Before I know if this procedure is the right one for you, and before I can understand if you’d be a good candidate for surgery if it is, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration.

You might consider this procedure if you have sagging breasts that have lost volume – something that is quite common after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Alternatively, if you’ve lost a lot of weight, you might find that your breasts have responded in a similar way. Ageing can also have an adverse effect on the breasts as the natural elasticity of the skin can be lost, and so the breasts sag. Volume can also be lost over time.

If you have naturally asymmetrical breasts, this combination of procedures can help to correct them.

At your consultation, I’ll give you a lot of information about the procedure itself, as well as the pros and cons of surgery. We’ll also talk about how you’d like your breasts to look after treatment. It’s important to me that you have all the details you need to weigh up whether mastopexy and breast augmentation is the best course of action for you.

Having a combination of breast uplift and breast enlargement procedures offers various benefits. As well as enhancing your appearance, I’ve seen a real difference in self-confidence in so many patients because of this type of surgery.

The mastopexy element can improve the position of your breasts so that they’re more lifted, and it can also reshape the breast tissue and remove excess skin for a more contoured appearance. Mastopexy can address stretched or downward-looking nipples by placing them higher on the breast, too.

And the benefits that breast augmentation can bring include adding volume to the breasts so that they’re fuller and have a more youthful appearance, enhanced shape, improved symmetry for a more balanced look, and an improvement in the overall proportions of the body for a more balanced silhouette.

After your surgery, you could find that you feel more confident in certain clothes that you shied away from before, like swimwear. Breast uplift and enlargement surgery can help clothes to fit better and give you more options for your wardrobe.

Just as with every surgical procedure, breast mastopexy and augmentation does have the potential for complications as well as benefits. This is something I always discuss with my patients, because they need to be completely informed about their surgery before they’re able to make a decision about their way forward.

Some of the risks associated with this procedure include infection, bleeding, implant rupture or leakage, capsular contracture (when scar tissue forms around the implant and makes the breast feel hard), changes in breast shape or symmetry, changes in breast, nipple or areola sensation.

As you’ll be under general anaesthetic during the operation, I’ll make you aware of the risks that this can carry, too.

It could be the case that, in some instances, additional surgery will need to be carried out if an issue arises.

During a combined breast mastopexy and augmentation procedure, I’ll lift and reshape your breasts while adding volume using breast implants at the same time. The surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep for your comfort and safety while I carry it out.

Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, I’ll make incisions based on factors such as the degree of breast sagging, and the implant type and placement. I’ll then lift the breast tissue, remove excess skin, and reshape the breast to achieve the lift and contour we’ve agreed. I may reposition the nipple and areola higher on the breast, too.

The next step is to create a pocket either beneath your chest muscle, or behind your breast tissue, and position the implant. Where exactly the implant will go will depend on the effect that you’re looking to achieve after surgery, the type of implant I’m using and your individual anatomy. Again, I’ll have talked you through the approach I’ll use at your consultation.

Once the surgery is completed, I’ll close the incisions.

Following your procedure, you’ll be well looked after. You’ll have an overnight stay in the hospital, and if you’re in any pain or discomfort – which is completely normal after this kind of surgery – it’ll be managed with medication.

I’ll make sure that you know how best to look after your wounds and give you all the information you need to look after yourself once you leave hospital. You’re very likely to have swelling and bruising, as well as some discomfort, during the first few days after your surgery. It’s important that you get plenty of rest during this time.

As well as dressings, you may have a support garment, such as a bra, to wear to support your breasts and aid your healing. I’ll make sure you know what to do during the time you’re wearing the garment and how to look after your dressings.

You should arrange to have up to 2 weeks off work, but depending on how active your job is, you may need longer. Avoid driving for at least a week, and don’t do any heavy lifting or intense exercise for at least 6 weeks.

You’ll have a follow-up appointment with me following your breast mastopexy and augmentation operation, so that I can check your healing and make sure that your results are on track.