Plastic surgery · London
Breast uplift (mastopexy), by a BAAPS plastic surgeon.
A precise, pattern-matched breast lift for Regnault Grade 1 to 3 ptosis, by a consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register, in a CQC-registered London hospital with overnight beds and 24/7 medical cover.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A BAAPS or ISAPS plastic surgeon, not a cosmetic practitioner
A named consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery, with a high mastopexy volume and revision experience.
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The right pattern for your ptosis grade
Regnault Grade 1, 2 or 3 needs a different scar pattern. We match technique to breast anatomy, not to a single house preference.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private mastopexy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our London partner hospitals. Send photographs and history and we quote firm figures across two consultants.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Theatre time | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastopexy alone (periareolar, minor Grade 1) | £7,500–£9,500 | 2 h | Same visit |
| Mastopexy alone (vertical lollipop, Grade 2) | £8,500–£11,000 | 2–2.5 h | Same visit |
| Mastopexy alone (Wise pattern, Grade 3) | £9,500–£12,500 | 2.5–3 h | Same visit |
| Mastopexy with implant augmentation (Aug-Pexy) | £9,500–£16,500 | 3 h | Same visit |
| Internal support mesh (GalaFLEX P4HB) | from £1,800 add-on | +30 min | Same visit |
| Second-opinion review of a proposed plan | £250–£450 | 30 min | 48 hours |
Prices vary by consultant, hospital, whether an implant or internal mesh is used, and the complexity of your ptosis. Combined mastopexy with augmentation is sometimes staged 3–6 months apart in selected cases.
The journey
From first message to twelve-month scar review.
One team from enquiry to follow-up, including the assessment, the operation, and the year of scar review.
- 01
Before
You send us photographs and history
A short, confidential form. Standing photos, cup size, pregnancy and breastfeeding history, weight changes, and whether you want more volume as well as a lift.
- 02
Before
We match you to two consultants
Within one working day: two BAAPS or ISAPS plastic surgeons who fit your ptosis grade, body plan and location. Indicative price for each.
- 03
Before
Consultation and planning
A full face-to-face assessment. Ptosis grade, skin quality, nipple position, mammography if you are 40 or over, and a two-week cooling-off period before booking.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the hospital
Admission, markings on the standing patient, consent, and time with your anaesthetist. TED stockings and calf compression for DVT prevention.
- 05
On the day
The mastopexy itself
Two to three hours under general anaesthetic. Periareolar, vertical lollipop or Wise pattern depending on the plan. Drains are used rarely and removed within 24 hours.
- 06
On the day
Overnight or home the same day
Most patients stay one night. A surgical support bra is fitted before you leave, with written aftercare and a 24 hour contact number.
- 07
After
Follow-up and scar review
Wound checks at one and two weeks. Scar review at three, six and twelve months. Silicone tape or gel from week three to soften the scar.
When a mastopexy helps
Regnault ptosis grades, and what fits each.
Ptosis is graded by where the nipple sits relative to the inframammary fold. The grade drives the scar pattern and the realistic result.
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Grade 1 mild ptosis
Nipple sits at the inframammary fold (IMF). A periareolar (Benelli / donut) lift can work when there is enough upper-pole fullness.
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Grade 2 moderate ptosis
Nipple sits below the IMF but still points forward. A vertical lollipop (Le Jour or SPAIR) usually gives the best shape.
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Grade 3 severe ptosis
Nipple sits well below the IMF and points down. An anchor (Wise pattern) gives the shape control large ptosis needs.
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Grade 4 pseudo-ptosis
Breast tissue hangs below the IMF but the nipple stays above. Treatment focuses on lower-pole reshaping rather than nipple elevation.
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Post-pregnancy or post-breastfeeding change
Skin stretch, volume loss and lower-pole descent. A mastopexy restores shape; adding an implant restores volume.
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After significant weight loss
Deflated, hanging breasts with poor skin quality. Wise-pattern mastopexy, often as part of a wider body-contouring plan.
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Age-related and gravitational descent
Gradual ptosis over decades. A well-planned lift restores a youthful contour without changing cup size.
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Red flag: a new lump, skin change or bloody nipple discharge
Needs a breast clinic assessment on the two-week-wait pathway, not a cosmetic booking.
Techniques
A family of patterns, matched to your anatomy.
What each option involves, and which grade of ptosis it fits. Not every surgeon offers every pattern; we match consultant to plan.
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Periareolar (Benelli / donut)
A single scar around the areola. Only suits minor Grade 1 ptosis with existing upper-pole fullness. Can flatten the projection if pushed too far.
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Vertical lollipop (Le Jour, SPAIR)
Scar around the areola plus a vertical line to the IMF. The workhorse for Grade 2, with strong projection and no long horizontal scar.
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Anchor / Wise pattern
Periareolar, vertical, and a horizontal scar in the IMF. Best shape control for Grade 3 ptosis, large volumes and post-weight-loss skin.
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Mastopexy with implant (Aug-Pexy)
A lift combined with a silicone implant when you also want more volume. In selected cases we stage the two operations 3–6 months apart.
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Internal breast reshaping bra (GalaFLEX)
An absorbable P4HB mesh placed inside the breast to hold shape while your own tissue heals into it. Adds long-term support in high-risk skin.
