Breast Uplift Surgery - the procedure
Treatment and recovery from breast uplift surgery
Breast uplift (mastopexy) surgery is always carried out under a general anaesthetic and takes approximately two hours. You may have drainage tubes that will be removed before you go home. If stitches need to be removed, this will take place 7-14 days later, in the clinic. You will need to stay in hospital for one - two nights and take up to two weeks off work. To keep the breasts supported, you will be asked to wear a sports bra, day and night for 6-12 weeks.
Following the breast uplift (mastopexy) operation there will be scarring to the breast - the amount often depending on the severity of the droop; however, it will always involve a scar around the nipple. All scars are pink in the early weeks and then gradually fade to faint white lines. After the breast uplift (mastopexy) operation you may have a reduced sensitivity to the nipple and may not be able to breast feed.
It is usual to take around one to two weeks off work and introduce yourself gradually back into exercise over a number of weeks.
Before your breast uplift surgery
The Cosmetic Surgeon may suggest that you stop smoking and stop taking the contraceptive pill. This will reduce the risks involved with having a general anaesthetic and stopping smoking will help with wound healing. You may also need to lose weight to gain the best result as well as to reduce complications. You will need to purchase a sports bra to take with you to the hospital. The size of the bra will be determined at your consultation with the Cosmetic Surgeon.
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If you are a smoker, or take aspirin or any other medication, your Cosmetic Surgeon will wish to discuss this with you at your consultation. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you when you are to discontinue and/or resume these activities.
The day of your breast uplift surgery
Make sure you remember to take your new bra with you to the hospital. The Cosmetic Surgeon will visit you in your room and mark your breasts in preparation for surgery. Your Cosmetic Surgeon will also at this time obtain your final consent. If you have any final questions it is important that you ask your Cosmetic Surgeon at this time.
When you wake up from your surgery you can expect to experience pain - you will be prescribed appropriate pain relief, which will be administered by your Nurse.
On your return to your room you will be aware that you have your new bra over the dressing and a drainage tube will be in each breast. These drains will be removed before your discharge from hospital.
You can expect to be in hospital for one or two days. This will be agreed with your Cosmetic Surgeon prior to your admission.
Going home after breast uplift surgery
Your Cosmetic Surgeon will advise you in relation to how long to stay off work (this will be approximately two weeks depending on your occupation), how long to wear your sports bra and when you can commence normal activities.
You will need someone to look after you to relieve you of your general chores, such as shopping, household duties and childcare. Please be aware that you will feel tired for the first few weeks following your surgery. Once your scars have healed, you will be able to resume normal sexual activity.
It is important to keep the wounds dry during the early days and leave all the dressings intact until you return to the clinic at approximately seven days.
Please do not wear an underwired bra after surgery until you have discussed this with your Cosmetic Surgeon.
It is very important that you attend the appointments, which have been made for you to care for your wound and see your Cosmetic Surgeon post-operatively.
You will have your own personal Nurse Counsellor both before and after your procedure to support you and answer any questions you may have.
