PIONEERING surgeons in Cheltenham have discovered an uplifting solution to boost women's confidence – the invisible bra.

The breast lift miracle, called Breform, is a soft sponge mesh which is placed under the skin and acts in the same way as a bra without the need for implants.

And unlike silicone surgery, Breform lasts forever.

However, it isn't cheap – it costs £5,900 for both breasts.

The procedure is now available at Nuffield Health in Hatherley Lane where out of the six trained surgeons in the country, four are based in Cheltenham.

Consultant breast surgeon Fiona Court said Breform worked by attaching the mesh to the chest wall.

"What happens is over time with gravity and the pressures on the breast tissue the skin stretches and you get recurrent drooping," she said.

"The Breform supports the breast tissue into its new position, this also reduces the scarring."

This is not a new idea. It was first investigated by a plastic surgeon in the 1980s who used a mesh similar to those used in hernia repairs.

But the fiddly procedure never took off, until Breform developed a breast-shaped mesh, which currently goes up to a D-cup.

Fiona said: "It is a very safe mesh and you cannot feel it when it is under the skin. It is effectively a thin layer of sponge but it has enough strength to support the breast tissue."

Mesh has been used in the body for more than 40 years and doctors know it is safe, inert and does not cause a reaction.

Some women will be unsuitable for the invisible bra, for example women who have implants or want more children.

And a mammogram may have to be carried out first depending on the woman's age.

Fiona, who also works for the NHS as a breast cancer surgeon, said she could see how the internal bra would help those who had undergone radiotherapy treatment and then lost a lot of the shape in their bust.

"A lot of people will think why would somebody subject themselves to surgery when they don't need it," she said.

"I am always upfront with people and give them all the information and let them decide.

"There are many women out there who are lacking in self-esteem because of problems with their breasts, after giving birth for example, and they don't feel womanly anymore.

"It can have an impact on their marriage."

She added: "I never judge anybody who wants to have cosmetic surgery."