breast implants scotland/ breast augmentation

Breast Uplift in Edinburgh

Breasts change with pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change, and age — and for many women the loss of shape matters more than the loss of size. Breast uplift surgery (mastopexy) at Quaba Plastic Surgery restores the position and shape of the breast, performed by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh. The consultant who examines you at consultation plans your uplift, performs it, and reviews your result.

ARRANGE A CONSULTATION

To say I’m happy would just be an understatement….

I had breast surgery at the waterfront private hospital 2 weeks ago. I can honestly say it was the best experience I could have hoped for and more. From the initial consultation with Mr Omar Quaba right through to the surgery itself and then to the aftercare, all went so perfectly. It felt like a spa day at a luxury resort. The nursing staff are the most friendly people and looked after me so well. And Mr Quaba, he has changed my life. I had a breast uplift only, after having 2 children and being unhappy with my breasts for years. They now look perfect and even better than they’ve ever looked. Thank you so very much. I would highly recommend if anyone is thinking of having a cosmetic procedure. Just go for it 🙂

Claire

Trustpilot Nov 2024

Breast uplift overview

TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC

General

LENGTH OF SURGERY

2-3 Hours

HOSPITAL STAY

Day case at Waterfront Private Hospital, or overnight at our partner facility in Edinburgh for some patients

RECOVERY

1-2 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise

What breast uplift involves

A breast uplift (mastopexy) removes loose skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and moves the nipple to a higher position on the breast, without significantly changing breast size. Surgery takes place at Waterfront Private Hospital under general anaesthesia, takes 2 to 3 hours, and is usually performed as a day case.

The pattern of incisions depends on how much lift is needed. The main types are described below — a periareolar lift for very mild drooping, a vertical scar lift for moderate drooping, and an anchor-shaped lift, the most common, for more significant drooping. Animated video guides showing the different types are available on this page.

The consultant who examines you at consultation selects the technique with you, performs your surgery at Waterfront Private Hospital, and reviews your result.

What types of breast uplift are available?

There are many types of breast uplift procedures that can be tailored to your needs. A mild droop can sometimes be improved by increasing the breast volume with a breast implant alone (see breast augmentation). More severe drooping can be treated by removing loose skin and tightening it. This is similar to breast reduction, but little breast tissue is removed. Please view our animated video guides showing the different breast lift types.

Periareolar breast lift

A periareolar uplift is where the scars are around the nipples only. This breast lift may be suitable for correcting very mild drooping, especially if the nipple-areola requires a size reduction. Skin is removed from around the nipple in a doughnut fashion.

Vertical scar breast lift

With a vertical scar lift, the scar is described as a lollipop scar – around the nipple and vertically down below it towards the breast crease. This technique can be used for moderate breast lifts.

Anchor-shaped breast uplift

An anchor-shaped lift is the most common uplift. This procedure allows for correcting significant breast droopiness and can give the most consistent results. The scars are around the nipple, vertically and along the breast crease.

Benefits of breast uplift

A breast uplift restores breast shape and nipple position rather than size: the breast sits higher on the chest wall, the nipple points forward rather than down, and clothes and bras fit as they should.

Restored breast position and shape: the breast is lifted to a more natural height on the chest wall, with improved firmness.
Improved symmetry: differences in breast height or shape that have developed over time or after pregnancy can be corrected.
Less skin irritation: lifting the breast reduces the skin-on-skin contact beneath the breast fold that causes soreness and rashes.
More comfortable activity: a lifted, better-supported breast makes exercise and everyday activity more comfortable.

Research published in the British Journal of Plastic Surgery records improvements in body image and quality of life after breast uplift surgery. The shape settles over about six months and continues to refine for up to 18 months; results vary with individual anatomy and skin quality.

View breast uplift before and after

Uplift alone or uplift with implants?

An uplift alone restores position and shape — it does not add volume. If the upper part of your breast feels empty and you want fullness as well as lift, an uplift can be combined with implants (augmentation mastopexy) or with fat transfer.

Uplift alone: right where drooping is the main concern and you are happy with your breast size. The breast can look slightly smaller, but with a much-improved shape.
Uplift with implants (augmentation mastopexy): adds reliable volume and upper-pole fullness alongside the lift. This is a more complicated procedure and needs careful assessment before surgery.
Uplift with fat transfer: adds a modest amount of volume using your own tissue, harvested by liposuction — a subtler change than implants.

Very mild drooping can occasionally be improved with an implant alone — see breast augmentation. Which option suits your anatomy and goals is assessed at consultation with the consultant who would perform your surgery.

