Frequently asked questions

What size breasts should I have?

Women requesting breast uplift sometimes say they want to be as small as possible, but don’t forget that you may want to look good in a backless dress and fill out the clothes that you have not been able to consider before. When breasts are uplifted they look smaller because the sagging breast does not fill up the bra cup which is worn before surgery and this becomes obvious when the loose skin is removed. The average size (which clothes manufacturers work to) is a C or D cup, so beware going smaller than this. It is your body so you must decide what you really want. It is common for women to have an augmentation at the same time as an uplift and we discuss this and try implants in your bra at the consultation.

What about having my breasts measured?

A Consumers’ Association study in 2004 revealed 80% of their investigators were offered poorly fitting bras. In other words don’t assume your bra fitter will be correct with her assessment. Bras are not an exact science and manufacturers often vary their sizes. Make sure your bra has the correct number and then find the right cup size for you.

What type of anaesthesia do I need?

The full Uplift operation is always carried out under general anaesthetic but smaller Nipple lifts can be done under local anaesthetic. You will have a full description of the anaesthetic in your consultation ‘Fact-Sheet’ and your Consultant Anaesthetist will talk to you in your room prior to surgery.

How long does the surgery take?

A typical full Breast Uplift takes one to two hours.

What can go wrong?

There can be problems with any operation, namely - Bleeding, Infection, Nerve Damage and Scars. There are also special problems with Breast Uplift, (this is fairly major surgery so major problems are possible, although with the modern techniques they are rare). The commonest worries are size and symmetry. Your consultation includes a full analysis of all these possibilities, their likelihood and what you can do to minimise the risks.

What about the scars?

Breast Uplift involves the removal of skin so extensive scars are inevitable. These are the price that must be paid for a better shape and if you are fortunate they will settle in six months to one year. Sometimes patients produce excess scar tissue which means they will have raised red lumpy scars for two or even more years and these scars will require extra treatment with tapes and occasionally, injections. Even the best scars are always visible to some extent.

What can I do when I get home?

The most important post-operative message is to be very careful for the first week (at least), problems can occur if you do not rest properly and allow things to heal up inside You can do a little more as each week goes by and on average two weeks is sufficient time to have off work.

What about dressings, stitches and bras?

The dressings over the incisions should be left undisturbed and dry for two days and should then be removed so you can shower, the stitches are hidden and dissolve themselves. You should wear a soft but snug sports bra for four weeks, initially day and night, before trying underwired bras at four weeks.

When can I go back to work?

This varies with occupations, but you should have at least two weeks clear of major commitments. If you do upper body physical work such as hairdressing, massage or nail care, add a week or two. The average period before returning to sports and dancing is six weeks and even then, go gently at first.

When am I back to normal?

Most women say they are back to normal at six weeks, but don’t forget, healing progresses slowly for many months and sometimes years. The benefits are obvious immediately, but you must be very patient for the final result.

What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Your breasts will swell during pregnancy so stay well supported at all times. Always aim to complete your family before having an Uplift, because further stretching is inevitable and may spoil the result.

How many breast uplifts does Mr Levick perform?

In accordance with the National Healthcare Commission guidelines, the annual audit figures of the Priory Hospital show that in the last five years (2004-2008) Mr Levick has carried out 86 Breast Uplifts.

Summary

I have two rules of Cosmetic Surgery

1. - If in doubt – don’t!

2.- Always talk to real experts.

In other words, be sure that you want to undergo surgery for your own reasons and talk to people who really know about the surgery, that is other patients or an experienced Plastic Surgeon. Many think they know all about Breast Uplift and Augmentation but in reality don’t and are likely to give you inaccurate and misleading information. This surgery changes many lives for the better but on rare occasions can have the opposite effect, so make sure you are an expert yourself before you decide. Everyone you know loves you whatever your breasts are like, it’s how you feel about yourself that matters!