| MPX | Breast Uplift Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Breasts can become saggy with ageing, after pregnancy or weight loss. A breast lift (=mastopexy) removes skin, reshapes the breast and lifts the nipple area. The improvement is mainly in the central and lower breast area. For upper fullness, an additional implant or fat transfer can be considered. Some droopiness will recur but there is usually an improvement long term. In women, 40 years or older, with no personal or family history of breast cancer or other related risk, it is recommended to get a two-view mammography of both breasts prior to elective breast surgery, provided no mammography was done in the preceding 12 months. Adjunctive ultrasound (US) may be considered in women with dense breasts. Women with an increased cancer risk (e.g. family history, breast cancer gene carriers) should have a cancer screen at an earlier age. Please discuss this with your GP or breast cancer surgeon. I do not use drains routinely. The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. A support garment following surgery is recommended. |
| Scars | Scars are usually anchor shaped = around and underneath the areola and in the breast fold. Minor lifts can be done with a circular or lollipop-shaped scar. |
| Operation time | 2 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General > (Local) |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis of nipple, skin or fat, Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness), Pneumothorax, Loss of breastfeeding ability, Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Recurrent ptosis, Aesthetic imperfections (higher risk after subsequent pregnancies / weight changes), Unfavourable nipple position / shape, Lack of upper breast fullness without implant, Seroma, Shoulder problems, Skin penetration, Need for further surgery, Skin cones, Allergic reaction, (General anaesthetic: Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs). N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Alcohol, Breastfeeding over last 6 months, Poor tissue quality can cause recurrent laxity, Asymmetry cannot be entirely corrected, Too early or excessive mobilisation, Wound interference without surgeon's agreement, Underwired bras; Contraindications which preclude surgery unless discussed otherwise in the consultation: Smoking / vaping / nicotine / recreational inhalations within 6 weeks before and after surgery, Contraception with estrogens or HRT tablets (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel over 2 hours within 6 weeks before and after surgery (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel under 2 hours within 2 weeks before and after surgery, Overweight (Body Mass Index = BMI of 27 and over), Recent weight changes over 6kg, Pregnancy (if under general anaesthetic), Raised blood pressure (if poorly controlled), Bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Diabetes or immunosuppression (if poorly controlled) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, sufficient sleep, scar massage, sun protection, silicone sheets / gel, support garments |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work / sports / sex 6 weeks, Unrestricted 3 months |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Bra +/- enhancers, Breast implants, Fat transfer |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
