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A mastopexy raises and reshapes your breast by removing excess skin +/- small volume of breast tissues and redrapes your remaining tissues into a more supported and elevated position. It can reposition your nipple to a more natural height, improve firmness, and reduce stretched areolae.

A breast uplift changes breast position rather than size. You can add implants during the same operation (augmentation-mastopexy).

You might choose this procedure to improve breast shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, weight loss or natural asymmetry.

Key facts about mastopexy

Benefits of mastopexy

Improves breast shape and firmness caret-down

Removes excess skin and supports your natural breast tissue for a more uplifted shape.

Repositions the nipple to a natural height caret-down

Helps restore a balanced, comfortable breast position.

Helps you feel more confident caret-down

Many people feel more at ease wearing fitted tops, swimwear and bras after surgery.

Can correct changes after pregnancy or weight loss caret-down

Improves shape and symmetry where volume or skin elasticity has changed.

Can be combined with implants caret-down

If you want additional volume as well as lift.

Who mastopexy may help

A mastopexy may help if you:

  • Notice your breasts have dropped or lost firmness
  • Feel your nipple sits below the breast crease
  • Have changes in shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss
  • Prefer a lifted contour without implants
  • Are at a stable weight and have a BMI below 30
  • Would like to improve confidence in clothing and daily comfort

A mastopexy may not be the right choice if you:

  • Are planning significant weight loss
  • Have a BMI over 30 (higher complication risk)
  • Smoke or cannot stop nicotine use before and after surgery
  • Expect perfectly symmetrical breasts (natural variation remains)
  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwell on the day of surgery

 

Your Journey

We support you through surgery and beyond

1

Your consultation caret-down

 

Your consultation will be calm, detailed and informed. Your surgeon will assess your breast shape, nipple position and skin quality, discuss your goals, and explain the options that suit your anatomy.
You’ll receive a personalised clinic letter summarising your plan, recommended technique and expected recovery.

2

Pre-surgery preparation caret-down

 

To help you prepare safely:

  • You may need blood tests, an ECG or a pre-operative assessment
  • Stop HRT and oral contraceptives 6 weeks before surgery and 3 weeks after surgery
  • Stop GLP-1 weight-loss medication 3 weeks before and after surgery
  • Continue GLP-1 medication if used for diabetes
  • Stop aspirin, clopidogrel and NSAIDs (e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen) 7 days before (unless we advise otherwise)
  • Stop Factor Xa inhibitors (eg Riveroxiban, Apixaban, Edoxaban, etc.) 48 hours before (unless advised otherwise)
  • Avoid smoking for at least 6 weeks before and after
  • Avoid alcohol, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatories for one week before surgery
  • Ensure you are well and free from colds or infections
  • Follow fasting instructions
  • Maintain a BMI below 30 and a stable weight

3

Day of surgery caret-down

 

A breast uplift is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes around 3 hours.
Incisions depend on the degree of lift required (periareolar, vertical or anchor pattern). The nipple is kept in a well-vascularised pedicle, and the breast tissue is reshaped for a firm, uplifted contour.
Dissolvable stitches are used, and a support bra is fitted before you leave the theatre. Most patients return home the same day or after one night.

4

Treatment and recovery caret-down

 

You can expect mild swelling, tightness and bruising for several days.
You should wear a support bra day and night for 6 weeks.
Gentle movement is encouraged, but lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4 – 6 weeks.
Your scars will soften gradually over 12 – 18 months.

Led by experience

At The Antler Clinic, you’ll be cared for by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr David Izadi, whose work combines advanced surgical expertise with the calm, honest approach patients value most.

 

With over two decades of experience in reconstructive, aesthetic, and hand surgery – including international fellowships in rhinoplasty and hand surgery, and a dedicated cosmetic surgery fellowship. 

Every plan begins with listening to what matters most to you.

Frequently asked questions about mastopexy

A quick guide to the things most people want to know before and after their procedure.

How long does a breast uplift last? caret-down

The results of a breast uplift are long-lasting, but ageing, gravity and weight changes will continue to affect your breast shape over time. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your outcome.

Is a mastopexy painful? caret-down

Most people experience mild to moderate discomfort for the first few days after their mastopexy, which is well-managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Will a breast uplift make my breasts smaller? caret-down

A mastopexy lifts and reshapes your breast. It removes skin but not breast tissue, so size changes are usually minimal.

How long is recovery after mastopexy? caret-down

Most patients return to light activity 1–2 weeks after their mastopexy. You should avoid full exercise and lifting for 4–6 weeks.

What scars can I expect after a breast uplift? caret-down

All breast uplifts leave permanent scars. These may sit around your areola, vertically down the breast, or sometimes along the crease, depending on the technique. Your scars will typically fade over 12–18 months.

Who is a good candidate for a breast uplift? caret-down

People with sagging, loss of firmness, nipple descent or changes after pregnancy or weight loss may benefit from a breast uplift, provided they have a stable BMI and are in good general health.

Can a breast uplift be combined with implants? caret-down

Yes. If you want increased volume as well as lift, implants can be added during the same procedure as a mastopexy. Your surgeon will go through this option in your consultation and work out whether this is the best choice for you.

