Breast surgery
Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) in London
A breast uplift, or mastopexy, lifts and reshapes the breast and repositions the nipple, without primarily changing size. It is often considered after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight change, when the skin envelope has stretched and the breast has lost shape.
Take this away with you — view this information as a printable fact sheet or download the PDF, to read at home or share with your family. It supports, but does not replace, your consultation with Miss Hunter.
About a breast uplift
Is it for me?
An uplift suits patients whose main concern is shape and nipple position rather than volume. Suitability depends on your breast shape, skin quality, nipple position and goals. If reducing volume is also important, see breast reduction. If you would like more fullness, an uplift can sometimes be combined with an implant (augmentation-mastopexy) or with breast fat transfer — Miss Hunter will advise on what is realistic for you.
As a specialist breast surgeon, Miss Hunter is well placed to assess your breast shape and skin quality and to recommend the right procedure for you — whether that is an uplift alone or an uplift combined with another procedure.
The procedure
Excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped to restore a higher, fuller shape; the nipple is repositioned. Breast uplift is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes around three hours. It does not usually require drains and is routinely performed as a day-case procedure. In some circumstances—for example, implant-revision surgery—drains may be needed.
There is always a scar around the edge of the nipple. Depending on your starting breast shape and how much lift is needed, there may also be a vertical scar running from the lower edge of the nipple to the fold beneath the breast, and sometimes a horizontal scar within the fold itself — together these form what is described as an ‘anchor’ or ‘inverted T’ pattern. Miss Hunter explains which scar pattern applies to you at consultation and how the scars are placed and cared for afterwards.
Recovery and risks
Most of these cases are performed as a day case without drains. You will wake up with a bra already fitted and can return home the same day once you have been checked by Miss Hunter. You will need to wear a bra such as this day and night for six weeks. Most people take one to two weeks off work. You will be able to do most everyday activities immediately after surgery, but should not engage in heavy lifting, driving or the gym for six weeks. Walking is actively encouraged right from the day of surgery. You should not travel long-haul for six weeks after this surgery. Miss Hunter will advise you regarding sensible timescales for staying in London if you live a distance away.
Risks can include scarring, changes in nipple sensation, effects on breastfeeding, asymmetry, delayed healing, shape changes over time and, occasionally, further surgery. These are discussed fully at consultation.
Your initial consultation is held in person with Miss Hunter at her clinic at Imperial College Healthcare Private Care / Thames View, Charing Cross Hospital. It is an opportunity to discuss what you would like to change, understand the available options and receive honest advice, with no obligation to proceed. If you decide that you would like to go ahead, a second consultation is always arranged with Miss Hunter to confirm the surgical plan and answer any further questions. The second consultation is held in person where a further examination is needed; otherwise, it may take place by telephone.
Miss Hunter has an extensive library of before-and-after photographs of her own patients. These are reviewed during consultation rather than shown publicly, so that patient confidentiality is protected and relevant examples can be chosen for your individual discussion.
Common questions about breast uplift
What is the difference between an uplift and an augmentation?
An uplift reshapes and lifts existing tissue and repositions the nipple; an augmentation adds volume with an implant. Some patients benefit from both together. Miss Hunter advises on the right approach after assessing you.
Will an uplift last?
An uplift restores shape, but the breast continues to be affected by gravity, weight change and time. Miss Hunter talks through what to expect over the longer term.
How do I know if I am suitable?
Suitability is assessed by Miss Hunter at consultation, taking account of your aims, medical background, anatomy and what is realistically possible. Sophie can tell you whether an enquiry is the kind of work Miss Hunter takes on before you book.
Will I see before-and-after photographs?
Yes — during consultation. Relevant examples from Miss Hunter’s own patient library are reviewed with you privately. They are not published online, for confidentiality.
What does recovery involve?
Recovery varies between patients and procedures. General guidance is given here and in your patient information sheet, and individual advice on work, driving, the gym, lifting and travel is given by Miss Hunter around your consultation and surgery.
Who do I contact afterwards?
Sophie coordinates queries before and after surgery and escalates to Miss Hunter directly where clinical input is needed.
Make an enquiry
Speak with Sophie Freud
Sophie, our Practice Manager, is the first person you’ll speak to. She coordinates enquiries, appointments, fees and practical arrangements, and stays a familiar point of contact before and after surgery.
