Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) at Chase Lodge Hospital

Good candidates for mastopexy are generally in stable health, at or near a healthy weight, and not currently pregnant or breastfeeding. Suitable patients typically notice their nipples sitting at or below the breast crease, experience drooping or loss of shape, or feel their breasts have become flat or elongated. Younger patients who are planning future pregnancies are often advised to delay the procedure, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can reverse the results. Dr Tekin will assess your individual circumstances during your consultation and advise accordingly.

A breast uplift reshapes and repositions your existing breast tissue to a higher, firmer position. It does not add volume. Augmentation, by contrast, increases the size of the breasts using implants or fat transfer without changing their position on the chest. For patients who want both a lifted position and more fullness, a combined augmentation mastopexy can be performed as a single procedure.

Some degree of scarring is unavoidable with any breast uplift procedure, as incisions are required to reshape and reposition the breast tissue. The technique used determines the scar pattern: ranging from a small peri-areolar circle to a lollipop or anchor shape for more significant lifts. Dr Tekin places incisions along natural skin lines wherever possible. With proper aftercare, including silicone gel or sheeting, regular scar massage, and sun protection over incision sites, most scars soften and fade considerably within 12 to 18 months.

Most patients stay in hospital for a day and return to light activities within one to two weeks. A supportive bra must be worn day and night for the first two to three weeks. During weeks three to six, lifting heavy objects should be avoided, though gradual increases in activity are encouraged. Proper results typically become visible between four and six months post-surgery. Week by week, you can expect: in week one, some swelling, bruising, and discomfort managed with prescribed pain relief; in week two, stitches are removed and activity can increase gently; and from weeks three to six, sensation returns gradually to the breast and nipple region.

Mastopexy produces long-lasting results, and many patients maintain a lifted breast shape for ten years or more. However, ageing, gravity, significant weight changes, and future pregnancies can all affect the breasts over time. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing adequate breast support helps preserve results for longer.

As with any surgical procedure, breast uplift carries risks that patients should understand before proceeding. These include temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry during healing, scarring, swelling and bruising, and a small risk of bleeding or infection. In rare cases, interruption to blood supply can affect breast tissue or the nipple. Dr Tekin discusses all risks in detail during your pre-operative consultation and provides comprehensive aftercare guidance to minimise them.

A breast uplift repositions the breast tissue higher on the chest but does not reduce breast weight. If back, neck, or shoulder pain is caused by the volume and weight of the breasts, a breast reduction procedure or a combined approach may be more appropriate. Dr Tekin will assess your situation and recommend the most clinically suitable option.

You can book a consultation directly through our website or by calling 020 8358 7100. No GP referral is required. Same-week appointments are available at our North London hospital. During your consultation, Dr Hakan Tekin will assess your anatomy, explain the available techniques, discuss the realistic outcomes, and answer every question you have before any decisions are made.