FAQ

• What is a breast lift with implant procedure?

  Breast augmentation and mastopexy, or a breast lift with implants, is an operation that combines breast augmentation and an uplift of the breast. This form of breast lift and augmentation is often performed as the best solution for drooping breasts.

• how is the procedure carried out?

  Prior to your breast lift and augmentation, you will have a detailed consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon.

  During your mastopexy consultation, your surgeon will discuss any problem areas, desired improvements, the options available to you, and your expected outcomes.

  Should breast lift with implants be agreed upon as the most suitable treatment, the procedure will be carried out by your surgeon in our in-house operating theatre. Before your mastopexy surgery, you will be carefully marked. The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic as a day case. The implant is inserted through the mastopexy incisions, the nipple is lifted, and the skin is tightened to give a pleasing shape.

• how does the procedure feel?

  A breast lift and augmentation procedure is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, which is administered by one of our highly experienced consultant anaesthetists. This is done to ensure the patient’s total comfort for the duration of the procedure.

• what size will my breasts be?

  During your consultation, breast implant shells are inserted into a special bra that simulates the eventual size you will be for any given implant. You are given the opportunity to see how the increased volume will affect your body shape. It is important to realise that this is only a guide, as the shells sit on top of your natural breast tissue.

• Will I get lots of upper pole fullness and will my breasts become droopy again?

  Initially, the upper pole of the breast will be full, as the skin settles it is inevitable that the breast will fall a little. Very occasionally the skin may require re-tightening. It is essential to maintain a stable weight after surgery, as weight fluctuations may cause the skin to become stretched.

• Will the area be painful after surgery?

  It is usual to experience some mild discomfort after your breast lift with implants surgery, but this will settle as normal healing progresses.

• is there any downtime?

  Mastopexy surgery is usually performed as a day case under a general anaesthetic. Depending on your personal circumstances, it is possible to stay overnight at the Coppergate Clinic in one of our luxuriously appointed rooms. Our highly experienced medical team will be on hand during your stay to care for your needs.

  After breast lift and augmentation surgery, it is normal to be a little tender over the chest area. Normally, you will need a couple of weeks off work and will need to avoid vigorous exercise for around six weeks.

  Showering is permitted on the second postoperative day. It is essential to wear a sports bra during the day and at night in the weeks following the surgery.

• what are the principles of breast aesthetics?

  The breast should be proportional to the overall body shape. It should complement the female form and balance the figure.

  If such a thing ever exists, perfect breasts should be symmetrical, rounded with upper pole fullness and a very slightly concave upper pole. The nipple should be situated slightly above the mid point of the breast.

• what factors influence breast aesthetics?

  The developing shape of the breast is determined by our genetic makeup and influenced by hormonal and other metabolic processes. Over time, the breast will undergo changes influenced by life events, such as:

  • Weight gain and loss –  this may cause the breast to increase and decrease. The associated skin may stretch and then slacken.
  • Pregnancy – the breast volume will increase with a growth in glandular and fatty tissue. The breast will become fuller as the body prepares for lactation.
  • After pregnancy and lactation – the breast tissue will involute and, as a consequence, the breast will often appear under-filled. The skin of the breast may become looser, and as the suspension ligaments of the breast become stretched, the breast may become more droopy (ptotic).
  • Menopause –  the breast loses its glandular elements and becomes fattier. The consequence of this is that the firmness and fullness of the breast decreases and they may become slightly larger.