Ptosis is the medical term for sagging which is a natural feature of breasts due to gravity. Ptotic breasts have looser skin, feel empty up top and the nipple descends lower on the breast.
Not all women with involutional changes and/or ptosis wish to augment their breasts to a bigger cup.
Some women want to keep the volume of their breast tissue as is, but wish for the skin to be tightened, breast tissue concentrated such that it is firmer, and the nipple moved up to perk up the breast.
I believe I can help you if you have or are experiencing these problems.
The solution
Mastopexy or breast uplift is an operation to improve the look and feel of the breast without making them bigger.
The goal is to perform this in such a way that the eccentric cone shape of the breast is maintained or even enhanced.
Aesthetics of the breast will be further enhanced by moving the nipple upwards on the breast.
It is very similar to breast reduction in the way that it is performed but unlike in reduction, there is no removal of breast tissue.
Breast tissue is just rearranged to a more youthful state.
Mastopexy has a very high satisfaction rate, and I believe you too can achieve such a result with careful counselling, planning and precise surgical execution.
How is a mastopexy performed
Mastopexy is performed with you asleep under general anaesthetic.
Patterns of skin removal will be drawn on your skin before the operation and are used to guide the surgery, increasing symmetry and improving predictability of results.
The nipple is moved up the breast, and the skin is stitched very carefully with dissolving stitches.
In many cases, the resulting scar will be anchor shaped with a circular scar around the nipple, a vertical scar in the lower breast and a horizontal scar in the under-breast crease.
Drains are not usually required but may be needed in a few cases.
Potential complications
The hallmark of a good surgeon is in honestly discussing complications with patients.
My philosophy is to run a boutique practice with few, well informed and selected patients than a production line approach.
All surgeons suffer complications even if the operation is performed to the highest standard.
Anaesthetic complications will be discussed with you by a Consultant Anaesthetist.
The complications of mastopexy can be minor including wound infections, temporary bruising and swelling which everyone gets to a varying degree, pain and temporary numbness around the scar.
All scars are red and thick to begin with and then mature over a period of 6-18 months.
In some people, pathological scarring can be genetic causing hypertrophic and/or keloid scars. If you have had one of these scar types, any cosmetic surgery risks these happening again.
Bleeds under the skin can cause blood collections called haematoma which must be drained quickly as they can cause skin necrosis and infections.
A collection of wound fluid called a seroma can result, but it is harmless and usually absorbed by the body or may need draining.
There may be mild asymmetry between right and left but most people do not have perfectly symmetrical breasts to begin with.
Your nipple sensation might change becoming over or under-sensitive.
There is a risk of complete or partial nipple necrosis since the nipple needs to be moved from its original position. If this seems apparent during the operation, the nipple will be saved by detaching it completely and restitching it as a free nipple graft.
I try and avoid placing the nipple too high by placing it 1cm below the breast crease as a high-riding nipple is very difficult to correct.
Revision surgery may be required to correct imperfections and complications but is rarely needed.
This list gives the worst-case scenario, but most people do not experience any issues at all with reduction.
Importantly, most complications are treatable and staying in touch means I can help you through should you suffer any of these complications.
Downtime and recovery
Mastopexy takes 2-3 hours to perform.
Most women can go home on the same day with good pain killers, but an overnight stay may be advised otherwise.
You will be required to wear a surgical bra for 6 weeks to help the breast heal and keep the position designed at surgery.
Initial swelling and bruising will start to subside within the first week but overall, it might be 3-6 months before the full result becomes apparent.
Week 1 is all about healing and therefore being at home, stress free to reduce blood pressure, with good nutrition and support from loved ones is encouraged.
A wound check will be performed at the hospital after 1 week.
You might need to be off work for 7-10 days depending on your job, earlier if you are comfortable and your job can be done at home relatively stress free.
Driving might be uncomfortable for 2 weeks due to the seatbelt and is discouraged.
Lifting, such as a small child after 4-6 weeks is usually appropriate.
Heavy lifting and gym are usually allowed after 6 weeks.
These guidelines are meant to reduce risks of complications, so it is crucial to follow them.
They are also general, and your regimen will be discussed with you.
You will also have access to my team to guide you through.
Do I qualify for mastopexy?
The consultation is the crucial point at which I will gather your medical history perform a comprehensive body and breast analysis and discuss your suitability.
We will also have a detailed discussion of the points discussed above to ensure that you are fully informed and that I am the appropriate surgeon for your needs.
I believe with informed counselling; your aesthetic needs and my surgical know-how can benefit you in achieving the body you desire.
I will still be honest with you if I feel your needs are not ones I can meet and help suggesting other surgeons who may be able to offer you a better result.
What to do next
If considering breast uplift surgery, get in touch using the contact forms below and I’d be delighted to help you.