Breast Lift Fact Sheet

The objective

A breast lift - or mastopexy - is surgery which aims to correct breasts that sag after the supportive tissues have stretched and left them droopy, normally as a result of natural ageing, excessive weight gain and loss, or pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The procedure

The operation is carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take 1-3 hours. Before the operation, you may need to have a mammogram.

This surgery cannot restore the elasticity of the breasts but involves reshaping them. It is often combined with implants and may involve repositioning the nipple. The surgeon will normally make incisions around the nipple and vertically to underneath the breast, to remove tissue and position the implant, if used. The type of implant can vary - all have a silicone outer layer but may be filled with silicone (cohesive gel that doesn’t run if cut), saline (salt water), oils or a combination of these. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions will be stitched and drains - tubes used to remove blood or other fluids from a wound to help healing - may be inserted.

The outcome

Following surgery, you will be bandaged and if drains are in place, they will normally be removed after 1-2 days.

There will be swelling and discomfort for up to one week and you may need to wear a special support bra for up to six weeks. If stitches are not dissolvable, they will need removing after 10-12 days.

You will usually be able to leave the hospital after 1-2 days. You will be required to take around 2-3 weeks off work and strenuous activity must be avoided for 4-8 weeks.

Showering or bathing may not be possible for up to seven days.

You should have breasts that appear firm and upright as a result of this surgery. However, smaller breasts may have better results and larger ones may begin to sag sooner. Breast implants have a lifespan of about 10 years and you may need more surgery.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications associated with breast lift include infection and problems with wound healing such as necrosis, where the blood supply is affected and the skin dies.

Abnormal scar tissue can also form around the pocket of the implant which may squeeze the implant and cause hard, painful breasts (capsular contracture). If this happens, further surgery may be required. Fluid can build up around the implant. This is called a seroma and may require further surgery to drain it.

There is often a temporary difference in skin and nipple sensation following mastopexy but this can be permanent. Different sized breasts may also be a potential problem and further surgery would be required.

The costs

Costs vary according to whether implants are used or not. Privately in the UK, expect to pay around £3,800 - £4,850. Abroad, expect to pay from around £ 2,120 - £3,450 (Belgium) to £2,500 - £4,300 (Italy).

The availability

Mastopexy is a widely-available procedure at most private cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK and abroad. It is unlikely to be available on the NHS.

The popularity

Breast lift is a popular surgery amongst women who have sagging breasts through pregnancy or lactation, weight loss or through gravity and the ageing process.