At Karidis Clinic, all mastopexy surgery procedures are carried out by one of the best-known breast surgeons in London, Mr Alex Karidis. For UK-leading consultancy, aftercare and results, get in touch today.

What is a breast lift?

Mastopexy, also known as a ‘boob lift’, ‘breast lift’ or ‘breast uplift’, is a surgical procedure to reshape and raise breasts without altering the overall volume of the breast. Mastopexy removes excess, sagging skin, tightens the existing breast tissue and repositions the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. A breast uplift can be performed on its own or in conjunction with breast augmentation or breast reduction at our London clinic.

Why might a breast uplift be required?

Many women, following the birth of their children and / or breast-feeding, find that their breasts have deteriorated in terms of size, shape, and feel, as the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts tend to lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Even without pregnancies however, the effects of time, gravity, and alternate weight gain and loss, can all take their toll. Occasionally, unfortunate young ladies who have not had children, or even extreme changes in weight, develop breasts which are inherently droopy or sagging. If you would like to know more about mastopexy, give our London clinic a call and we can arrange a consultation.

Karidis offer expert cosmetic surgery and aftercare in London, from some of the best, most highly skilled medical professionals. Our breast uplift before and after images highlight our exceptional results.

Quick Reference

Duration

75 minutes

Anaesthesia Used

General anaesthetic

Hospital Stay

Usually requires an overnight stay

Pre Admission Tests

Blood tests, MRSA, +/- ECG, +/- mammogram/ultrasound

Downtime

Up to 6 weeks

Driving

1 week

Exercise

4 - 6 weeks

Final Result

6 - 9 months

Addresses

Sagging of breast

Our Breast Lift Recovery Guide

Karidis Clinic Cosmetic Surgery Guides

Click here to go to the Karidis Clinic guide to your breast lift recovery including the expected timeline, the questions we always get asked, and tips from Stevie, our highly experienced surgical nurse.

FAQs for Breast Uplift Surgery (Mastopexy)



Only a consultation can determine this. During your consultation, Mr Karidis will ask you about your general medical history including details about any previous breast surgery, and childbirth.

The best candidates for a mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about what surgery can achieve.

The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the result may not last as long in heavy breasts. While women of all ages can benefit, it’s usually never performed before the breasts are fully developed.

As with all cosmetic surgery, only a consultation with Mr Karidis will establish your suitability to this procedure and we encourage you to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.



In circumstances where there is both an element of drooping and “emptiness” of the breast has developed, particularly in the upper half, then an uplift on its own is probably not enough to give a satisfactory result.

In these situations, an increase in volume through the addition of a breast implant is also indicated. A breast augmentation and uplift is therefore simultaneously performed. This will be discussed with you at your consultation. Read our FAQs on implants here.



After surgery, you may notice that the breasts feel quite firm and taut, particularly along the edges of the incision site. You may experience some minor to moderate degree of pain which will be well controlled with pain killers. This usually improves and dissipates after the first 4-5 days.

Depending on your exact procedure, bandages are left on for 10-14 days. You will also be instructed to wear a moderately firm supporting bra without an underwire.

You should be able to move your arms reasonably provided you use common sense not to overdo things.



Scars are not a complication but a normal event after any surgery. In a breast uplift, the scars, depending on the degree of sagging and the technique used, can be lengthy and will take many months or even up to two years to settle.

However as they are around and below the nipples, scars shouldn’t be noticeable even in low cut clothing or a bathing suit. You should always expect the scars to be red, raised, lumpy and even itchy to begin with but with time they should fade and flatten.

This is the natural evolution of the healing process. Daily massage of the scars during this time period is advised to expedite and facilitate this process. The office of Mr Karidis also provides you with special silicone gel sheets which when applied to the scars improve their appearance.

You must understand however that no responsible surgeon will ever be in a position to predict any scars ultimate appearance.



Breast uplift surgery is never as painful as most people think it will be. Newer techniques have ensured more minimally invasive and therefore less traumatic surgery. For a few days after your surgery, you will probably only experience minor to moderate degree of pain which should be well controlled with pain killers. This usually improves and dissipates after the first 4-5 days.


Breast Uplift surgery requires a surgeon fee, an anaesthetist fee and a hospital fee. The price also includes all of your pre-operative and post-operative care. The cost may vary slightly depending on your unique requirements, but we will give you a detailed quotation following your consultation.

For more information on what our surgical fees cover, please click here.

Click here to read more FAQs

Informational Animation

Tips from the Top

Senior Nurse Suzi says:

A balanced healthy diet, rich in protein will help you heal from surgery – try drinking a fresh green juice every morning.

Write down any questions and take them into your consultation with Mr Karidis – that way you won’t forget anything.

Prepare your body for surgery by keeping it soft and supple by moisturising skin twice daily (avoid vitamin E containing products).

Always wear sun block (SPF 50+) over surgery scars to stop pigmentation.

Stock up on comfy lounge wear for after your surgery – front opening tops are ideal.