Your RPS surgeon will give you specific advice regarding your individual post-operative recovery. They will advise:

• where you will go after your surgery
• what medication you will be given or prescribed
• what bandages and dressings you will need and when they’ll be removed
• if you require stitches, when they’ll be removed
• when you can get back to normal activity and exercise
• when to book your follow-up care.

With any invasive surgery, scars are inevitable. Our specialist plastic surgeons will go above and beyond to minimise your scarring and make them as inconspicuous as possible.

If they can, our surgeons will place the scars in areas where they are easily hidden, along natural skin lines and creases. Scars will fade over time. Your surgeon should be advised if you are prone to scarring.

In most cases a breast lift is a one-off procedure. However, in some circumstances revisional surgery may  be needed to correct slight irregularities. As breasts age, additional surgery may be necessary to maintain symmetry.

While modern surgery is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications which can occur. These include:

Short-term risks (several weeks):

• tenderness and swelling
• loss of sensation in your nipple and breast
• accumulation of fluid around the site.

Long-term risks (up to one year or permanently):

• loss of sensation in breasts for up to one year
• permanent loss of nipple sensation (uncommon)
• additional surgery if sagging returns over time
• visible scarring (including keloid) that is red and raised and can be itchy – but pose no threat to your health
• allergic reaction to dressings, tape adhesive or other materials used during or after surgery
• permanent changes to pigmentation
• hard lumps caused by fatty tissue deep in the skin
• asymmetry
• overtly firm breast
• partial or total loss of nipple and areola
• allergic reaction to anaesthesia, potentially fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack
• blood clots in legs (deep vein thrombosis), moving to the lungs (pulmonary embolus) or to the brain and could be life threatening.

• Plan for recovery and returning home. During your recovery, which may take days, weeks or even months, you may need help with daily tasks such as cooking and showering. Make sure you have family and/or friends available to help you during this time. If you do not have help available, talk to your RPS team about local support services or staying at a rehabilitation centre after surgery.
• You may be required to attend an assessment at the hospital before your surgery. This is a good chance for you to ask questions about your surgery and recovery. Also you may be able to talk to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist about any equipment you may need, such as crutches and handrails in the shower.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Stop smoking.