Who is an ideal candidate for breast uplift?

You may be a good candidate for breast uplift if your breasts droop or sag, your nipples point downwards or sit below the breast crease, or the upper half of your breasts feels empty. Many women describe having lost the shape of their breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change.

You are in good general health and a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking well before surgery.
Your weight is stable; significant weight change after surgery alters the result.
You have completed your family, or accept that future pregnancy may change the result.
You accept the permanent scars an uplift leaves in exchange for the improved shape.

An uplift may not be the right operation if you are mainly looking for a size increase — breast augmentation may suit better — or if you are planning pregnancy or significant weight loss in the near future. Suitability and timing are assessed at consultation.

Risks and considerations of breast uplift

A breast uplift is performed under general anaesthesia, and most patients have an uneventful recovery. General surgical risks include anaesthetic complications (very rare, approximately 1 in 100,000), blood clots in the legs or lungs — precautions are taken against both — and chest infection.

When an uplift is combined with breast implants there are additional implant-related risks; these are covered on the breast augmentation page. The risks specific to breast uplift are listed below and discussed in detail at your consultation, where your individual risk is assessed.

Bleeding (2%) or less

Some patients experience bleeding after surgery that may require a return to theatre. This is usually identified within the first 24 hours.

Infection (2-3%)

Usually treated effectively with antibiotics. Serious infections are rare.

Wound Healing Issues

Some areas, particularly where incisions meet (T-junctions), may take longer to heal. This is more common in smokers and those with certain medical conditions.

Fat necrosis

Fat necrosis is a rare complication where some breast fat does not survive and can look like an infection. It can take several weeks to resolve and may result in a contour defect.

Changes in nipple sensitivity

Nipples can sometimes be more sensitive or less sensitive after surgery, and sensitivity changes over time. This is an expected outcome.

Pull on the nipples

Sometimes the nipples can be pulled or inverted when moved to their new position.

Nipple loss

Nipple loss is a rare complication, with a higher risk in smokers and in larger lifts.

Breastfeeding

There is the possibility of reduced ability to breastfeed, although some studies show women who have had a breast uplift are just as likely to breastfeed as those who have not.

Asymmetry

Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed, as some degree of asymmetry exists naturally. Your surgeon will aim for the most balanced result possible.

Scarring

Scars are permanent and may be unpredictable and red for some time. Most women rarely complain about the nature of scars following breast uplift; scars usually stretch over time and fade in colour. You will be shown images at consultation highlighting the full extent of the scarring.

Under or over correction

Removing too much or too little breast tissue is possible, and the final size can never be guaranteed. Patients rarely mention that they feel too much tissue has been removed.

Risk of picking up breast cancer

There is the theoretical risk of breast cancer being detected in any removed breast tissue, which is sent for analysis. We will advise you on whether preoperative breast screening is required.

Revision

A small number of patients (fewer than 1 in 20) may require minor revision, usually performed under local anaesthetic.

Aftercare and recovery after breast uplift

Most women are back at desk-based work within one to two weeks of a breast uplift and feel fully recovered by six weeks. A supportive bra is worn day and night in the early weeks, driving resumes once you are off strong painkillers and can perform an emergency stop, and strenuous exercise waits until six weeks. The week-by-week pattern of recovery is set out below.

A nurse reviews you at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant sees you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.

Detailed instructions and advice are available on the breast uplift aftercare page.

First week

You’ll receive pain medication and detailed aftercare instructions before leaving the hospital
Most patients experience moderate discomfort rather than severe pain
You’ll have some swelling, bruising and tightness in your breasts
You’ll wear a special supportive bra 24/7 to help with healing
Short walks help circulation, but avoid lifting arms above shoulder height
You can shower but try not to soak your dressings too much
You’ll attend a follow-up appointment with our nurses at the end of week 1 to remove outer dressings

Second week

Discomfort typically reduces significantly
Many patients feel comfortable returning to desk-based work
Bruising begins to fade, though swelling continues
You’ll need to remove the paper tape (steri-strips) at the end of week 2
You can resume driving if you’re no longer taking strong painkillers

Weeks 3 to 6

Most normal daily activities can be resumed
Your breasts will still feel firm and may sit slightly high initially
Continue wearing your supportive bra as advised
You can begin moisturising your scars with a plain moisturiser or bio-oil
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or activities that bounce the breasts until week 6

Beyond six weeks

Your breasts will gradually settle into their new position
Scars will begin to fade (a process that continues for 12-18 months)
Most patients can resume all normal activities including exercise
The final shape of your breasts will become apparent over 4-6 months as all swelling resolves

Explore Breast lift aftercare

Nurse reviewing a patient at Waterfront Private Hospital, Edinburgh

What is the cost of breast uplift surgery?

