Breast Uplift
A breast uplift addresses drooping breasts that can result after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or aging. Breast uplift is used to help reshape breasts for the sake of vanity. Our breast uplift, or 'boob job' plastic surgery experts explain all that is involved in an uplift procedure...
Name of the procedure: Breast uplift (also known as mastopexy or a hitch-up)
Part of body affected: This plastic surgery procedure is performed on the breasts.
Condition addressed: A breast uplift addresses drooping breasts that can result after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or aging.
Nature of the benefit: Breast uplift surgery removes excess skin from the breasts, reshapes them and repositions the nipples for more elevated and perky breasts. The cosmetic procedure can also remove some stretch marks or make them less noticeable.
For whom it is/not suitable: You could benefit from a breast uplift, if your nipples point downwards, nipples fall below the breast crease or your breasts sag.
If you feel extremely self-conscious or distressed about the appearance of your breasts and you are healthy, you could be a suitable candidate for breast augmentation surgery.
However, if you are planning to have more children, you should not consider a breast uplift or boob job.
Type of procedure: Breast uplift surgery takes about one hour under general anesthetic.
Description of the procedure: Your plastic surgeon will make three incisions on your breasts. Sometimes your surgeon might only make two incisions using a different technique depending on your needs. Incisions are normally located:
· Around your nipple
· Vertically from the bottom of the nipple to the breast crease
· Horizontally along your breast crease
A drainage tube might be inserted into your breasts before the anaesthetic wears off. The tube will be removed before you are discharged from hospital.
Potential risks or side effects: After the boob job surgery, you will experience bruising and swelling. Your breasts could also feel tender and lumpy for weeks or months after the procedure You will have permanent scars where incisions were made. Scarring could be more pronounced if you smoke.
You are likely to lose sensitivity (feeling) in your nipples and possibly in parts of your breast too. This numbness might only be temporary but it could be permanent. You could also experience these complications which affect your:
· Undesirable or asymmetrical breast shape
· Permanent nipple loss
· Inability to breastfeed
· Infection
· Clots
· Excessive bleeding
Nature and length of recovery process: You will usually only have to stay one night in hospital, but you will experience pain and discomfort during this time. It will be important for you to take two weeks off work and avoid lifting or strenuous activity. If you do not have dissolvable stitches, your stitches will be removed in 7-14 days after the plastic surgery.
You will also need to wear a wireless support bra at night and during the day for three months. After several months, your breasts will settle into their new shape, while your scars will continue to fade for up to 18 months.
Length of benefit: The results of a breast lift can last for many years, but the positive effects of the surgery will diminish with aging, changes in weight and pregnancy.
What you can do to extend benefit: Having breast implants inserted at the same time as you undergo a breast uplift can help keep your breasts pert and younger-looking for longer. Maintaining your weight and not falling pregnant will also help you maintain the results of the surgery for the long-term.
Alternative or related cosmetic surgery therapies: Breast augmentation, breast reduction , exercise
>> Find out more about breast augmentations