Breast lift

A breast lift (mastopexy) improves the position, shape and firmness of the breasts by removing excess skin, repositioning the tissue and lifting the nipple to a more youthful height. It reshapes the breast rather than significantly changing its size.

Anaesthetic: General
Hospital stay: Overnight
Time off work: 1–2 weeks
Final result: Shape settles over up to a year

A general guide only — your own timeline is confirmed at consultation.

What it involves

Excess skin is removed and the breast tissue reshaped, with the nipple and areola moved to a higher position. The scar pattern depends on the degree of sagging — from a scar around the areola alone, to a 'lollipop' pattern with a vertical scar and a short scar in the breast crease. Where more upper fullness is wanted, a small implant may be combined with the lift.

Who it may suit

May suit patients whose breasts have become softer, flatter or begun to sag after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change or ageing, and who are broadly happy with their volume but would like a firmer, lifted shape.

Recovery

An overnight hospital stay is usual, with recovery of around ten days and most patients back to light activities within one to two weeks. A supportive bra is worn day and night for a month. Sutures are absorbable, and the final shape settles over up to a year as swelling resolves and scars fade.

This page is a general guide. Every procedure is planned individually — the details, risks and recovery relevant to you are discussed at consultation.

Patient information leaflet Download the full breast lift leaflet (PDF)

Common questions

Will a lift change my cup size?

A lift on its own does not significantly increase or reduce breast size — it reshapes and repositions. If you also want more upper fullness, a small implant can be combined with the lift.

Will the scars fade?

Scars are usually most noticeable in the first 6 to 12 months, then gradually soften and fade — though they do not disappear completely.