Breast Uplift / Mastopexy
Get a Youthful Lift with Breast Uplift Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland – Transform Your Confidence with Our Expert Surgeons
Are you unhappy with sagging or drooping breasts that make you feel self-conscious? If you’re looking to restore a more youthful and uplifted appearance, breast uplift surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland, could be the answer you’ve been seeking. At Quaba Cosmetic Surgery, our experienced and board-certified surgeons specialise in breast uplift procedures to help you achieve the desired results with safety and precision.
Breast uplift overview
Breast uplift Edinburgh
TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
General
LENGTH OF SURGERY
2-3 Hours
HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery
RECOVERY
1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
Why have surgery and what procedures are available?
Why Choose Breast Uplift Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Why Choose Breast Uplift Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and gravity can cause the breasts to lose shape and firmness as we age. Breast uplift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a popular cosmetic procedure that can address these concerns by lifting and reshaping the breasts to create a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing contour.
At Quaba Cosmetic Surgery, we offer breast uplift surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland, for women who want to:
Regain Youthful Appearance: A breast uplift can restore the natural position of the breasts, lifting them to a more youthful height on the chest wall. This can result in a perkier and firmer bustline, enhancing your overall appearance and helping you feel more confident and rejuvenated.
Improve Breast Symmetry: Breast uplift surgery can also correct breast asymmetry, where one breast may be lower or differently shaped than the other. Our skilled surgeons will tailor the procedure to your individual needs, ensuring balanced and harmonious results.
Enhance Clothing Fit: Many women find that after a breast uplift, their clothing fits better as the breasts are lifted and reshaped to a more ideal position. You can enjoy wearing a wider range of clothing styles with increased comfort and confidence.
Boost Self-Esteem: Sagging or drooping breasts can affect a woman’s self-esteem and body confidence. Breast uplift surgery can help improve your self-image, allowing you to feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin.
What types of breast uplift are available?
What types of breast uplift are available?
There are many types of breast uplift procedures that can be tailored to your needs. A mild droop can sometimes be improved by increasing the breast volume with a breast implant alone (see breast augmentation). More severe drooping can be treated by removing loose skin and tightening it. This is similar to breast reduction, but little breast tissue is removed. Please view our animated video guides showing the different breast lift types.
Periareolar breast lift
Periareolar breast lift
A periareolar uplift is where the scars are around the nipples only. This breast lift may be suitable for correcting very mild drooping, especially if the nipple-areola requires a size reduction. Skin is removed from around the nipple in a doughnut fashion.
Vertical scar breast lift
Vertical scar breast lift
With a vertical scar lift, the scar is described as a lollipop scar – around the nipple and vertically down below it towards the breast crease. This technique can be used for moderate breast lifts.
Anchor-shaped breast uplift
Anchor-shaped breast uplift
An anchor-shaped lift is the most common uplift. This procedure allows for correcting significant breast droopiness and can give the most consistent results. The scars are around the nipple, vertically and along the breast crease.
Combining a lift with implants
Combining a lift with implants
To lift your breasts and add volume, a breast lift can be combined with breast implants (augmentation mastopexy). Augmentation mastopexy is a more complicated procedure; careful assessment is required before considering such surgery.
Commonly asked questions
Is a breast uplift a major surgical procedure?
Is a breast uplift a major surgical procedure?
A breast uplift (or mastopexy) is a surgical procedure performed under a general anaesthetic. It lasts around two and a half hours and can be performed as a day-case procedure or with an overnight stay.
All surgical procedures carry risks – see the section on risks.
Most patients have an uneventful recovery, and satisfaction rates are high.
When a breast lift is combined with breast implants, the surgery is more complicated, and recovery may be more involved.
Can I still breastfeed after a breast uplift?
Can I still breastfeed after a breast uplift?
Depending on the extent of your procedure, many women may still breastfeed after a breast uplift. However, the possibility remains that you may not be able to breastfeed.
Some studies have shown that women who have had breast lifts are as able to breastfeed as those who have not. Remember, many women who have never had breast surgery still struggle to breastfeed.
Will a breast uplift make my breasts look smaller?
Will a breast uplift make my breasts look smaller?
A breast uplift usually involves removing a little breast tissue. It can make your breasts look smaller but with a much-improved shape. For many women, this is their desired outcome.
