Breast Lift Procedure

What You Should Know

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure restores a more youthful, firm, and elevated breast shape. Breast lifts are often performed when the breasts have lost their firmness due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. The procedure can also improve nipple position and size, giving a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgery that reshapes and elevates sagging breasts by reducing excess skin and firming surrounding tissue. It moves the nipple and areola to a more youthful, elevated level without notably altering breast size.

Why Do Breasts Sag With Time?

Breast sagging (ptosis) may be caused by:

  • Aging and decreased skin elasticity
  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Sudden weight gain or loss
  • Gravity acting over years
  • Genetics

All these can lead to loss of firmness, volume, and youthful positioning of the breasts.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Breast Lift?

You can be a potential candidate if:

  • Your breasts have lost shape or lost volume
  • Your nipples point downward or rest below the breast crease
  • You have stretched skin or large areolas
  • You are at a healthy weight and stable
  • You are realistic regarding what to expect from the result

What Does a Breast Lift Involve?

  • Carried out with general anesthetic
  • Involves removal of excess skin, tightening the breast tissue, and relocation of the nipple
  • Incision type based on level of sag and effect desired
  • Duration: around 2 to 3 hours
  • Generally daycare or one overnight

What Types of Incisions Are Used?

Surgeons select the method depending on factors of how much lift is desired. Typical patterns are:

  • Peri-areolar (Donut Lift): Circumareolar
  • Vertical (Lollipop Lift): Circumareolar + vertical line downward
  • Anchor (Inverted-T): Adds horizontal incision in breast fold for more extensive lifting

Will My Breast Size Change?

A breast lift remodels and lifts the breast but doesn’t greatly add or subtract volume. If you prefer more fullness, a breast implant may be added with your lift. If you prefer less size, a reduction will be more appropriate.

May a Breast Lift be performed with Other Surgeries?

Yes. A lift is frequently paired with:

  • Breast augmentation (to regain upper pole fullness)
  • Breast reduction
  • In a Mommy Makeover

Your surgeon will assist in tailoring a plan to your goals and anatomy.

What is Recovery Like?

  • Swelling and mild discomfort are normal for the first 1–2 weeks
  • Return to desk jobs or light activity in 7–10 days
  • Avoid heavy lifting, upper-body workouts for 4–6 weeks
  • Wear a supportive surgical bra at all times for several weeks
  • Final results become visible as swelling subsides, usually within 2–3 months

Will There Be Scars?

Yes, but they are positioned in inconspicuous areas and dissipate with time. Care after surgery and treatments for scars (such as silicone sheets or creams) may minimize their appearance. The majority of patients feel that the lifted, youthful contour is well worth concerns over scarring.

Will I Lose Nipple Sensation?

Some changes in sensation of the nipple or skin are temporary. Most women recover full sensation within a few months. Permanent changes are uncommon but can occur, depending on the degree of tissue repositioning.

Can I Breastfeed After a Breast Lift?

Some women are still able to breastfeed successfully, though. If maintaining lactation is important to you, be sure to mention it to your surgeon at consultation so they can employ techniques that are helpful in preserving milk ducts.

Are the Results Permanent?

Breast lift outcomes are durable, but not invulnerable to age, gravity, or extreme weight changes. Wearing supportive bras, being at a stable weight, and leading a healthy lifestyle keep your result longer.

What are the risks of breast lift surgery?

Like any surgery, there are risks, including:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Scarring
  • Asymmetry
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Changes in nipple sensation
  • Rarely, loss of nipple viability

Being with a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon minimizes these risks and guarantees safe, best results.

Ready to Elevate Your Confidence?

A breast lift can beautifully rejuvenate your silhouette, enhance self-esteem, and restore balance to your figure—especially after life changes like pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Our priority is your safety, satisfaction, and a natural result that feels like you.

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