Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts in order to restore a more youthful and uplifted appearance. Whether due to aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics, many women experience changes in breast shape and firmness over time. A breast lift can help rejuvenate your figure and enhance your confidence and comfort.

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About the Procedure

A breast lift is a highly individualized procedure that can be tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Incision Patterns

Depending on your breast size, shape, and degree of sagging, different incision patterns may be used. The most common incisions are around the areola (periareolar), around the areaola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease (lollipop), and around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease (anchor). These incisions allow the surgeon to remove excess skin, reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position.

Reshaping the Breasts

During the procedure, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a more youthful height. If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced.

Combining with Other Procedures

If desired, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation (if you desire more volume) or with breast reduction (if you wish to reduce breast size) while lifting and reshaping.

We will discuss the details of your procedure during your consultation to ensure the surgical plan aligns with your goals and desired outcome.

Candidates

You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if:

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Your breasts have lost shape and volume
Your breasts have become flatter and elongated
Your nipples fall below the breast crease or point downward
You have overstretched breast skin and enlarged areolas
Your breasts are asymmetrical (one breast is lower than the other)
You are in good overall health, with realistic expectations for the outcome
You are a non-smoker (or you are willing to quit prior to surgery)

Candidates should also not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Recovery

Recovery from breast lift surgery varies from patient to patient. In general, here’s what you can expect:

After surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged. You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Most of this week will be resting and healing. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common; these symptoms can be managed with prescribed medications. You’ll be advised to wear a special support bra to minimize swelling and support your new breast shape. Many patients can return to work after about a week, depending on their job. If breast lift surgery is combined with other techniques (such as breast augmentation), it may be a few more days before you’re ready to return to work.

Light activities can generally be resumed within a week. Strenuous activities, especially those involving the upper body, should continue to be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

As your body continues to heal, you may notice some changes in breast shape and position over the next few months. Most swelling subsides within a few weeks, but the final results may take several months to fully develop. Regular follow-up appointments will help monitor your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the results of a breast lift last?

The results of a breast lift are long-lasting, but they are not permanent. Factors such as aging, gravity, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can affect your results over time. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help prolong your results.

Will a breast lift reduce my breast size?

While a breast lift primarily reshapes and lifts the breasts, it may result in a slight reduction in breast size due to the removal of excess skin. If you want to more significantly decrease (or increase) your breast size, consider combining your lift with a breast reduction or breast augmentation.

Are there risks associated with breast lift surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and undesirable scarring. However, these risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. The specific risks will be discussed with you in detail before surgery.

How visible are the scars after a breast lift?

Scars from a breast lift are permanent, but they typically fade over time. The extent of scarring depends on the incision pattern used. Incisions are strategically placed to be as discreet as possible. Following proper aftercare instructions can help your scars heal well and reduce their visibility over time.

Can I combine a breast lift with other procedures?

Yes, a breast lift can be combined with other breast procedures such as augmentation or reduction, or even with body contouring procedures such as tummy tuck surgery. Combining procedures can enhance your overall results and reduces the recovery time associated with having multiple surgeries on separate occasions.

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