Some women wish to have a breast lift and increase their breast volume. A small improvement can be achieved by injecting fat when the breast uplift is performed. More significant size increases can be achieved by combining a breast uplift with breast implants (augmentation mastopexy).
How do I know if I am suitable for the procedure?
How do I know if I am suitable for the procedure?
You might be suitable for breast lift surgery if you have concerns that your breasts are droopy or sagging. Your nipples may point downwards, and your skin may be loose. Many women mention they have lost the shape of their breasts and that their breasts feel empty at the top half.
Will a breast uplift make my breasts fuller?
Will a breast uplift make my breasts fuller?
A breast uplift will improve the overall shape of your breasts and lift the breasts and nipples. While it can add some fullness to the upper part of your breasts, this will be subtle and not the same effect you would achieve with breast implants. A lift combined with implants or fat transfer may be a better option if you want added volume and fullness in addition to an uplift. You can see examples in our before and after gallery.
I’m worried about scars – how long does it take for them to settle down?
I’m worried about scars – how long does it take for them to settle down?
The main downside to breast lift surgery is that it leaves scars around the nipple and vertical or anchor-shaped scars. Unfortunately, there is no way to lift breasts once they have dropped to a certain extent without removing and tightening the skin. The nipple cannot be moved upwards without cutting around it. Fortunately, most women are prepared for scarring as they have researched the procedure beforehand and will have been shown several before and after photos. Scars can take up to 18 months to mature, sometimes longer. Most before and after photos show results at around six months when the scars can still be red. You can expect significant improvement and fading of the colour beyond six months, and there is considerable variability between patients.
How do you move the nipples up, do you have to detach them?
How do you move the nipples up, do you have to detach them?
To move the nipples up to a higher position on the breast, a cut is made around them. The areola is reduced in size as it has usually been stretched. The nipple remains attached to the underlying breast tissue to keep a blood supply. The underlying breast tissue is repositioned with the nipple attached to it so it can sit at a higher position on the breast.
What is the recovery like?
What is the recovery like?
Surgery is carried out as a day procedure or with an overnight stay. You will be seen in the dressing clinic one week after surgery to have your outer dressings removed. You should take at least one week off work to rest. The wounds should be fully healed by two weeks, but this can take longer if you have delayed healing. Light exercise can usually be resumed at four weeks, and you should fully recover by six weeks.
How long will it take for my breast shape to settle?
How long will it take for my breast shape to settle?
At first, your breasts will be tight and can look a little “boxy” in shape. By six months, they will look much more rounded and will continue to improve in shape for up to 18 months.
Change in shape of the breast over the first six months after breast lift/ reduction.
Why Choose Quaba for Breast Uplift Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Why Choose Quaba for Breast Uplift Surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Choosing a reputable and experienced clinic is crucial to ensure the best results when it comes to breast uplift surgery. Our skilled surgeons are known for their expertise in breast surgery and prioritise patient safety and satisfaction. At Quaba, we offer high-end care and personalised treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Some reasons to choose Quaba for breast uplift surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland, include:
Expert Surgeons: Our skilled and experienced surgeons are board-certified and have a proven track record of delivering natural-looking and satisfying results for our patients.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: We have modern and well-equipped facilities that adhere to the highest safety and hygiene standards, ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout the surgical journey.
Personalised Care: We understand that every patient is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific concerns and goals. Our surgeons will work closely with you to create a customised treatment plan that aligns with your expectations and provides optimal outcomes.
Comprehensive Aftercare: Our commitment to your care doesn’t end with the surgery. We provide comprehensive aftercare and support, including follow-up appointments and guidance for a smooth recovery process.
Extensive before and after galleries: We have one of the largest before and after galleries which is regularly updated and can give you an idea of what can be achieved.
What to expect
Discomfort/ Pain
Discomfort/ Pain
Some discomfort is typical in the first few days after surgery. You may experience some numbness around your nipples and incision areas. You may experience temporary soreness, tightness, swelling and bruising, and discomfort in the incision areas. Your breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
Bruising/ swelling
Bruising/ swelling
Your breasts may feel tight and swollen for several days, and bruising is not uncommon.
