Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in blue scrubs and a red theatre cap in an operating theatre.

Breast lift (mastopexy)

Lifts the nipple, tightens the skin and reshapes the breast tissue.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

There are many causes for sagging of the breasts including weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding 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.

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 look fuller. If patients also wish to add volume this can be done with the addition of implants or fat grafting.

In theatre
2 to 3 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Downtime
2 weeks
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Price
From £8,995
Suited to
Patients with sagging breasts who wish to improve the shape.
How it works
Scars are placed around and below the nipple, which allow the nipple to be lifted and the breast tissue reshaped to a fuller, youthful breast.
The result
Lifting and tightening of the breast tissue to improve the shape of the breasts.
The reception desk at The Coppergate Clinic, a patient talking with the team.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    You will meet the consultant anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic with you.

    Mr West will draw markings on your chest to plan the incisions. Once in theatre and asleep, Mr West will remove excess tissue and shape the breasts.

    The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures and covered with Steri-Strips (thin plasters) and 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.

  3. Recovery

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

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

Read every review on Google

Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

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?

The initial review and wound check is usually 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Scar massage commences at 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine 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 they 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 showerproof 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.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.