How long do I need to wear a support bra? caret-down

A support bra should be worn day and night for 6 weeks after your mastopexy procedure to protect the repair and aid healing

Is a mastopexy safe? caret-down

Breast uplift surgery is considered safe when performed by a trained surgeon. All procedures carry risks, which will be discussed during your consultation. Your surgeon will send a comprehensive list of complications to you after your consultation

Can I breastfeed after a mastopexy? caret-down

It’s often possible for you to breastfeed after a mastopexy, especially if the nipple and ducts remain intact. Your milk supply may be reduced. Success depends on the surgical technique used. Lactation support improves your breastfeeding outcomes.

I have significantly drooping breasts. Can I get a natural result from an uplift? caret-down

Mr Izadi is an expert in body contouring. He will discuss tailored techniques, known as auto-augmentation This uses your own breast tissues like an implant to achieve projection and a natural looking contour.

clear and transparent costs

Pricing and Finance

You will receive a clear quotation setting out the cost of your treatment and what is included before you decide whether to proceed.

Consultation Fees caret-down

A new consultation is charged at £200.

Follow-up consultations are charged at £150, unless the appointment forms part of an agreed surgical package or postoperative follow-up pathway.

Consultation fees are payable regardless of whether surgery is subsequently arranged. A consultation provides assessment, advice and discussion of treatment options; it does not guarantee that surgery will be recommended or offered.

Non-Attendance and Late Cancellation caret-down

Patients are kindly asked to provide at least three working days’ notice if they need to cancel or rearrange an appointment.

Non-attendance, or cancellation with less than three working days’ notice, will incur a fee of £125. This fee reflects the clinical time reserved for the appointment and the difficulty of offering the appointment to another patient at short notice.

Self-Pay Surgery Packages caret-down

For self-pay patients, surgery is usually provided as a fixed-price package. This is intended to give patients clarity and reassurance about the cost of their planned procedure.

Your written quotation will confirm what is included. In most cases, the package price includes:

  • Hospital fees for the planned procedure

  • Surgeon’s fee

  • Anaesthetist’s fee, where applicable

  • Standard postoperative follow-up appointments relating to the procedure

  • Routine aftercare directly related to the planned surgery, as specified in your quotation

Package prices are based on the procedure agreed at the time of booking. If the surgical plan changes, if additional procedures are requested, or if further treatment is required outside the agreed package, additional fees may apply.

Complication Cover caret-down

Self-pay surgical packages usually include a period of cover for the treatment of complications directly related to the procedure. The exact terms, duration and exclusions of this cover are set by the hospital where your surgery is performed.

Depending on the hospital, complication cover may apply for a defined period, which may be 6 or 12 months. Full details will be provided by the relevant hospital before surgery.

Complication cover is not a guarantee that all future treatment, revision surgery or additional procedures will be provided without charge. Cover may not apply to unrelated medical problems, pre-existing conditions, treatment required outside the hospital’s terms, or surgery requested for aesthetic preference rather than a recognised complication.

In an emergency, patients should seek urgent medical attention through the most appropriate service, including NHS emergency care where necessary.

Revision Surgery and Further Procedures caret-down

Every effort is made to achieve the best possible outcome, but no surgical procedure can guarantee a specific result, perfect symmetry, invisible scarring or complete satisfaction. Healing, scarring, swelling and final results vary between individuals.

If revision surgery is required because of a complication, eligibility for cover will depend on the hospital’s package terms and the clinical circumstances.

If surgery has been performed to an appropriate clinical standard, but a patient remains dissatisfied with the aesthetic outcome or wishes to pursue further refinement, any revision or additional surgery will usually incur further charges. These may include hospital fees, surgeon’s fees and anaesthetic fees.

Additional Costs and Exclusions caret-down

Unless specifically included in your written quotation, additional costs may apply for investigations, scans, specialist opinions, extra procedures, further hospital admissions, prescriptions, dressings, garments, travel, accommodation, time off work or treatment unrelated to the planned surgery.

The written quotation and the hospital’s own terms and conditions will take precedence over any general information provided on this website.

Payment Terms caret-down

Payment terms, deposits, cancellation policies and refund arrangements are determined by the hospital where your procedure is booked. These will be provided to you before surgery.

Surgery can only proceed once all required payments have been received and all relevant consent, preoperative assessment and hospital requirements have been completed.

Finance caret-down

To help make treatment more affordable, you may choose to spread the cost of your procedure through a personal medical loan with Chrysalis Finance. Subject to eligibility and approval, Chrysalis offers a range of flexible finance options, allowing you to pay for your treatment in manageable monthly instalments rather than a single upfront payment.

The hospitals we work with offer finance options through Chrysalis Finance. Please contact your chosen hospital directly for further information or to discuss any questions.

 

Get in Touch

Your next step starts with a conversation.

A consultation at The Antler Clinic is simply a chance to talk – to ask questions, explore your options, and decide what feels right for you.

You’ll leave with clarity, reassurance, and the same calm support that defines everything we do.

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