With age and fluctuations in weight the position the position of the breast can change and become increasingly droopy. This is usually exacerbated by loss in weight or after breast feeding. A breast uplift (mastopexy) aims to give the breast a more pert and youthful appearance by elevating the position of the nipple and recreating the breast mound on the chest wall. There will be scars on the breast but these are designed so they are hidden when wearing a bra or bikini. If the areolar (area surrounding the nipple) is large this may also be reduced at the time of surgery. There are different scar patterns that can be used in this type of surgery depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed to create the most natural breast position. Occasionally an increase in breast volume is performed at the same time as the uplift by the use of an implant.
Pre-operative advice
Prior to considering any surgery patients will be seen for an initial consultation with their Surgeon.
At this time a detailed medical history will be taken and also an examination and a discussion about what should be a realistic expectation following this type of surgery.
Patients who smoke have a significantly increased risk of wound infection and wound breakdown with poor scar formation and will be encouraged to stop smoking for at least six weeks prior to surgery. Painkillers which contain Aspirin or anti-inflammatories should also be avoided as these can increase the risk of bleeding following this type of surgery.
Any patient taking the oral contraceptive Pill should ideally stop taking this six weeks prior to surgery as there is a small increased risk of blood clot formation. Alterative methods of contraception must be used.
The Operation
On the day of surgery patients are admitted to the hospital and seen by the Surgeon who will undertake routine checks as well as drawing on the breast to plan the operation and position of the scarring. Patients will also be seen by the Anaesthetist. A Breast uplift procedure usually takes about 2 hours and is always performed under general anaesthetic. At the end of surgery patients will wake-up in the recovery ward and will note that they are wearing a sports-type bra which will give them some support and padding. They may well have a drain in each breast and will also have a drip to keep them hydrated. Patients will stay in hospital at least 1 night and often 2. There will always be a fair amount of discomfort following surgery but painkillers will be provided. Initially there may be some numbness in the skin beneath the nipple and the nipple itself but as the swelling and bruising settles this sensation should return to normal.
Patients should not drive until they are safe to do so, when they can steer normally and perform an emergency stop. Patients may require two of weeks off work and a sick certificate will be provided if this is required.
Follow-up
Patients will be seen by the nursing staff for a dressing change 7 days after the operation and are usually seen by their Surgeon at 1 month and then 3 – 4 months following surgery.
Complications
As with any surgery there is a risk of complications. Initially, the risk is of infection and bleeding and these very rarely require intervention or hospital admission. Occasionally there may be an element of wound breakdown which particularly occurs in the lower portion of the wound below the nipple. This may require dressings and very occasionally further surgery.
If you have any concerns at any time please contact the hospital where your surgery was undertaken who have 24 hour cover.
Prior to considering any surgery patients will be seen for an initial consultation with their Surgeon. 