Breast uplift surgery at Quaba starts from £8,800.

Breast uplift (mastopexy): from £8,800
Uplift with implants (augmentation mastopexy): from £11,800
Uplift with fat transfer: from £11,200

Each price covers the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, the hospital and theatre fee at Waterfront Private Hospital, and all post-operative reviews until you are fully discharged.

The full price for your individual case can only be confirmed after a face-to-face consultation with the consultant who will perform your surgery. Our consultation fee with a consultant plastic surgeon is £200. Where a further consultation would help you reach a decision, this is offered without additional charge.

Frequently asked questions about breast uplift

Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my breast uplift?

Yes. The consultant who assesses you at your first appointment is the consultant who plans your surgery, performs it at Waterfront Private Hospital, and reviews you afterwards. There are no handovers between consultants.

What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?

How much does breast uplift surgery cost?

Breast uplift at Quaba starts from £8,800. An uplift combined with implants (augmentation mastopexy) starts from £11,800, and an uplift with fat transfer from £11,200. Each price covers the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, the hospital and theatre fee at Waterfront Private Hospital, and all post-operative reviews until you are fully discharged.

Is a mastopexy the same as a breast uplift?

Yes. Mastopexy is the medical term for breast uplift surgery — the two names describe the same operation, which lifts and reshapes the breast and repositions the nipple. “Breast lift” is also commonly used.

Is a breast uplift a major surgical procedure?

A breast uplift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure performed under a general anaesthetic. It lasts 2 to 3 hours and can be performed as a day-case procedure or with an overnight stay. Most patients have an uneventful recovery, and satisfaction rates are high. When a breast lift is combined with breast implants, the surgery is more complicated and recovery may be more involved.

Can I still breastfeed after a breast uplift?

Depending on the extent of your procedure, many women may still breastfeed after a breast uplift. However, the possibility remains that you may not be able to breastfeed. Some studies have shown that women who have had breast lifts are as able to breastfeed as those who have not; many women who have never had breast surgery also struggle to breastfeed.

Will a breast uplift make my breasts look smaller?

A breast uplift usually involves removing a little breast tissue. It can make your breasts look smaller but with a much-improved shape — for many women this is the desired outcome. Where volume is also wanted, a small improvement can be achieved by injecting fat at the time of the uplift, and more significant increases by combining the uplift with implants (augmentation mastopexy).

Will a breast uplift make my breasts fuller?

A breast uplift will improve the overall shape of your breasts and lift the breasts and nipples. While it can add some fullness to the upper part of your breasts, this will be subtle and not the same effect you would achieve with breast implants. A lift combined with implants or fat transfer may be a better option if you want added volume. You can see examples in our before and after gallery.

I'm worried about scars – how long does it take for them to settle down?

The main downside to breast lift surgery is that it leaves scars around the nipple and vertical or anchor-shaped scars. There is no way to lift breasts that have dropped beyond a certain point without removing and tightening skin, and the nipple cannot be moved upwards without cutting around it. Scars can take up to 18 months to mature, sometimes longer; most before-and-after photographs show results at around six months, when scars can still be red, and significant fading can be expected beyond that. There is considerable variability between patients.

How do you move the nipples up, do you have to detach them?

To move the nipples up to a higher position on the breast, a cut is made around them. The areola is reduced in size as it has usually been stretched. The nipple remains attached to the underlying breast tissue to keep a blood supply, and the tissue is repositioned with the nipple attached so it sits at a higher position on the breast.

What is recovery like after a breast uplift?

Surgery is carried out as a day procedure at Waterfront Private Hospital, or with an overnight stay at our partner facility in Edinburgh. You are seen in the dressing clinic one week after surgery to have your outer dressings removed. Take at least one week off work to rest. The wounds should be fully healed by two weeks, though this can take longer with delayed healing. Light exercise can usually be resumed at four weeks, and you should fully recover by six weeks.

How long will it take for my breast shape to settle?

At first your breasts will be tight and can look a little “boxy” in shape. By six months they will look much more rounded, and they continue to improve in shape for up to 18 months.

Change in breast shape over the first six months after breast uplift

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Author

Mr Will Anderson

Mr Will Anderson is a fully accredited Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Edinburgh on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery (3679250). Having served as an NHS Consultant since 2008, he specialises in reconstructive, cosmetic and laser surgery, and holds an MSc from University College London. He practises at Quaba Plastic Surgery and Waterfront Private Hospital.