What is breast lift?

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy or breast uplift, is a surgical procedure aimed at lifting, reshaping, and rejuvenating breasts that have become saggy or deflated. It can also reduce the heaviness or sagging of the lower part of the breast. This popular cosmetic surgery helps achieve a more youthful and balanced breast shape, improve symmetry, downward-pointing nipples, stretched areolas and restore firmness that may be lost over time due to pregnancy, weight changes, or aging.

Key points

Duration of the surgery

1- 2 hours

Anaesthesia

General

Recovery period

1-2 weeks

Clinic stay

not necessary

Who Is A Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if:

• Your breasts have started to sag or droop.

• The nipples point downward or fall below the crease under your breasts.

• Your breast skin has stretched, with loss of firmness or elasticity.

• You have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

• Your breasts are asymmetrical (different shapes or heights).

• You are in good general health, non-smoker, and have realistic expectations.

• You do not plan major future pregnancies (which can affect outcomes).

Types / Techniques of Breast Lift

Depending on how much lift is needed, different techniques may be used:

• Benneli / Peri-areolar lift — minimal lift, small scar around the areola.

• Vertical / “Lollipop” lift — scar around the areola plus one vertical scar down to the breast fold.

• Inverted T / Anchor lift or Wise pattern — more extensive lift, useful if a large amount of excess skin must be removed; scar around areola, vertically, and along the breast fold.

What Happens During Surgery

• The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthetic.

• The surgeon will mark incision lines, remove excess skin and reshape breast tissue.

• The nipple and areola are lifted and sometimes reduced if needed.

• Incisions are closed in layers.

• The surgery usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the technique.

Recovery & Aftercare

• Overnight stay or day case, depending on the extent of the surgery.

• You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which gradually fade over several days to weeks.

• Wear a surgical/supportive bra for a recommended period of 6 weeks.

• Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, or raising arms above shoulders for first few weeks.

• Scar care: keeping incisions clean, avoiding sun exposure; use silicone or brown tape to reduce the scarring.

• Most people return to non-strenuous work within 1-2 weeks; full physical activity in about 4 weeks.

Risks & Considerations

Every surgery has risks. For breast lift, these may include:

• Permanent scarring (though scars often fade over time).

• Changes in nipple or breast sensation — possibly temporary, sometimes permanent.

• Asymmetry (differences in size, shape, or nipple position).

• Risks of anaesthesia, bleeding, seroma, and infection.

• Poor healing, especially in smokers or people with certain medical conditions.

• If you later lose more weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed, these can affect the results.

Results & Longevity

• You will see immediate changes in breast position and shape, though the final appearance settles over a 3-4 months as swelling reduces.

• Results are long-lasting but subject to gravity, age, weight fluctuations, and future pregnancies.

• Good lifestyle, stable weight, and avoiding smoking help maintain results.

Cost, Consultation & Your Next Steps

• Costs vary depending on technique, whether implants are used, surgeon’s experience, hospital fees, etc.

• During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your breasts, discuss your goals, and explain what can be realistically achieved.

• Secure credentials: check your surgeon is board-certified, clinic is accredited, view before/after galleries, read patient reviews.

• Ask about financing options if available, hospital stay, follow-ups required.

Recovery from breast lift timeline

• First week: Rest and manage discomfort with prescribed medications

• Weeks 2-4: Gradual return to light activities, continue wearing of supportive bra

• 4-6 weeks: Most patients can resume normal activities, including exercise

• 3-6 months: Final results become apparent as swelling fully subsides

While mastopexy can significantly improve breast appearance and self-confidence, it’s important to have realistic expectations and choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. Patients should discuss their goals, potential risks, and long-term considerations during the consultation process.

Breast Lift FAQs by Plastic Surgeon Žygimantas Mačys

01 | Will a breast lift change my breast size?

A breast lift primarily changes the shape and position of the breasts rather than their size, though sometimes size is a bit smaller after the operation, at least visually. To increase volume, breast implants or lipofilling can be combined with the lift.

02 | Will breast lift scars be visible?

Scars are inevitable but typically fade and soften over time. Their position depends on the method used, but they are usually placed in areas that can be concealed by most clothing or bras.

03 | How long do breast lift results last?

While breast lift results can be long-lasting, they are not permanent. Factors affecting longevity include skin elasticity, aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy/breastfeeding. Most women enjoy the benefits for many years, with some results lasting a decade or more. However, the natural aging process will continue, and some degree of sagging may reoccur over time

04 | What are the typical breast lift incision patterns?

Common incision patterns include: around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease.

05 | What are the risks of breast lift surgery?

Like any surgery, a breast lift has some risks, including:

• Infection.

• Poor scarring.

• Changes in nipple or breast sensation.

• Asymmetry.

• Delayed wound healing.

• Bleeding.

• In rare cases, more severe complications like nipple loss/necrosis can occur, especially to smokers.

06 | How much does Breast Lift cost in UK?

As a plastic surgeon, I would say that the price of a breast lift in the UK depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the surgical technique used, and whether any additional procedures are performed at the same time. During your consultation, either I or one of our patient advisors will go through all the details and provide a clear, personalised breakdown of the costs based on your needs.
Typically, the price for a breast uplift ranges between £7,000 and £9,000, depending on your individual treatment plan and hospital fees.

08 | How painful is the recovery?

There will be discomfort in early days, managed with pain medication. Swelling and bruising are normal.

07 | Will I be able to breastfeed afterwards?

Most likely yes, especially if the nipple-areola complex is left attached, but it cannot always be guaranteed. It also depends on the technique and healing.

09 | When will I see final results?

You’ll see improvement immediately, but the final shape and scar maturity will develop over several months (often 3-6 months or more).

Considering Breast Lift in Manchester, UK?

Book your free consultation with me at Transform Clinic.