Mastopexy is often combined with breast implants to enhance breast volume and shape.
Small uplifts will result in circumferential scars around the nipple-areolar border only.
Larger uplifts without implants will result in additional scars, vertically downwards on the breast and horizontally in the crease underneath the breast.
A mastopexy is usually performed under general anaesthesia or under local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation as a daycase.
Breasts of all sizes can be lifted, but women with small sagging breasts will benefit most.
Mastopexy does not normally interfere with breast-feeding but a further pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts and reduce their size once more.
Therefore, if you’re planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your surgery.
Complications are RARE, but you should be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision.
Every operation carries with it the risk of bleeding, infection and delayed healing, all of which may require urgent or early reoperation. In addition, there are risks that are specific to mastopexy.
There may be loss of part or all of the nipples, though this is rare. There may be loss of nipple sensitivity and there may be asymmetry or areas that require further ‘touch-up’ or revision procedures at a later stage.
Scars may be red and lumpy initially, but eventually soften and fade with time.
They may also, however, stretch and widen with time. In dark-skinned patients, the scars may become hypertrophic or keloid and may be darker than the surrounding skin.
Future pregnancies and breastfeeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts and further surgery may be required.