Breast Uplift, London | The Complete Article

In both breast augmentation and reduction,
the aim is to change the size of the breast,
whereas Breast Uplift changes the shape alone.

Many women, following the birth of their children, find that their breasts have drooped and lost both elasticity and volume. In a normal ‘average' breast, the nipple and areola are positioned at a point level with the centre of the upper arm. If the breast has been stretched by breast feeding or weight gain the nipple will be at a lower level.

In both breast augmentation and reduction, the aim is to change the size of the breast, whereas Breast Uplift changes the shape alone. As nothing can be done to restore the breasts' former elasticity, the only solution is to remove sections of slack and redundant skin. This procedure may remove a few stretch marks, but most remain, although some may be less noticeable.

Breast drooping not only occurs following pregnancy, it can also occur following weight loss and a Breast Uplift can offer solutions in both instances. Scarring from this operation should be discussed with the surgeon as it can vary in the individual. In cases where the breasts have only slightly drooped, it may be better to consider breast augmentation alone as an aid in lifting and firming the breast. However, you should bear in mind that this may cause an unacceptable increase in breast size.

In cases where breast droop in minimal, your surgeon may opt for a technique which produces less scarring or he may advise you against surgery, rather than opting for a minor lift with obvious scars. A combination of lift and implant can also provide an aesthetically pleasing restoration of breast shape.

This operation may be considered before you have finished childbearing as, dependent upon the technique, it may not interfere with breast-feeding. A Breast Uplift will not prevent the breasts from drooping again if presented with the same circumstances that made them droop in the first place.

Over time, a woman's breasts begin to sag and the areolas become larger. All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk.

Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, in the breast crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit. Breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a pocket for each implant.

Breast Uplift, also known as breast ptosis correction, takes approximately two hours. It is performed under general anaesthesia and requires an overnight stay in hospital.

Excess skin will be cut away from above, below and around the nipple and areola. The skin will be stretched taut when rejoined. The pattern followed by the surgeon is that which will cause the breast to be lifted and allow repositioning of the nipple. Loss of nipple sensation, not uncommon in breast reduction is not expected, nor is breast-feeding prevented.

A routine precaution against blood clotting is taken with this procedure so you will wear ‘TED' stockings (anti-embolism stockings) on your legs which should not be removed until you are discharged from the hospital. You will also be expected to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after surgery.

Incisions outline the area of skin to be removed and the new position for the nipple.

Skin formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incisions, giving the breast its new contour.

Following surgery, your breasts will probably be uncomfortable, possibly painful. However, this is easily relieved, initially by injection and thereafter by taking two pain-killing tablets (such as Paracetamol) as required. Aspirin should be avoided.

There will be dressings and possibly drains on your breasts after surgery, which are usually removed on the first post-operative day. The wounds will be redressed with a simple light tape dressing which should be kept dry and in place until the stitches are removed and the wounds checked at ten days. You may shower during this period being careful to keep the tapes dry, or take a shallow bath. A comfortably fitting bra can be worn immediately after surgery.

You should be aware that bruising of the skin of your ‘new' breasts may occur but will probably disappear in 2-3 weeks. To help rapidly decrease swelling and bruising you may, if you wish, take Arnica one week prior to surgery and two weeks afterwards.

As in any surgery, there is a possibility of infection, but this is readily treated with antibiotics and/or dressings as required. Delayed wound healing is more likely if you smoke tobacco after surgery.

If your expectations are realistic, chances are you'll be satisfied with your breast lift.

After surgery, the breasts are higher and firmer, with sutures usually located around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast.

The scars in this procedure are around the areolae of the nipples, possibly extending down to the under breast crease and along this crease. Your surgeon will define the extent of the scars as they vary depending on your initial shape. Immediately after surgery, the skin adjacent to the incision may appear slightly ‘pleated'. Initially, the scars can be hard, red, raised and lumpy and can take up to 18 months to flatten and resolve, depending on the healing qualities of the individual. Pressure on any lumpy scars with a firm well-fitting bra will help them to soften more quickly.

Expect to be somewhat tired for up to two weeks after your surgery. You may drive after three or four days but do not return to vigorous exercise for two weeks and it is not advisable to make any travel plans for at least one month after your operation.

The results of this operation are usually excellent and you can expect less drooping of your breasts with the nipples in a higher position. Immediately after surgery your new breasts will be apparent but the final shape takes approximately six months to fully emerge.

Scars are the greatest consideration in this procedure. As explained, they will eventually return to normal skin colour but you should not assume that the scars in a Breast Uplift can ever be ‘hairline'; they cannot.

	You will need to sleep on your back for 2 weeks. Avoid any activity that puts stress on the wounds, this includes raising your arms above your head, lifting and twisting etc. Try using pillows or cushions to prop yourself up. You should avoid driving for at least 3 days.
	To help decrease the amount of bruising and swelling, we suggest that you take Arnica for one week prior to surgery and two weeks afterwards.
	The sutures are dissolving, but not waterproof until the 10th day after surgery. You will have a dressing on the breasts, which will stay in place for 5 days and will be removed at your first follow up appointment. Please keep the area dry
	Avoid strenuous exercise or anything that is likely to increase your blood pressure, particularly within the first 10 days, otherwise these can be resumed in 4 –6 weeks.
	Please avoid taking aspirin/anti inflammatories as these can cause bleeding. You may recommence your usual medication as soon as you can eat or drink unless otherwise advised. We suggest that you take regular pain relief following surgery, but please be aware that painkillers can cause constipation.
	You may notice changes in nipple and breast sensation; this is normal. It is fairly common for the skin above the incision to feel slightly numb for some months, and this rarely extends to the nipple. Some patients describe increased sensation, which can last for two or three months.
	Scars will improve within a few months of surgery; they are noticeable initially, but will assume normal skin colour in time dependent upon the healing characteristics of the individual. Once your dressings have been removed at the follow up appointment, you will be advised on how to best care for the area. This may involve placing tape over the incision site for a few days.
	During office hours you are welcome to telephone or visit Mr Ion’s nurse at the consulting rooms. Please call her prior to your visit on 0207 486 77 57. In an emergency or in case of doubt regarding your surgery and post operative condition, out of office hours, please contact Mr Ion’s nurse on 0774 96 44 519 or the hospital where you had your surgery: The Wellington: 0207 586 5959 The Cromwell Hospital Resident Medical Officer: 0207 460 2000 St Luke’s Hospital: 0207 388 4954 The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth 0207 806 4000

Summary

Postoperative Instructions

Download:

Informative Brochure

Postoperative Instructions

NEXT: More Information
If you would like to know more information on Breast Uplift, please do not hesitate to get in touch.