Breast Lift Guide

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic breast surgery procedure designed to lift and reshape the breasts for a firmer and more youthful appearance. Many women consider this type of plastic surgery due to changes caused by ageing, pregnancy, weight loss or natural sagging.

Most breast lifts are performed safely and without complications. However, in some cases, issues arise due to surgical negligence. In this guide, we discuss what potential risks you can expect following a breast lift surgery, signs of surgical negligence and the breast lift surgery compensation that could be available to you should you believe your surgeon has failed in their duty of care.

Who is a suitable candidate for a breast uplift?

A breast lift may be suitable for women who are unhappy with the position, shape, or firmness of their breasts. The procedure reshapes and lifts the breasts for a more youthful and balanced appearance.

Other reasons for considering breast uplift surgery include:

• Breasts that have lost shape or appear droopy: this can happen due to ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight fluctuations.

• Nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease: this may occur when breast skin loses elasticity, causing the breasts to sag.

• A loss of volume in the upper part of the breast: some women notice that their breasts appear deflated, particularly after pregnancy or weight loss.

• Asymmetry between the breasts: if one breast sits lower than the other or has a noticeably different shape, a breast lift may help achieve better balance.

Finding a qualified surgeon

Choosing an experienced and properly trained plastic surgeon is essential for achieving the best possible outcome. Patients should look for a surgeon who is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). These organisations set high professional and ethical standards, ensuring that surgeons have undergone the necessary training and have expertise in cosmetic breast surgery.

A consultation with a BAAPS- or BAPRAS-registered surgeon will help determine whether a breast lift alone is the right option or if another procedure, such as a breast lift with implants or a breast reduction, would provide the most suitable outcome.

The procedure: what to expect

A breast lift is typically carried out by a plastic surgeon under general anaesthetic and takes approximately two to three hours. The specific technique used will depend on the amount of lift required, and this determines the incision pattern. Common approaches include:

• Peri-areolar (doughnut lift): a circular incision is made around the areolae, which is generally suitable for mild sagging.

• Vertical (lollipop lift): this involves an incision around the areolae and a vertical cut down the front of the breast. It is often used when moderate sagging is present.

• Anchor lift: this method combines the lollipop lift with an additional horizontal incision along the breast crease. It is generally performed when there is a greater degree of sagging.

During surgery, excess breast skin is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped to achieve a firmer and more uplifted appearance. If necessary, the areolae and nipples are repositioned to create a natural look that complements the new breast shape. Throughout the procedure, blood vessels are carefully preserved to promote healing and minimise complications. Stitches are placed to secure the new contours, and bandages are applied to aid recovery.

Most patients are able to return home on the same day as the surgery, although breast lift recovery time varies from person to person. Swelling and discomfort are expected in the first few days, and prescribed pain medication can help manage any discomfort. A support bra must be worn to reduce strain on healing tissues and improve comfort. While initial healing takes a few weeks, it can take several months for the breasts to settle into their final shape.

Risks and potential complications

As with any surgical procedure, a breast lift carries some risks. While most women heal without issue, some may experience complications. Some risks are a natural part of surgery and the healing process, while others may arise due to surgical error or inadequate aftercare guidance.

Possible complications include:

• Scarring: incisions will leave breast lift scars, which vary in appearance depending on skin type and healing. While scars usually fade over time, some may remain more visible.

• Changes in nipple sensation: temporary numbness or increased sensitivity can occur as the nerves adjust after surgery. In rare cases, these changes may be long-lasting.

• Asymmetry: differences in breast shape or nipple placement may be noticeable once healing is complete. Some degree of asymmetry is natural, but noticeable differences may suggest an issue with surgical planning or execution.

• Poor wound healing: some patients may experience delayed healing, particularly if they smoke or have underlying health conditions. Infections can also occur and may require medical attention.

• Loss of nipple or skin tissue: in rare cases, restricted blood supply can lead to tissue loss. This risk is higher in individuals with poor circulation or those who smoke.

What are the signs a breast lift may have gone wrong?

The breast lift procedure is generally performed safely, with most patients achieving the expected results. However, complications can sometimes arise beyond normal healing difficulties. While some issues may be influenced by individual factors such as skin elasticity and the body’s natural healing response, others may indicate that the surgery was not carried out to an acceptable standard.

Before undergoing a breast lift, the surgeon is expected to provide a clear explanation of realistic outcomes, potential risks and what can be achieved through surgery. This includes discussing possible breast lift scars, the likelihood of asymmetry and how the body may heal.

Possible indications of complications include:

• Uneven or excessive breast lift scars: these may develop if the technique used during surgery was not appropriate or if wounds were not properly closed. While some scarring is expected, the surgeon should discuss the extent and placement of scars beforehand so patients are aware of the likely outcome.

• Noticeable asymmetry: where the breasts heal into noticeably different shapes or sizes, which may suggest an issue with surgical planning or execution. Although minor differences between breasts are normal, a surgeon should discuss how this may appear after surgery.

• Severe pain, infection, or wound breakdown: can sometimes occur as part of the healing process. However, if a surgeon fails to recognise or properly manage an infection, leading to further complications, this could indicate negligence.

• Loss of nipple or breast tissue: this may occur if the blood supply to the area was compromised during surgery, affecting the final breast lift results.

For those unhappy with the appearance of their breast lift, further procedures may be considered. In some cases, reviewing breast lift scar revision before and after comparisons can help individuals decide whether they believe breast lift scar removal or corrective surgery would be beneficial.

If the outcome of the procedure does not meet expectations, some individuals may choose a breast lift with implants to enhance volume and shape or a breast reduction if they feel their breasts appear larger than expected.

Alternatively, if the results are far from what was discussed before surgery, or if complications have arisen that could have been prevented with proper surgical technique or post-operative care, it may be worth considering whether surgical negligence played a role. In such cases, seeking professional advice may help clarify whether a legal claim is an option.

Making a claim for breast lift negligence

If a breast lift has led to complications due to surgical errors, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim. While some risks are a normal part of any surgery, avoidable mistakes or poor post-operative care can result in problems that should not have occurred. A claim may be possible if:

• The results are far from what was promised: if the final outcome is completely different from what was discussed during the consultation, it may suggest the procedure was not carried out to an acceptable standard.

• The surgeon used the wrong technique or made avoidable mistakes: errors in surgical planning, execution, or decision-making can affect the shape, symmetry, and overall outcome of the procedure.

• There was a failure to diagnose and treat post-operative complications in time: while complications such as infection can sometimes occur as part of the healing process, a failure to act on them properly could indicate negligence.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors specialises in supporting people who have been affected by cosmetic surgery negligence. If you believe errors during your breast lift have led to ongoing problems, our team can help you gather evidence and assess whether you have a case.

A successful claim can help cover the cost of corrective treatment and provide compensation for the physical and emotional effects of the negligence.

If you are concerned that mistakes were made during your breast lift, you do not have to face the consequences alone. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is here to provide expert legal advice and guide you through the claims process if your procedure did not meet the expected standard.