Breast

Enlargement and Lift

Breast enlargement and uplift is a combined procedure that both enlarges and lifts the breasts, restoring youthful fullness, firmness, and position in a single operation. It is ideal for women who have experienced volume loss, sagging, or asymmetry after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change, and who wish to achieve a naturally elevated and fuller contour.

During consultation, I use advanced 3D simulation technology to help you visualise potential outcomes and select the implant size and shape that best complements your body. This collaborative process allows us to plan your surgery with precision and confidence, ensuring the final result aligns beautifully with your goals.

In the operation itself, implants are placed to restore volume, while the breast tissue and skin are reshaped to lift and refine the overall silhouette. The nipple and areola are repositioned to achieve a balanced, harmonious, and natural appearance.

Every woman’s body, goals, and aesthetic sense are unique. I will create a bespoke treatment plan that considers your proportions, lifestyle, and aspirations — ensuring your result feels graceful, authentic, and entirely your own.

Procedure duration

2.5 – 3 hours


Anaesthesia

General (Day case)


Pain/discomfort

Mild to moderate for 1–2 weeks


Wound healing

Approximately 2–3 weeks


Support garments

Surgical bra for 3 months


Return to work

From 2 weeks


Sports & exercise

Gradually after 8 weeks


Final results

3–6 months – as swelling settles and tissues soften


Scar maturation

6–12 months – scars fade and refine in texture

Arbrea

Final Results

Results develop gradually over 3 months as swelling subsides and tissues settle into their natural position. The breasts take on a refined, lifted shape that feels soft, balanced, and beautifully proportionate. Scars continue to mature over 6–12 months, becoming fine and discreet.

The final result is a rejuvenated, elegant contour that restores both confidence and comfort — a transformation that feels natural, timeless, and uniquely yours.

  • 1. Who It Is For?

    This procedure may be suitable for women who:
    • Desire to restore both volume and lift in a single operation.
    • Experience sagging or loss of firmness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or ageing.
    • Wish to enhance upper-pole fullness and projection.
    • Have asymmetry in breast size or nipple height.
    • Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations.

  • 2. What Are the Advantages of Augmentation Mastopexy?

    Combining augmentation with a lift offers unique benefits:
    • Comprehensive rejuvenation — restores volume, firmness, and nipple position in one procedure.
    • Balanced aesthetics — achieves natural harmony between breast tissue and implant.
    • Single recovery period — reduces downtime compared with two separate surgeries.
    • Customised approach — implant size, shape, and lift technique are tailored to your anatomy.

    The implants restore volume, while the lift repositions and supports the breast tissue, achieving a naturally youthful contour.

  • 3. What Is the Expected Recovery?

    You may experience mild swelling, tightness, or bruising during the first two weeks, which gradually improves. Stitches are usually dissolvable, and dressings are removed after 2–3 weeks.

    You’ll wear a supportive surgical bra for 3 months to maintain shape and support healing. Most patients return to work after 2 weeks and resume light exercise after 8 weeks. Scars soften and fade steadily, blending into the natural skin tone.

  • 4. What Are the Risks and Considerations?

    All surgery carries some risks, which will be discussed fully during consultation. In skilled hands, complications are rare.

    Common risks:
    • Swelling, bruising, or mild asymmetry.
    • Temporary changes in nipple sensation.
    • Implant-related issues such as capsular contracture, malposition, or rupture.
    • Infection, bleeding, or delayed wound healing.
    • Fine scarring around the areola and beneath the breast crease.

    Rarer risks:
    • BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) — a rare immune-related condition linked to some textured implants.
    • BIA-SCC (Breast Implant–Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma) — extremely rare tumour reported in isolated cases.
    • BII (Breast Implant Illness) — non-specific symptoms such as fatigue or joint pain reported by some patients; ongoing research continues to explore this.
    • Altered nipple sensitivity or breastfeeding difficulty (uncommon).

    Only MHRA-approved implants are used, and all implant details are registered in the UK Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry for safety and transparency.

  • 5. When can I return to work or training?
    • For desk-based work, most patients are able to return after 1–2 weeks, provided they are comfortable and able to move freely.
    • For more physically demanding roles—especially those involving lifting, pushing or repetitive upper-body movements—the typical return timeframe is 2–4 weeks, depending on the job demands.

    If you like, I can draft a version of this section specifically for athletes (by sport type) that you can include in your website.

  • 6. Will I need lymphatic massage or special aftercare?

    Most patients recover well with supportive bras, simple pain relief, and gradual return to movement. If swelling or tightness persists, targeted massage or physiotherapy may be recommended on an individual basis.

  • 7. When can I drive or fly?

    You can drive once you feel able to comfortably and safely control the vehicle in all directions and perform an emergency stop. For most patients, this is around 2 weeks after surgery.

    Flying is generally avoided for the first 4 weeks because of the effects of general anaesthetic, changes in cabin pressure, and the increased risk of swelling or discomfort during recovery. It’s best to discuss any planned travel with me during your consultation so we can tailor advice to your procedure and healing.

  • 8. When can I exercise again?
    • Gentle walking: immediately
    • Light cardio: from 3 weeks
    • Lower-body training: from 4 weeks if it doesn’t strain your chest
    • Upper-body workouts: usually after 8 weeks
    • High-impact or weight training: after 8–12 weeks, depending on the placement and your individual healing.

    Your aftercare plan will be tailored to your activity level and implant type.

Guidance for Athletes

Athletes often have unique recovery needs due to the intensity and frequency of their training. Returning too quickly can affect healing, implant position, and long-term results. The timeline below provides general guidance, but your plan will always be personalised to your sport and training level.

Athletes FAQs

  • 1. When can I return to training?

    First 2 weeks

    • Focus on rest, walking, and gentle mobility only.
    • Avoid raising your heart rate significantly.
    • No upper-body work, weights, swimming, or impact activity.
    • Wear a supportive post-operative bra day and night.

    Weeks 2–4

    • Light lower-body training (e.g. stationary bike, gentle treadmill walk) is often possible if it does not cause chest movement or discomfort.
    • No arm weights, rowing, chest activation, or plyometrics.
    • Continue full-time supportive bra use.

    Weeks 4–6

    • Gradual progression of lower-body training.
    • Light aerobic work may be introduced.
    • Still avoid workouts that activate pectoral muscles or cause breast bouncing (e.g. running, HIIT, CrossFit).

    Weeks 6–12

    • Running and controlled impact activity may be introduced slowly from around 6 weeks, depending on comfort and implant placement.
    • Upper-body work (press-ups, chest press, pull-ups, swimming, climbing, pole fitness) should generally wait until 12 weeks.
    • A high-support sports bra is essential for all training.

    Professional and elite athletes

    • A full return to pre-surgery training intensity usually takes 12 weeks.
    • Sport-specific movements, strength conditioning, and overhead work should be phased back in with physiotherapy or coaching oversight.
    • High-impact chest loading (e.g. martial arts, gymnastics, competitive CrossFit, weightlifting) often requires the full 3 months before unrestricted activity.
  • 2. What should athletes wear during recovery?
    • A post-operative support bra for 12 weeks, followed by a high-support sports bra for all activity thereafter.
    • Avoid underwired bras until fully healed.
    • Many athletes transition to dual-support (compression + encapsulation sports bra) when resuming higher-impact training.

    Key points for athletic recovery

    • Protect the repair: avoid pec activation early on.
    • Do not rush upper-body training, even if you feel well.
    • Impact and high-load training require a slower return.
    • Supportive bras are essential for maintaining implant position.
    • Rehabilitation should be tailored to your sport, training cycle, and competition demands.

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