Appearance
Appearance
Most of the discolouration and swelling will subside in 4-6 weeks.
Scars may be red and angry looking for six months. In time, these usually soften and fade.
You may be up and about in 2 days, but it will be a few weeks before you are entirely up to speed.
Your mood may fluctuate after surgery – this is normal. A small amount of blood staining on the inside of your dressings is common during the first few days.
Your final breast shape will not become apparent until six months.
What are the risks?
Breast lift surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia and lasts approximately 2-3 hours as a day case. The risks of general anaesthesia include clots to the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and lungs (pulmonary embolus), and we take precautions to minimise the risk of these. Other risks include chest infection, and the risk of a severe life-threatening complication is approximately 1 in 100,000.
When combined with breast implants, there are additional implant-related risks – please see our breast augmentation page.
The risks of breast lift surgery include:
Bleeding
Bleeding
Which may require a return to the theatre (less than 1 in 20 patients).
Infection
Infection
Infection – is uncommon and usually settles with antibiotics.
Delayed wound healing
Delayed wound healing
Delayed wound healing is not uncommon, especially in small areas at the “T junction” of the scars
Fat necrosis
Fat necrosis
Fat necrosis is a rare complication where some breast fat does not survive and can look like an infection. It can take several weeks to resolve and may result in a contour defect.
Changes in nipple sensitivity
Changes in nipple sensitivity
Changes in nipple sensitivity – this is an expected outcome – nipples can sometimes be more sensitive or less sensitive, and sensitivity will change over time.
Pull on the nipples
Pull on the nipples
Pull on the nipples – sometimes, nipples can be pulled or inverted when moved to their new position.
Nipple loss
Nipple loss
Nipple loss is a rare complication – higher risk in smokers and substantial reductions.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding – the possibility of reduced ability to breastfeed, although some studies show women who have had breast reduction are just as likely to breastfeed as those who have not had breast reduction surgery.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
Asymmetry – minor residual asymmetry is not uncommon – breasts are rarely perfectly symmetrical.
Scarring
Scarring
Scarring – scars are permanent and may be unpredictable and red for some time – most women rarely complain about the nature of scars following breast reduction – scars usually stretch over time and fade in colour. You were shown several images highlighting the full extent of the scarring.
Under or over correction
Under or over correction
Under or over correction – removing too much or too little breast tissue – final size can never be guaranteed – patients rarely mention that they feel too much tissue has been removed.
Risk of picking up breast cancer
Risk of picking up breast cancer
Risk of picking up breast cancer – there is the theoretical risk of breast cancer being detected in the removed breast tissue that will be sent for analysis – We will advise you on whether preoperative breast screening is required.
Revision
Revision
Revision – a small number of patients (less than 1 in 20) may require minor revision, usually performed under local anaesthetic.
Breast uplift
I had the best experience! Dr Quaba managed my expectations and actually listened to what I wanted and I have been shocked at how amazing my breasts look now, since they suit my body and have given me back my confidence and has given me the ability to run without back pain!
Updated on 15 Aug 2022:
I lost over 2 stone over a long period of diet and exercise and my breasts suffered as a result. I’ve always had a heavy chest and the weight loss made it worse. They were droopy and gave me backache and neck problems. Dr Quaba listened to what I wanted and the problems I had and was able to give me a realistic expectations but has definitely surpassed them. He has given me back my confidence and my back and neck pain had gone away. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and I’m glad I picked him to be able to do it!
sarahk9978
Body dysmorphia
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which someone can’t help thinking about one or more perceived issues or faults in their appearance. Other people may think that their concerns are minor or they may fail to see them at all.
People with BDD, continuously focus on their appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day. The perceived flaw likely causes significant distress and impacts on a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
People affected with BDD often seek out cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterwards, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their symptoms, but often the anxiety returns, or they may move on to focus on other perceived problems related to their appearance.
Some patients may have features of body dysmorphia. Such patients are not likely to be offered surgery.
If you are considering surgery, it is worth trying the self-assessment tool below known as the Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire (COPS).
The questionnaire was developed by David Veale, Nell Ellison, Tom Werner, Rupa Dodhia, Marc Serfaty and Alex Clarke (2012) Development of a cosmetic procedure screening questionnaire (COPS) for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 65 (4), 530-532.