Breast Uplift

Mastopexy

A mastopexy operation is the medical term for a breast uplift. It is usually requested because the breasts hang down too far on the chest and the nipple is a long way down from where it should be. Sometimes there is also an associated loss of breast volume.

Who benefits

There are three groups of patients who are affected. The smallest group is young ladies whose breast development has left them with very droopy (ptotic) breasts with little volume. The second and most common group is ladies whose breasts enlarged during pregnancy and then lose volume afterwards (involution). The third group are patients who have lost a lot of weight and have lost breast volume as a result. All these breasts share common features.

The Problem

• The breasts hang down a long way.
• The nipples are a long way down the chest and often point downwards.
• The cleavage area of the chest is quite flat.

The skin envelope of the breast is too big for the volume of breast tissue present, so the empty skin envelope hangs down a long way on the chest. This has been unkindly described as Spaniel ears! The nipples at the end of this skin are a long way from where they should be and often point downwards. The upper part of the breasts are relatively empty and the cleavage not well formed. Even with the help of a push up bra the breast tissue feels like it is going to spill out, and is not firm.

The Benefits

• The breast tissue is raised.
• The nipple is repositioned
• The skin is tightened
• The cleavage is restored
• The breast volume is restored although this may require a breast implant.

The breast tissue is raised into a higher position on the chest wall and so is the nipple. The excess of skin is removed and the skin tightened. If there is a shortage of breast tissue it may be necessary to augment the breast tissue with a breast implant. I will be able to advise you about having an augment once I have examined you.

Follow this link if you would like to read about breast augmentation.

What is the down side?

• Scars
• Some degree of recurrence

There will be scarring. How much scarring will depend on what has to be done and how noticeable it is will depend on how you scar. One scar that is always present occurs around the areola when the nipple is raised. There may also be a scar down from the nipple and in the fold underneath the breast. Some people heal with fine scars and others form thicker scars, but it doesn't matter how you scar, the scars will never completely disappear.

The reason you developed this problem in the first place is contributed to by the type of collagen and elastic tissue you have in the make up of your skin. It is generally not as strong or as elastic as it should be. It follows that any tightening operation on this skin type will deteriorate. The nice, tight, pert position you might have immediately post operation will not last. After even a few months the breasts will drop and loosen. It will not be as bad as it had been prior to surgery but it will occur. You have to be ready to accept this and realise that no operation will restore the firm elasticity of the skin!

What is involved:

• Consultation
• Surgery
• Time off work
• Recovery
• Exercise and driving
• Follow-up

You will need to arrange to come in and see me so we can discuss your individual case. After examining you we will be able to discuss whether a breast implant would be helpful. I will take photographs and discuss the surgery, possible complications, likely outcome and recovery.

This procedure is done under a general anaesthetic and usually involves a one night hospital stay. You should be up and about straight away but you need to be prepared for some discomfort for a few days after the operation.

You will need to take time off work and how long will depend on the level of activity your job involves. I generally recommend patients take about three weeks to get back into vigorous exercise but you should be driving again in five to ten days.

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