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How A Breast Lift Can Tackle Ageing Boobs

When a person visits a cosmetic surgeon during a consultation for a breast lift, the surgeon examines the patient and discusses the procedure in great detail, including the risks and benefits, and to ensure that the results are achievable.

Mrs Carla M Babicki  |  RGN

Last Updated On: June 5, 2023 | Published On: November 19, 2018

mr-shivram-singh-2

Medically reviewed by Mr Shivram Singh MBBS, FRCSI, FRCS (Plast), Medical Director & Lead,
Medical Advisory Committee for Manchester Private Hospital
Last Reviewed August 12th 2022

How A Breast Lift Can Tackle Ageing Boobs

A breast uplift, also known as mastopexy, is designed to realistically achieve an aesthetic body goal desired by the patient.

A patient often enquires about a breast lift when they meet any or all of the following criteria:

  • Sagging boobs, also known as prolapsed breasts, which can be caused by weight loss, menopause and diminishment of the milk glands following pregnancy.
  • Excess skin / lack of skin elasticity on the breasts.
  • Drooping breasts with nipples that point towards the floor.
  • Regardless of the reasons for considering a breast lift, a specialist cosmetic surgeon is able to assess your individual circumstances, listen to your concerns and provide advice on whether the procedure is actually right for you.

Different Types Of Breast Lift

There are a number of different types of breast lift available depending on your circumstances.

Once you are able to identify the root cause of sagging breasts, you can then understand which procedure will work best for you and your desired goals.

breast uplift manchester

It is worth noting that a breast uplift procedure is designed to ‘fix’ the boob skin ‘envelope’ and not the actual composition of the breast such as tissue / substance.

Full Breast Uplift

  • A full breast uplift is often performed using 3 incisions.
  • Excess skin can be removed.
  • Designed to elevate the boobs to a more natural and youthful position.
  • The diameter of the outer nipple can be reduced.
  • Some visible scarring and some scars hidden by the natural folds of the breast.


Modified Breast Uplift

  • A modified breast uplift has fewer incisions and less scarring.
  • Procedure is more limited than a ‘full’ lift as it does not allow for as many changes to the skin envelope of the boob.
  • Often performed in conjunction with another procedure such as augmentation.
  • It is not uncommon for a breast uplift to be performed at the same time as another procedure.

However, if the surgery is being performed because of the use of implants, then different techniques are required.

Breast sagging is a common side effect to having a boob job (implants), because of the extra weight and stress of the implant on the tissues and muscles within the chest.

Overstretching the skin to accommodate the implant can also impact on the elasticity of the skin and natural breast tissue.

Boob Ptosis

When your boobs sag, droop or hang lower than they once did, this is known as ptosis.

The most common cause of saggy breasts is gravity, especially in older patients.

Women who have already gone through menopause often experience an increase in ptosis because of the aged skin, which naturally becomes overstretched and loses elasticity.

However, younger and middle aged women can also experience ptosis for a number of reasons, including;

  • Disproportionate body shape / type
  • Very large breasts
  • Hormone changes
  • Depleted fat tissue / milk glands

In the medical world, boob ptosis severity is actually measured on a grading scale from 1 to 4.

  • Mild
  • Moderate
  • Advanced
  • Severe

This scale mostly applies to natural breasts than have never had other surgery such as implants.

How The Breast Is Changed During Lift Surgery

The boob is made up of a number of different elements, which are either directly or indirectly altered over time naturally as we age.

These elements are then corrected during an uplift procedure.

The elements include:

  • Pectoral Muscle
  • Thoracic Wall
  • Nipple
  • Areola
  • Fat Tissue
  • Milk Duct
  • Skin Envelope

The ligaments from the chest suspend the boobs.

Skin also plays a crucial role, which is why when it loses elasticity or is overstretched can cause sagging.

To correct the sagging, a surgeon will make a number of incisions to the breasts.

Skin will be removed from the nipple area (areola) and from underneath your boob.

This will allow for reshaping of the breasts in to a tighter shape and nipples can be repositioned to suit the new shape.

If you are combining your procedure with breast implants, your surgeon will insert the implant (usually silicone) behind the chest muscle or underneath your breast tissue.

After the repositioning of the breasts, incisions will then be stitched and you will be ready for recovery.

Following your aftercare and recovery plan, you will be able to remove any support clothing and see your results instantly. To know more about breast uplift, please visit: https://temp.manchesterprivatehospital.uk/cosmetic-surgery/breast-uplift/

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