Mastopexy

An augmentation mastopexy is the combination of breast enlargement and uplift. This operation is used when you would like enlargement of the breasts but also need to lift and correct a drooping breast. This can be done as a single operation or can be staged involving two separate operations. The augmentation part of the procedure uses a breast implant to provide the desired volume. The mastopexy or uplift procedure tightens the skin and lifts the breast.  The price for uplift and implants is from £11000.

Mastopexy or breast uplift is performed under a general anaesthetic and may require an overnight stay in hospital. The operation usually lasts about 2 hours but may take longer if you are having an augmentation mastopexy. You may have a drain on either side when you wake up and that will usually be removed the following day. You will have dressing covering the scars and breasts after the procedure and these will usually remain in place for a week.

There are always potential risks and complications associated with surgery. Complications are rare but can occur. The main complications of mastopexy surgery include:

Bleeding

Bleeding can occur after your procedure and oozing from the wounds is common. Some bleeding can accumulate under the skin resulting in a haematoma or blood collection. Small haematoma will usually resolve with time and may not need any further treatment. Larger haematomas, however, may need a return to theatre to remove them and find the source of bleeding.

Infection

Infection can occur and most often can be managed with antibiotics. Sterile procedures and antibiotics given during the operation try to reduce the risk of infection.

Wound breakdown and healing problems

The most common site of wound breakdown or healing delay is the so called T junction. This is the area where the vertical and horizontal scars meet and the point of maximum tension when the breast is stitched closed. If this occurs it may take longer to heal. There are pre-existing risk factors for poor wound healing such as smoking and diabetes. The risk of this is also increased if you have a single stage augmentation mastopexy procedure.

Scarring

There will be permanent scars on the breast depending on the type of skin incision pattern. Scars can sometimes become hypertrophic or keloid which means they may be raised, red and lumpy. This can occur around the areolar or along all the scars. Patients will usually have a tendency to develop this type of scarring or there may be a family history of abnormal scarring.

Asymmetry

There is always some degree of asymmetry between breasts and nipple areolar complexes. Occasionally, after mastopexy there may be residual asymmetry or patients may become more aware of pre-existing asymmetries.

Change in Nipple Sensation

Due to the nature of surgery and movement of the nipple there is risk of changes to nipple sensation. This is usually reduced nipple sensation after surgery that is often temporary but may be permanent.

Nipple Loss

Very rarely there is risk of nipple loss that can occur when the blood supply to the nipple is disrupted.

Fat Necrosis

Fat necrosis occurs when the fat in the breast loses its blood supply. This may result in firm hard areas where the fat has not survived. Small areas often resolve with time.

It is generally said that you will not be able to breast feed after mastopexy proceure. This is because some of the glandular tissue is removed and nipple areolar complex has been moved. There are some cases where patients have been able to breast feed after a breast uplift but in general most will not be able to breast feed.

The shape of the breasts will change with time. With time and gravity the breasts will drop resulting in ptosis or drooping. In some cases, there may be ‘bottoming out’ which is the term used to describe fullness at the lower part of the breast. Should you gain weight or loss weight the shape and size of the breast will vary accordingly. Changes will also occur during and after pregnancy. It is generally recommended that you wait about 6-12 months after pregnancy or breast feeding before undergoing a mastopexy procedure.