Performed under general anaesthetic, an incision is typically made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease and horizontally along the crease.  Surplus skin is removed from underneath the breast, underlying tissue is lifted and re-shaped, the areola and nipple are re-positioned and the remaining skin is tightened.

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Any invasive treatment carries its own risks and complications. Also, every procedure has limitations and the risks should be compared to the potential benefits before undergoing a surgical procedure.

• anaesthesia risks including depression
• scars and keloid/hypertrophic scarring
• asymmetry in the length and position of the scars
• skin necrosis and wound healing problems
• asymmetry in volume, shape and submammary folds
• infection
• wound breakdown and the need for secondary closure
• fluid build-up as in a seroma or bleeding as a haematoma
• development of a blood clot as in a deep vein thrombosis, thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism
• swelling and bruising
• potential for a change or loss of skin sensitivity and nipple erectability
• insufficiency of blood supply to the areola/nipple complex
• breasts may develop prominent veins
• stretch marks
• some ptosis will remain
• breast feeding may be impaired
• need for further surgery

Recovery time can vary between patients. Pain, bruising and swelling may be experienced for several weeks.  Strenuous work or exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.  

A difference in the position and shape of the breasts will be immediately noticeable but the final results won’t be available until the breasts have settled and the swelling has completely subsided.

Whilst some scars will fall within the natural breast creases, others will remain visible on the breast but these will, in most cases, fade and improve over time.

The results may be affected by significant weight gain/loss or pregnancy.