Mastopexy
A mastopexy reshapes and lifts the breasts by removing excess skin, repositioning the nipple and reorganising the underlying breast tissue. The aim is to create a firmer, more youthful and better-proportioned breast while preserving as much of your natural tissue as possible.
Who is mastopexy suitable for?
A breast uplift may be appropriate if your breasts have:
- Dropped following pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Changed after weight loss
- Lost firmness or upper breast fullness with age
- Nipples that sit low or point downwards
- Stretched skin or enlarged areolae
- Developed a difference in shape or nipple position
The ideal patient is in good general health, has a stable weight and understands that scars are necessary to achieve a meaningful lift. Depending on the degree of droop, scars may be placed around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease and, when required, along the crease itself.
Mastopexy combined with fat grafting
A mastopexy lifts and reshapes the breast but does not necessarily restore lost volume, particularly in the upper part of the breast. Fat grafting can be performed at the same operation to add targeted fullness, soften the breast contours and improve asymmetry without using an implant.
Fat is collected by gentle liposuction—usually from the abdomen, flanks or thighs—carefully prepared and then injected into selected areas of the breast. This combination can provide a natural enhancement while improving both breast shape and body contour.
Some transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed, so the final volume cannot be predicted with complete precision. Further fat-grafting sessions may occasionally be recommended to achieve the desired fullness or symmetry.
Every mastopexy is individually planned according to your breast shape, tissue volume, skin quality and personal goals. Where sufficient breast tissue is available, auto-augmentation techniques may also be used to reposition your own tissue and improve projection without an implant.
I plan and perform your surgery personally, choosing the lift pattern that gives the best shape for the least visible scarring for your particular anatomy.
Assessment & planning
I assess the degree of droop, skin elasticity and nipple position to decide which lift pattern — periareolar, vertical (lollipop) or anchor — will achieve the best shape with the least scarring necessary.
Repositioning the nipple
The nipple and areola are raised to a more youthful position on the breast mound, keeping their blood and nerve supply intact.
Reshaping breast tissue
Breast tissue is reshaped and internally supported to create a firmer, more projected contour, and excess skin is removed.
Closure
Incisions are closed in layers with dissolvable sutures, and you're fitted with a supportive surgical bra before you go home.
Before & After
Coming soon
Before-and-after photographs are shared only with each patient’s consent. Examples will be added here in due course — in the meantime, Dr Borges is happy to discuss expected results at your consultation.
Scar pattern depends on how much lift is needed: a scar around the areola edge alone for a modest lift, a 'lollipop' extending vertically down to the breast crease for a moderate lift, or a full 'anchor' pattern including a scar along the crease for more significant droop. Scars are pink and slightly raised initially, softening and fading over around 12–18 months.
What to expect
A mastopexy is a well-tolerated operation with a manageable recovery for most patients. You'll have 24-hour access to advice from my team throughout, with progress checked at each follow-up.
First few days
Expect swelling, bruising and tightness across the chest; most patients are mobile the same or next day and manage discomfort well with simple painkillers.
Week 1–2
Swelling continues to settle. You'll wear your supportive bra day and night, and most patients feel ready to return to desk-based work within this window.
Week 2–3
Driving typically resumes once movement is comfortable and you can react quickly and safely.
From week 6–8
A gradual return to full exercise, including upper-body activity, can begin as advised at your review, once healing is well established.
Why choose this procedure
Advantages of Mastopexy
A firmer, more youthful shape
Repositioning the breast and nipple higher on the chest restores a more lifted, forward-projecting contour.
Better fit in clothing and swimwear
Many patients find bras and clothing sit more evenly once breast position is corrected.
No implant required
For patients happy with their existing volume, a lift alone avoids the long-term considerations that come with implants.
Can be combined with augmentation
Where more fullness is also wanted, a lift can be combined with an implant or fat transfer in the same operation.
Long-lasting results
With stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, results are generally long-lasting, though breasts will continue to age naturally over time.
Improved confidence
Many women feel more comfortable and confident in fitted clothing and swimwear after a lift.
Risks
As with any surgical procedure, it's essential we discuss the risks together so you're fully informed. While most patients experience no significant complications, potential risks include:
Change in nipple or breast sensation
Temporary or, occasionally, permanent numbness or increased sensitivity can occur, and may affect breastfeeding in future.
Reduced blood supply to the nipple
In rare cases the nipple's blood supply can be compromised during surgery, which can affect healing.
Scarring
Scars can occasionally become thickened or widened, and take up to 18 months to fully settle and fade.
Asymmetry
Breasts are rarely perfectly identical before surgery, and some residual asymmetry in shape, size or nipple position can remain.
Infection
Uncommon, but may occasionally require antibiotics.
Delayed wound healing
Some areas, particularly where scars meet, may take longer to heal than expected, especially in smokers.
Recurrence of droop over time
Breasts will continue to age naturally, and some further drooping over the years is normal.
Mastopexy is a cosmetic procedure and is not routinely funded by the NHS or private medical insurance. Every plan is different, so an exact quote follows your consultation, and a price guide is available on request.
Book a ConsultationLocations
Consultations and surgery take place at accredited hospitals and clinics across Kent and London, with consultations available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4UL
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Wells Health, Fordcombe Hospital
Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD
Google Map →Wells Health, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4QJ
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