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Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

This operation aims to reshape and lift the breast, giving a fuller more youthful appearance. It is aimed at a woman who is unhappy with the shape and/or emptiness of the breast but contented with the overall breast size. It can be performed alone or in conjunction with an implant beneath the breast for added fullness and volume.

Procedure in brief The nipple is lifted to the new required position being kept alive on an ‘island’ of breast tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. Excess breast skin causing droop is then removed. The lax breast tissue is then re-positioned and tightened before closing the skin around the new nipple position. There are differing techniques of skin excision creating different scar patterns as seen in the diagram. The most commonly used leaves a ‘lollipop’ shaped scar.

Mastopexy facts

Scars The position will depend on technique used. They are usually an ‘anchor’ or ‘lollipop’ shaped scar. Scars tend to be quite pink in the first 2-3 months and then fade to white after 6-12 months.

Length of surgery and hospital stay The operation takes 90-150 minutes depending upon technique and size of breast. Hospital stay is usually one night. Any dressings or drains are removed before leaving hospital and a support bra fitted which is used for 6 weeks.

Time off work and recovery Allow 1-2 weeks. People vary in recovery. Most patients are very mobile after 1-2 days. You will be walking a distance at 3-4 days, swimming by 2-3 weeks and strenuous exercise (aerobics etc) by 6-8 weeks. Driving is usually possible in the second week.

Potential complications This routine operation is a great success for the vast majority of patients, most patients having no problems. However, it is very important you understand that occasionally operations can have complications such as bleeding, infection, wound problems, altered skin sensation or variable scar quality. With mastopexy additional potential problems include fatty lumps, loss of nipple sensation, altered ability to breast feed, loss of part or whole of nipple (very rare).

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