What To Expect From Breast Uplift Surgery

30th April 2026

If you find yourself looking in the mirror at how your breasts have changed over time, you’re not alone.

Many women consider how they can improve the shape and position of their breasts, so they can get back to a more youthful breast shape.

One effective method for doing this is through breast uplift surgery (mastopexy).

It is a proven and safe surgical procedure that can lift sagging breasts and loose skin, giving you natural-looking results and more balance to your body shape.

Pregnancy, significant weight loss, or ageing can lead to changes in your breast tissue, so it is normal if you are exploring your options, including a breast uplift procedure.

The first step is always the biggest, and finding a qualified and trusted plastic surgeon is key to feeling comfortable and confident that you are making an informed decision.

Mr Paul Banwell, is known for his honest, and personalised approach to patient care and delivering exceptional results. He specialises in advanced breast surgery, including how to reshape sagging breasts.

If you are curious about a breast uplift mastopexy, he will take you through what to expect from breast uplift surgery.

Or, if you want to speak to Mr Banwell in-person, you can also book an initial consultation to ask him questions in a confidential and relaxed setting.

What is breast uplift surgery or mastopexy?

Breast lift surgery also known as mastopexy is a common surgical procedure that helps to lift, and tighten breast skin by removing any excess skin.

The aim of a breast lift procedure is to reshape and lift sagging breasts, so that you achieve a firmer and more youthful breast shape and position.

It not only removes loose skin, and reshapes the breast tissue, but it can also involve repositioning the nipples to a higher and more natural height.

By reshaping the breast tissue, removing extra skin, and elevating the nipples, we are helping to correct dropping breasts and give you better symmetry overall.

Does a breast lift also include breast implants?

No, breast uplift surgery does not need to include the use of breast implants (breast augmentation).

In some cases, patients may want us to insert breast implants as part of their breast uplift to give them more volume, while also lifting the breasts. This is known as augmentation mastopexy.

If you are looking to remove sagging skin and reposition your breasts to a more natural height, breast lift surgery is your best option.

If you have lost fullness in your drooping breasts, Mr Banwell may recommend combining a lift with breast augmentation surgery to reshape and add volume.

Can I have breast reduction with breast lift surgery?

Yes, we can perform a breast reduction to reduce breast size, while also lifting the breasts.

In fact, a combined surgery can help you achieve smaller breasts that are firmer, lighter and in a more natural position.

Women may opt for breast reduction surgery with mastopexy to achieve a more balanced result with only one recovery period.

The benefits of a breast lift procedure

We find that many women decide to choose private breast uplift surgery because pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss has changed the way their breasts look and feel.

The main benefits of breast uplift surgery include:

To correct breast asymmetry – giving women more naturally even breasts
An improved and more youthful breast shape – placing them in an aesthetically pleasing position on the chest
Reposition the nipples and areolas – to a more natural and forward-pointing position
Remove excess skin – for firmer and higher breasts
A more defined and contoured breast crease or fold
To reduce physical discomfort – when breasts sag they can cause back pain and other physical issues include skin irritation.
Fit better in clothes – you will feel more confident in swimwear and different types of tops

Whether you are someone who has large breasts or small breasts, breast uplift surgery can be tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals.

What happens during a breast uplift mastopexy?

Making the right decision for you when it comes to breast surgery, includes understanding what to expect during each stage of a breast uplift.

The initial consultation

Your first step is to meet with Mr Banwell at one of our clinics, so he can assess your breasts, skin condition and look at your medical history.

He will discuss with you what your main concerns are and the type of results you can expect to see from a breast uplift procedure.

He will also provide a breast lift guide that will help you prepare for breast uplift surgery, outline the possible risks and complications, and what will happen during the recovery period.

Your breast lift surgery

You will have breast lift surgery under general anaesthetic.

Mr Banwell will use a special pen to mark where your incisions will be. They will normally be around the areola, along breast crease and down from the areola to breast crease.

He will use an advanced surgical technique, such as the Wise pattern technique to ensure better shaping and contouring of the breasts. It also helps to preserve the blood supply, including important blood vessels to the breast and nipples.

Mr Banwell, will remove any excess skin, reposition the nipple and reshape your breast tissue.

If your goal is also to increase fullness, he may insert breast implants to add volume. This will be discussed at your consultation.

We will use dissolvable stitches to close the incisions and apply surgical tape to support the skin and your new breast shape.

What does breast uplift recovery look like?

The recovery and healing process from breast uplift surgery is gradual.

You will have follow-up appointments (post-op visits) during the first few weeks and months (usually 1, 6, 24 weeks after surgery).

You will need to wear a support bra or surgical bra every day for the first six weeks. This helps to reduce swelling, support your breasts, and protect the incisions.

You can start to resume light activity after two weeks after your surgery.

You should avoid strenuous exercise such as cardio or swimming for at least 4-6 weeks.

Mr Banwell will provide you with detailed aftercare advice to ensure your skin and body fully heal.

The initial results from breast lift surgery will show after two weeks.

Most of the swelling should go down within six weeks, and your final newly shaped breasts will show in 3-6 months.

Am I suitable for breast uplift surgery?

You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if:

You have sagging breasts and a loss in firmness
You have downward pointing nipples or nipples below the breast crease
You have loose or stretched skin
You have breast asymmetry (or one is lower than the other)
You have experienced a loss of fullness or breast that look deflated

Mr Banwell will assess your suitability during your consultation. You will need to be a healthy weight, a non-smoker, and not planning any future pregnancies or significant weight loss.

How much does a breast lift cost?

The breast uplift cost will depend on your individual needs and the complexity of your procedure.

If we are combining an uplift with breast reduction or breast enlargement surgery, this will also impact the cost.

Mr Banwell will develop a bespoke treatment plan designed around your personal needs and will go through the cost in detail with you at your consultation.

Talk to Mr Paul Banwell about breast uplift surgery

If reading this guide to breast uplift surgery has left you wanting to know more about a breast lift, or another type of breast surgery, book an initial consultation with Mr Banwell today.

We know that this is a personal decision and having the right information is important.

Mr Banwell is here to support you through every step of your journey with clear and honest advice on how you can achieve natural-looking results that will enhance your natural beauty.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Back to Blog