Breast Uplift Surgery in Harrogate — Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in the UK

None. Both of these terms describe the same operation, which is medically known as mastopexy. Searches made often use each term but the actual procedure is the same.

Not necessarily. A breast lift (without implants) improves shape and positioning. However, if you have lost volume in the top part of your breast and wish to restore this, you might benefit from having both a lift and implant procedure. Mr Chris Munson or Mr Andrew Kilshaw will discuss options at your consultation. If you know you want both a lift and implants together, our breast augmentation mastopexy page covers that combined procedure in full.

Typically we advise waiting until at least 6 months post-weaning. It takes your breasts at least that length of time to stabilize in their ultimate shape and size. Undergoing the procedure prior to this can put you at risk of performing surgery on tissue that is still going through many physical changes.

This is a grading system for how much your breast has dropped. Grade I is mild, Grade II moderate, Grade III severe. This determines which mastopexy method is best suited for you. At your consultation, we will assess where you fit into this category.

Yes. Scars are inevitable when having a breast uplift. They generally fade to very fine pale lines over 12-18 months. However, they never completely go away. In addition, people who have darker skin tone may have raised or pigmented scars. Many scar patterns are designed to be hidden under bras or swimsuits.

Yes. Although, most women will regain their complete sensitivity to their nipples within 6 months, a small number may experience either partial or complete loss of nipple sensitivity. There is an increased risk associated with greater lifting and therefore, we discuss this openly at your consultation.

Possibly. However, because mastopexy affects milk ducts and the extent of the lift that occurs has an impact on feeding ability, some women are able to breastfeed while others cannot. If future breastfeeding is important to you please let us know at your consultation so the right technique decisions can be taken it into consideration.

A breast lift provides good results for years but does not prevent the natural aging process. Other factors such as gravity, changes in weight, age related changes and subsequent pregnancies will continue regardless of the success of the initial surgery. Patients with smaller breasts and whose body mass index remains steady tend to get longer lasting results from breast lifts than those who have larger breasts that may eventually stretch the skin again. Many patients ask to see breast lift before and after photos, including cases with implants added. We can share these privately at your consultation.

Possible. Some patients come back between after a decade from their original surgery for a second or third lift especially if they had implants inserted at the time or experienced significant weight gain or loss or subsequent pregnancy changes. We do not promote our breast lift surgery as being “permanent”. Rather, we say that our surgery is “durable” but nothing stays the same forever.

Let us know. If there is something that could be improved through revision surgery then we will outline what options are available, what costs are involved and if it is appropriate to perform revision surgery once your wounds are fully healed. We’d prefer to have an open discussion about any potential issues with your results now rather than pretend that your first set of results will ultimately be your final results.

You will usually go home the same day as surgery. During week one you will be resting and wearing a surgical bra. By week two your stitches will be removed and you’ll be ready to go back to working at your desk. From weeks 3-4 you will wear a soft bra and begin gentle walking. Week six is when you can resume all normal activities and begin exercising normally again. Final shape will start to settle within 6-12 months.