Breast Uplift Surgery, With Or Without Implants

For many women, breast uplift surgery can be a positive way to restore a sense of body confidence, boosting self-esteem, and allowing the wearing of tops without a bra, despite perhaps having had children. With rejuvenated breasts, women may feel more attractive.

Many patients report that breast sagging has significantly impacted their quality of life, affecting clothing choices, intimate relationships, and overall body image. Beyond aesthetic benefits, the procedure can also alleviate physical discomfort such as neck pain, back pain, or shoulder grooving from bra straps bearing excessive weight.

As a specialist in breast surgery, Elena can advise you during your consultation of the full range of options available. For some women, breast enlargement or reduction may be a more beneficial procedure, but there are several possibilities.

For patients with mild ptosis who primarily desire increased volume, breast augmentation alone may provide sufficient lift. Women experiencing both sagging and excessive breast volume may benefit from breast reduction surgery, which addresses ptosis while also alleviating physical symptoms. For those with concerns about breast asymmetry, combining procedures may be appropriate.

While complications with surgery are infrequent, no surgical procedure is without risks. Among the possible complications are scars, infection, haematoma, implant displacement, breast asymmetry and implant rupture. Elena will provide you with further information with the risks and provide you with a detailed consent form during your consultations.

This will help you to minimise the risks. Scarring is an inevitable consequence, as incisions are necessary to remove excess skin. However, I employ advanced techniques to minimise scar visibility and place incisions in locations that can be concealed. Other potential risks include changes in nipple sensation, difficulty with breastfeeding, and asymmetry. Learn more about corrective procedures if needed.

Generally speaking this surgery takes around 2.5-3 hours, although this varies depending on the nature of the procedure. The exact duration depends on several factors, including the degree of breast ptosis being corrected, whether implants are being placed, and whether additional procedures are included. Throughout the surgery, I prioritise precision and meticulous technique over speed. Surgery is performed at state-of-the-art facilities with comprehensive care.

Recovery is extremely important. You should avoid all sport activities, housework such as hovering, driving, dog walking for at least 4-6 weeks following surgery and any weight lifting or strenuous activities for up to 8-12 months following the surgery. The visibility of your scars will depend on the technique used and on the biological response of your body to surgery and healing.

Generally the scars after this type of surgery are almost invisible by the end of the year. Patients can benefit from taking four weeks off work, and after you have seen Ms Prousskaia for your four weeks follow up you can discuss beginning a gym routine focused on lower body strength. To learn more about the recovery process, read our full recovery guide today.

During the first week, expect moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You will wear a supportive surgical bra continuously for 4-6 weeks. By weeks 2-3, most patients feel significantly better and can return to light activities. Between weeks 4-8, you can gradually resume more normal activities, though you must still avoid strenuous exercise. Full recovery takes 3-12 months.

Please visit our fees page for more information. The cost varies depending on several factors, including complexity, whether implants are used, and specific surgical techniques required.

The quoted fee typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, hospital fees, surgical supplies and implants (if used), and post-operative follow-up visits for the first year. Financing options are available through Chrysalis Finance, offering 0% interest payment plans.

Elena will talk you through all the necessary pre-surgery investigations, as well as the after-care required. She will also fully explain the risks associated with the operation. We will only go ahead with the procedure once you are completely ready and happy with the choice we have made together. Post-operative aftercare is crucial for optimal results. You will receive detailed instructions on wound care, pain management, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments scheduled at regular intervals (typically at 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year).

After surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort, the level of which varies widely amongst patients. Your breasts will be swollen and bruised for about two weeks. You’ll likely feel pain and soreness around the incisions, which will be red or pink for a few months.

Numbness in your nipples, areolae and breast skin might last for about six weeks.

There is rarely prolonged pain unless there is a complication and in all cases you will be prescribed pain medication. Most patients describe the pain as moderate rather than severe, with sensations of tightness and tenderness being most common.

The shape of implants can be round or anatomical (teardrop). Both can provide an excellent result. The outer shell and the filling may vary depending on the manufacturer.

You will discuss with Miss Prousskaia which specific shape and size of implant would give you the optimal result.

Dr Elena Prousskaia has been carrying out aesthetic and plastic surgery procedures for more than 20 years. Elena trained for eight years in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and since then has held leading Fellowships around the world and specialised in breast surgery procedures, whether a patient is having the procedure for purely aesthetic reasons or as part of breast reconstruction.

As an NHS Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Southmead Hospital she dedicated several years to complex microsurgical reconstruction and general plastic surgery. During this time at North Bristol Trust she particularly enjoyed rebuilding patients who suffered from breast cancer giving them their body and confidence back.

At present Ms Prousskaia runs her own successful private practice performing full range of plastic and aesthetic surgery for face, body and breast. Learn more about Elena and read patient testimonials. Elena Prousskaia consults in several clinics around the South West. Please see the ‘Our Locations’ tab in the menu for exact addresses or call us to discuss your closest location.

Elena prides herself on taking the time to truly understand a patient’s aims and discussing what result will work best given the patient’s body shape and size. 

Although good results are expected, the body is not symmetric and almost everyone has some degree of unevenness, which may not be recognised in advance. The more realistic your expectations as to results, the better your results will be in your eye. You will have at least two consultations with Elena where she ensures that she meets your expectations and she will always try to achieve your desired results. Following surgery, you can expect a more youthful breast contour with improved position, shape, and projection. View our treatment gallery to see real patient results.

Elena does not operate on patients that regularly smoke or vape. To be considered for this procedure you must refrain from smoking or vaping for 3 months before and after your surgery. Smoking and vaping have profound negative effects on surgical healing and significantly increase the risk of complications. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the surgical site and impairing healing, which increases risks of wound problems, skin necrosis, infection, and unfavorable scarring.