breast uplift surgery is not a painful procedure compared to other forms of surgery. After the surgery a firm bandage is applied to the breast which will help to reduce any discomfort. These dressings are removed 2 days after the surgery and smaller dressings are applied. A reduced sensation in the skin particularly in the lower lateral part of the breast is almost routine but recovers with time. Some lumpiness may also occur in the breast tissue after the surgery but in most people this disappears within 6-8 weeks. Your surgeon at the Aesthetic Day Surgery will discuss side effects and any potential complications directly with you at your initial consultation. Some reduction of sensation can occur and occasionally infection or wound breakdown.
Can all Breast Uplift procedures be carried out at the Aesthetic Day Surgery?
Most breast uplift procedures may be performed as Day Cases at the Aesthetic Day Surgery. However, this will depend on the extent of the procedure, your general health and your surgeons advice. In appropriate instances, some breast uplift operations are performed by an Aesthetic Day Surgery surgeon at St. George Private Hospital.
Will I still be able to breastfeed following a Breast Uplift?
Yes. A Breast Uplift will generally not alter the ability to breastfeed.
