What is breast uplift surgery?

Breast uplift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape the breasts to create a more youthful and uplifted appearance. This breast surgery typically involves the removal of excess, sagging skin and the tightening of surrounding breast tissue to support the new breast contour. In many cases, the nipples may also be repositioned higher on the chest so they sit more naturally in line with the reshaped breasts.

People may choose to undergo a breast lift procedure for a variety of personal and physical reasons. Common motivations include changes in breast shape or firmness following pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight loss. These experiences can stretch the breast skin and weaken the natural support structures, leading to drooping or sagging breasts.

Additionally, many people seek mastopexy as a result of the natural ageing process. Over time, the skin loses elasticity and the effects of gravity can cause breasts to appear lower or flatter. Weight fluctuations, including both gain and loss, can also impact breast shape and position, prompting some individuals to consider a surgical uplift.

In some cases, breast uplift surgery is performed in conjunction with other procedures such as breast implants, breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. Combining treatments in this way can help enhance volume, refine shape or reduce size, depending on individual goals and needs.

What can go wrong during and after breast uplift surgery?

As with any surgery, a breast uplift procedure involves some risks. The main things that can go wrong during and after breast uplift surgery include:

• Healing problems, which sometimes require further surgery
• Bleeding
• Scars, which occasionally require further surgery to correct
• Infection
• Pain, bruising, or swelling
• Loss of blood supply to your breast
• Seroma, which is fluid collecting in your breasts
• A change in feeling, such as increased or reduced sensation
• An allergic reaction to the stitches or solutions used during and after surgery
• Poor results
• Damage to the skin, nerves, or tissues around your breasts
• Asymmetry

These are potential risks that can occur even when the highest standards of aftercare and duty of care are followed after breast uplift surgery. Your plastic surgeon should inform you of how to best look after yourself after surgery and help to prevent these risks. If they fail to make you aware of aftercare methods, give you the wrong advice or don't act appropriately during your recovery, this could be classed as negligence. 

How can I prevent unsatisfactory outcomes?

While no surgical procedure is entirely without risk, there are several steps you can take to help reduce the likelihood of an unsatisfactory outcome following breast surgery:

• Follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice: this includes caring for your incisions, limiting physical activity and managing medications as directed.
• Wear a surgical bra as instructed: this helps to support your breasts during the healing process and can aid in achieving the desired results.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments: these are important for monitoring your recovery and allowing your surgeon to address any early signs of complications.
• Avoid significant weight changes: weight fluctuations during the healing process can affect the final result, as significant gains or losses may alter the final shape and position after surgery, potentially compromising the outcome.
• Contact your surgeon promptly if anything feels or looks wrong: early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.

It’s also important to recognise that your surgeon plays a key role in your outcome. They have a legal duty of care and must follow strict professional and ethical guidelines.

What are my surgeon's legal obligations to my care?

Your surgeon has a legal duty of care to you throughout the entire surgical journey - from the initial consultation to your recovery period. Their obligations can be divided into three key stages:

Before surgery

Prior to your operation, your surgeon must:

• Provide clear, accurate and honest information about the procedure, including potential risks, complications and realistic outcomes.
• Assess your suitability for surgery, taking into account your medical history and overall health.
• Obtain your informed consent, ensuring you fully understand what the surgery involves and have had time to ask questions and consider your options.

During surgery

During the procedure, your surgeon is legally required to:

• Perform the surgery to a professionally acceptable standard, using appropriate techniques and exercising reasonable care and skill.
• Ensure a sterile and safe surgical environment, minimising the risk of infection or injury.
• Take appropriate precautions to avoid unnecessary harm, such as nerve damage, scarring or asymmetry.

After surgery

Following the operation, your surgeon must:

• Provide detailed aftercare instructions to support you during the recovery period and reduce the risk of complications.
• Arrange and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and address any concerns promptly.
• Respond quickly and appropriately if complications arise, ensuring you receive suitable treatment or referral for revision surgery or alternative treatment if needed.

If your surgeon fails to meet this duty and you experience harm or unsatisfactory surgical outcome as a result, you may be entitled to compensation for clinical negligence. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors can help you make a claim for any financial losses, pain or distress negligent surgery has caused you.

How can Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors help?

If you're unhappy with the outcome of your breast uplift surgery, we understand how distressing that can be - both physically and emotionally. Whether or not you have a case for compensation will depend on several factors, including whether your surgeon breached their duty of care and what harm resulted from that negligence.

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we specialise in supporting people who have experienced negligent breast procedures. As the UK’s first specialist cosmetic surgery law firm, we have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in breast surgery claims. We’ll listen to your concerns, assess whether you may have grounds to pursue a claim and explain what evidence is needed to prove medical negligence.