The operation can be performed in more than one way and the technique used will depend upon your breast size and shape and the position of the nipple. To correct sagging, cuts (incisions) are made to decrease the size of the skin envelope, sculpt the breasts into a new position and raise the nipple/areola area (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). The incisions are carefully placed under the folds and in the creases of the breasts to make sure that scarring is as inconspicuous as possible.

A breast-lift operation does not change the amount of breast tissue a women has; it just changes the overall shape and position. However, breast implants can be inserted at the same time as breast-lift surgery if you wish to increase breast size or to improve firmness.

The operation takes two to three hours in total and is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. Most surgeons would recommend an overnight stay in hospital.

Having cosmetic surgery is usually a positive experience with complications being infrequent and usually minor. However, you have to remember that no surgery is without risk.

There will always be permanent scars where the incisions were made. These usually fade and soften during the year following surgery, but occasionally the scars can thicken and become ugly, requiring further treatment. Avoiding exposure of your incisions to the sun for six months to a year will also help your scars to fade.

Since breast-lift surgery often repositions the nipples, changes in nipple sensation is a risk you face.

Your ability to heal is as individual as your hair or the colour of your eyes - your healing qualities are part of your genetic make-up. Poor or delayed healing can occur with this surgery; people who have diabetes, smoke, are obese or elderly, are at an increased risk of this complication.

Ideally, women should complete childbearing before embarking on this type of surgery.  If you do decide to have surgery, it is important to know that any benefits may be lost with further pregnancies.

Other risks are the same as in any operation and include bleeding, wound infection, chest infection, blood clots in the leg (known as a deep vein thrombosis) and risks associated with the anaesthetic. However, these risks are uncommon.

All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation.

The operated area may be swollen for a few days and you will experience some pain and discomfort. However, this is not usually severe and mild painkillers are all that is normally needed. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months, but these are quite normal too.

At first, you may think that your breasts have been lifted too high. However, they will soon settle and you will see the new shape and position of your breasts develop over the next few weeks. 

Depending on your job, you should be able to return to work two to four weeks after the operation, but you will need to avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for at least four weeks. For the first six weeks, it is also important to avoid stretching the scars and only moderate activity is advisable. You can return to any sporting activities after about four weeks but will be asked not to drive for two weeks. There will be no need for any restrictions at all by six weeks.

You will be advised to wear a sports bra day and night for the first three to six weeks to give support and help mould the breast tissue to its new shape. You will see that the contour of your breasts is much improved after surgery but the final result of your breast-lift will be not be seen for six to nine months as the shape and position continue to settle.

The results of your surgery should be long lasting as long as you maintain your weight and do not have further pregnancies.  The other thing to remember, the more you go bra-less, the more chance that gravity has to cause your breasts to droop again.