Improve the shape of your breasts and help rejuvenate your figure.
We offer a breast uplift operation, also known as a mastopexy, which re-shapes drooping or sagging breasts.
Sometimes also called
Typical hospital stay
Same-day discharge or 1 night
Procedure duration
1-3 hours
Type of anaesthetic
General
Available to self-pay?
Yes
Covered by health insurance?
No
It’s an operation to treat drooping breasts without altering their size. Your surgeon will remove any loose skin and your breasts are raised and re-shaped, giving them a firmer, younger look.
Drooping or sagging can happen as a result of:
A breast uplift may be an option if:
Breasts of any size can be lifted, but results are best for women with small breasts. Large breasts are heavier and more prone to sagging, so the effects of the uplift may not last as long.
You may have the operation at the same time as a breast reduction or enlargement.
Choosing to have breast uplift surgery is an important decision. Take your time to think about why you want the surgery and research what it involves – now and in the future. At Spire, our experienced surgeons are all approved by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). They’ll help you to reach the right decision and achieve the results that are right for you.
Almost all our hospitals offer private breast uplift surgery and have teams of cosmetic surgeons who specialise in this treatment.
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Learn moreWith age, your skin and the ligaments in your breasts become stretched, so the tissue isn’t as well supported. This causes drooping, along with anything that causes changes in breast size such as pregnancy or significant weight loss.
A breast uplift can help by:
You can also have a breast reduction or enlargement at the same time.
Breast uplift techniques
There are three main techniques. Your surgeon will advise you which is most appropriate for you, depending on your breast size, shape and the look you want. They all result in different scarring patterns, though the scars shouldn’t be visible when you’re wearing a bra or bikini:
After you’ve been given a general anaesthetic (meaning you’ll be asleep), your surgeon will:
How long does a breast uplift take?
Between two and three hours
Pain after breast uplift surgery
It’s normal to experience some pain, swelling and bruising after the operation and in the following weeks. You’ll be given pain relief medication to help you manage this and it’ll gradually improve.
Your hospital stay
This will usually be for one night, but you can sometimes go home on the same day.
Recovery time
You can usually leave hospital the day after or sometimes on the same day as the operation. It’s normal to still have bruising, twinges and some pain for a few weeks but it may take a few months for the swelling to disappear and up to a year for your breast shape to settle.
Aftercare
Before you go home, your nurse will give you advice about caring for your wounds, looking after your breasts, hygiene and showering. Your consultant will arrange a date for your first follow-up appointment.
They'll want to see you at intervals during the first six months to check that everything’s as it should be.
Your lifestyle
As with any big operation, you’ll need someone to help you with light errands for the first few days. But you should be back to light activities within a fortnight and normal activities within four to six weeks. Avoid heavy lifting for the first few weeks.
It’s important to wear a support bra without underwiring for 24 hours a days for the first six weeks, to stop the weight of your breasts pulling on your wounds as they heal.
After six months, the upper part of your breast will become less full – this is normal.
Breast uplift surgery is usually successful, but your breasts may droop again in future, especially if they’re large or you become pregnant or lose a lot of weight. You can help reduce your risk by keeping your weight stable.
Most people have a breast uplift without complications, but all surgery carries some risk and your consultant will explain these to you before you go ahead.
Although rare, breast uplift complications can include:
At Spire hospitals, your safety is our top priority. We have high standards of quality control, equipment and cleanliness and an ongoing system of review and training for our medical teams.
Although everyone’s different, here’s a rough guide to recovery after breast uplift surgery:
Day 1
1 year
You’ll be able to leave hospital
Stitches removed unless they’ve dissolved
May be able to drive (check with your car insurance company)
Back to work, depending on your job
Able to do light activities
Back to normal activities including exercise
Wear a support bra for 24 hours a day (apart from showering)
Keep your scars out of direct sunlight
Shape of your breasts should've settled
You’ll be able to leave hospital
Stitches removed unless they’ve dissolved
May be able to drive (check with your car insurance company)
Back to work, depending on your job
Able to do light activities
Back to normal activities including exercise
Wear a support bra for 24 hours a day (apart from showering)
Keep your scars out of direct sunlight
Shape of your breasts should've settled
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.