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Nipple and areola resizing
A large or stretched areola is reduced at the same time. Small, subtle nipple reductions are also possible if requested.
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Second-opinion review
A specialist review of a plan you have already been given. Sometimes a different pattern, or staging, gives a better long-term result.
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Breast reduction (if you also want less volume)
If the breast is heavy as well as ptotic, a reduction and lift are done together through the same scar pattern.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of BAAPS and ISAPS plastic surgeons, we picked them.
Operating from Cadogan Clinic, London Bridge Cosmetic Surgery, HCA The Wellington, Cromwell BUPA, Nuffield Health, and King Edward VII's. Introductions are private, once we understand your case.
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GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery, BAAPS or ISAPS members
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High mastopexy volume with published or auditable revision rates
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CQC-registered hospitals with overnight beds and 24/7 medical cover
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Clear written revision policy and long-term scar follow-up
Assessment, safety and recovery
What to expect, honestly.
Realistic outcomes: 85–90% satisfaction across published series. Scar quality depends on skin type. Recurrent ptosis over decades is expected.
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BMI, smoking and breastfeeding
BMI ideally under 30, no smoking for six weeks before and after, and a frank discussion about future breastfeeding, which mastopexy can reduce.
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Mammography if you are 40 or over
A recent mammogram before surgery to rule out unsuspected breast pathology. Any concern is referred to a breast unit first.
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Scarring is visible
Scars fade over 12–18 months but never disappear. Skin type predicts hypertrophic or keloid risk, and is discussed before consent.
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Altered sensation in 20–40%
Numbness or hypersensitivity of the nipple or lower breast is common early on. Most settles by 12 months; a minority is permanent.
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Nipple or skin necrosis, uncommon
Around 1–2%, higher with very large lifts, smoking or previous surgery. Managed with dressings; rare revision needed.
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Asymmetry and revision
Perfect symmetry is not achievable. Revision rates of 8–15% at 5–10 years are realistic as breast tissue continues to age.
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Recovery timeline
Sports bra for six weeks. Desk work at one to two weeks. No heavy lifting or exercise for four to six weeks. Driving when you can perform an emergency stop.
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DVT and deep infection
Low but real. TED stockings, calf compression and early mobilisation reduce DVT. Deep infection is rare and treated with antibiotics.
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Red flags after discharge
One-sided swelling or pain, spreading redness, fever, calf pain or breathlessness. Call the unit or go to A&E the same day.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Mastopexy is classed as cosmetic by UK insurers and is almost never covered. The exception is a symmetrising mastopexy on the opposite side of a cancer reconstruction.
Frequently asked
Everything patients ask about a mastopexy.
Quick answers on implants, breastfeeding, scars, insurance, longevity and revision.
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Do I need implants as well as a lift?
Only if you also want more volume, especially in the upper pole. A mastopexy alone lifts and reshapes the tissue you already have, but does not add volume. If your breasts feel empty at the top when you sit or stand, adding a small silicone implant (an Aug-Pexy) gives the fuller look many patients ask for. If you are happy with your current size, a lift alone is the right operation.
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Will I still be able to breastfeed after a mastopexy?
Breastfeeding is usually still possible but may be reduced. The ducts under the areola are preserved in most modern techniques, but some ductal disruption and nerve change is unavoidable. If you plan to have children, we recommend waiting until you have finished breastfeeding, because pregnancy and breastfeeding will change the result again.
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What will the scars look like?
That depends on the pattern used. A periareolar lift leaves one thin scar around the areola. A vertical lollipop adds a straight scar down to the fold. A Wise pattern adds a horizontal scar in the inframammary fold. Scars are red and raised for the first three to six months, then soften and fade over 12–18 months. Silicone tape or gel from week three, and sun protection, both help.
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Is a mastopexy covered by private medical insurance?
Almost never. UK insurers class mastopexy as cosmetic, so cover is not provided even when the ptosis is severe. The exception is post-cancer reconstruction, where a contralateral symmetrising mastopexy may be funded on the same policy as the reconstruction. We confirm cover before you book.
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How long does a breast lift last?
A well-planned mastopexy holds its shape for 10–15 years for most patients. Skin quality, weight change, further pregnancies and gravity all shorten that. Adding an internal support mesh, or staging with an implant, can extend the durability of the shape.
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What if my breasts drop again over time?
Recurrent ptosis is expected as breast tissue continues to age. Revision rates of 8–15% at 5–10 years are realistic. A revision is usually smaller than the first operation and works through the same scar. Weight stability, a well-fitted supportive bra and avoiding smoking all help.
Speak to a plastic surgeon
A private mastopexy, planned properly.
Send photographs and a short history. We come back within one working day with two BAAPS consultants, indicative prices, and an honest read on which pattern will fit.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Breast reduction
When the breast is heavy as well as ptotic.
Learn more -
Breast implant removal
Explantation, with or without a simultaneous lift.
Learn more -
Post-weight-loss body contouring
Wider reshaping after major weight loss.
Learn more -
Mini tummy tuck
Lower-abdominal contouring, often paired with a lift.
Learn more -
Breast reconstruction
Reconstruction after mastectomy, with symmetrising mastopexy.
Learn more -
Nipple reduction
A small adjustment, often at the same operation.
Learn more