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Breast Uplift


Breast uplift surgery (mastopexy) is a procedure that firms and lifts the breasts to restore the former, fuller appearance of your bust line. Breasts of any size can be lifted, and many women have a breast lift because pregnancy and breast feeding have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. The surgery does not increase the size of your breasts, but it is commonly done at the same time as a breast augmentation when a bigger bust is desired, so that not only the firmness but also the volume of your breasts will be increased.  

What does the surgery involve?

There are a few techniques that are used in breast lift surgery. The most common way of lifting the breast involves three separate incisions.

One incision is made around the nipple, another vertical incision runs from the bottom edge of the nipple to the crease under the breast, and the third incision is horizontal from beneath the breast and follows the natural curve of the breast crease. Your surgeon removes the excess breast skin and then shifts the nipple and areola to a higher position.

The skin that had been located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it. Sensation is kept because the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, which also allows the ability to breast-feed. Sometimes the horizontal incision beneath the breast and the vertical incision can be avoided in other techniques.

How long does it take?

Breast augmentation & uplift is an operation that usually takes 2 – 2.5 hours to complete using a general or local anaesthetic.

What can I expect?

Your expectations need to be realistic. Patients are pleased with the outcome and find they have a feeling of increased self-confidence. Your breasts will be bigger, firmer and have much more volume. The overall achievement will be having a completely natural look that compliments your figure.

What happens after surgery?

You will feel tired and sore for a few days and will have some swelling and bruising which is only natural. Most of your discomfort will be subsided with prescription medication. Following the operation you will have dressings in place which will need to be kept dry for 7 – 10 days. Surgeons usually use dissolvable sutures. The scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks and may remain the same size for several months. It is important to keep in mind that they may take up to 2 years to fade. Once the scars are completely healed and not tender, massage with moisturiser is recommended. You will have follow-up visits in the months after uplift surgery to check on your progress.

What is the recovery time?

This will depend on the individual patient, however most patients are able to go back to work after one to two weeks. Although you can walk about and do very light activities from the next day it is advisable not to do anything strenuous for 7 – 10 days. The average recovery time is between 1 – 2 weeks.

It is usually advised to wait for 4 – 6 weeks before resuming strenuous exercise.
Patients should wear a firm supportive sports bra for 4 – 6 weeks

For further information on any surgical procedures or
to book a consultation, please contact us at:


Fitzwilliam Clinic, 70-72 Lisburn Road, Belfast
Tel: 028 9032 3888
Email: info@fitzwilliamclinic.com