Mastopexy / breast lift

There are many causes for sagging of the breasts including weight loss, pregnancy, breast feeding and ageing. Mastopexy or breast lift is a procedure that improves the shape of the breast by lifting the nipple, tightening the skin and reshaping the breast tissue to give a fuller, more youthful looking breast.

About the surgery

Breast lift is ideal for people who have lost breast volume and have breasts that are sagging, typically after having children or weight loss. Incisions are made around the nipple to allow it to be lifted, and further incisions are made below the nipple and sometimes in the crease under the breast. This allows the skin envelope to be tightened and the new breast shape created.

Mastopexy alone does not add volume, but it does redistribute it and make breasts looker fuller. If patients also wish to add volume this can be done with the addition of implants, or fat grafting.

Indication

Patients with sagging breasts who wish to improve the shape

Anesthetic

General

Downtime

2 weeks

Results

Lifting and tightening of breast tissue to improve their shape

Anatomy

Scars are placed around and below the nipple that allow the niple to be lifted and the breast tissue reshaped to a fuller youthful breast

Duration

2 -3 hours

Exercise

4 – 6 weeks

Price

from £8995

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

The team will welcome you to the clinic and get you settled and relaxed. We will go through the procedure and discuss the process and sign the consent form. You will meet the consultant anaesthetist who will discuss this aspect of the operation with you. Mr West will draw markings on your chest to plan the incisions. Photographs will be taken before heading to theatre.

Once in theatre and asleep, Mr West will remove excess tissue and shape the breasts to their new desired size. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures and covered with steristrips and a small dressings. The scars are usually around the nipple, below the nipple to the breast crease and along the breast crease (an anchor shape). Mr West does not use drains. A support garment is put on to provide comfort and support as the wounds heal.

Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and will be looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will ensure all aftercare is explained and follow up appointments are arranged before letting you leave.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mastopexy?

A mastopexy or breast lift is a procedure that lifts the nipple and improves the shape and appearance of the breast. It restores a fuller, more youthful look.

Am I a good candidate for mastopexy?

Breast lift is ideal for people who want to restore shape and volume to breasts that have lost volume and become droopy, typically after having children or weight loss.

Do implants give you a breast lift?

Implants can lift the breasts, and can be used where only a small lift is needed. Mr West will discuss this with you as part of your consultation process. If you want to add volume as well as lift the breasts, an augmentation mastopexy (breast lift with implants) might be appropriate.

What are the follow up or aftercare procedures?

Initial review and wound check is usually 1-2 weeks after surgery. Scar massage commences at 2 weeks. Further review appointment is usually made 4-6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is ok after 2 weeks, and it is important to keep your shoulders moving. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks.

Will breast surgery change the sensation to my nipple?

It is common to experience some changes in sensation, these are often temporary and improve with time although can be permanent. This can be reduced sensation, increased sensation and in very rare cases complete loss of sensation.

When can I shower?

Your dressings are shower proof and therefore it is fine to shower the day after surgery. Mr West recommends dabbing your dressings dry with a towel after your shower. Baths should be avoided until the dressings have been removed.

Related Treatments

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation uses implants to enhance breast size and shape, boosting body image and self-esteem. It’s tailored to individual needs, with various implant options discussed during consultation to achieve desired results.

Breast lift with implants

Breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that reshapes and lifts sagging breasts by tightening skin and repositioning the nipple. It does not increase volume but can create a fuller appearance; implants or fat grafting can be added for more volume.

Breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery relieves physical discomfort and boosts confidence by reducing breast size, reshaping the breast, and lifting the nipple. It improves quality of life and has one of the highest satisfaction rates among plastic surgery procedures.

Fat transfer to breasts

Fat transfer adds natural breast volume by injecting fat taken from other body areas, also improving skin quality and correcting asymmetry or implant irregularities. It can be done alone or with other procedures, offering safe, long-lasting, and natural results.

Related Conditions

Droopy / saggy / empty breasts

Small breasts

Large heavy breasts

Asymmetry / uneven breasts

Client Results

Testimonials

“After years of being self conscious about my eyes, i decided to have my upper blepharoplasty with Chris and the results are better than I had ever anticipated. The service I received before during and after the operation is unmatched. Dr west is a patient, calming and a highly skilled surgeon. If you’re thinking of going for it. Do it, you won’t regret it! Thank you again.”

“I recently had upper eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ) with Mr Christopher West. Very experienced surgeon so I felt straight away I’m in a good hands. I had barely any bruising or swelling and the scars are so neat. Overall the results exceeded my expectations which I’m extremely grateful for! 10/10 highly recommended! Thank you.”

“I found Dr Christopher West from 3 people's recommendation and came all the way from London. The upper blepharoplasty procedure was completely painless. I had a small amount of post op bruising, but could carry on with life almost immediately after. The recovery time was around one week. Once my sutures were removed the result was immediately evident. I am extremely pleased with the results of my upper blepharoplasty, and cannot hesitate to praise the skills of Dr Christopher West. Fantastic results. I highly recommend Mr Christopher West”

“I had been researching my options for surgery for a couple of years, I'd had lots of consultations with London based surgeons, I opted for Mr West as not only had I seen his work first hand on a few friends, I liked his approach to surgery, he is very honest and if he feels you don't need something or wouldn't benefit from it he will tell you straight, he's very good at managing your expectations. After a couple of consultations I booked in with him, for an upper blepharoplasty. Mr West saw me before surgery to go over everything, he has a very calming and kind nature which definitely helps before you are about to go under the knife, I am very happy with my results, Chris is very skilled surgeon, his stitches and incisions are immaculate, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is considering surgery.”