A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This creates a more youthful breast contour with improved projection and enhanced firmness.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a transformative surgical procedure designed to elevate and reshape sagging breasts (ptosis) by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding breast tissue. Unlike breast augmentation, which primarily increases size, a breast lift focuses on repositioning the existing breast tissue to create a more youthful, uplifted contour. The procedure addresses concerns such as drooping breasts, downward-pointing nipples, enlarged areolas, and stretched skin—common changes that occur due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, or genetics. A breast lift can be performed alone or in combination with breast augmentation for patients seeking both improved position and increased volume.
Breast Lift Techniques
Several breast lift techniques are available, each suited to different degrees of sagging and desired outcomes:
Crescent Lift: Minimal incision along the upper half of the areola, ideal for very mild sagging.
Periareolar (Donut) Lift: Circular incision around the areola, suitable for mild sagging with minimal scarring.
Vertical (Lollipop) Lift: Incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, appropriate for moderate sagging.
Inverted-T (Anchor) Lift: Most comprehensive technique with incisions around the areola, vertically down, and horizontally along the breast crease, ideal for significant sagging.
The Breast Lift Procedure
The breast lift procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes 2-3 hours to complete. After making the appropriate incisions based on the chosen technique, excess skin is removed, and the underlying breast tissue is reshaped and supported with internal sutures, creating a natural breast contour with improved projection. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a more youthful height, and if necessary, enlarged areolas can be reduced in size. Finally, the remaining skin is tightened, and incisions are closed with layered sutures. The result is a firmer, more youthful breast shape with nipples that point forward rather than downward.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from a breast lift typically involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first week, managed with prescribed pain medication. A surgical support bra is worn continuously for several weeks to minimize swelling and support healing tissues. Most patients can return to desk jobs within 1-2 weeks and gradually resume normal activities, with strenuous exercise restricted for 4-6 weeks. While initial results are visible immediately, the final outcome continues to improve as swelling subsides and tissues settle, with final results apparent after 3-6 months. The results of a breast lift can be long-lasting, though natural aging, gravity, and weight fluctuations may gradually affect the breasts over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A breast lift primarily changes the position and shape of your breasts rather than significantly altering their size. Some women perceive their breasts as smaller after a lift because the tissue is more compact and no longer hangs low on the chest. Others feel their breasts appear larger because they’re more projected and shapely. If you desire both a lift and an increase in size, combining a breast lift with augmentation using implants or fat transfer might be appropriate. Similarly, if you wish to reduce volume while lifting, a breast reduction might be recommended. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and recommend the approach that best addresses your concerns.
The results of a breast lift can be long-lasting, but they’re not immune to the effects of gravity, aging, and lifestyle factors. To maximize longevity, maintaining stable weight, wearing supportive bras, avoiding smoking, and protecting your skin from sun damage are recommended. Some women enjoy their results for 10-15 years or longer, while others may notice changes sooner, particularly after pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, or with the natural aging process. The surgical technique used and your skin elasticity also influence longevity. Some patients choose to have a minor revision after several years to maintain optimal results.
All breast lift techniques result in some scarring, as incisions are necessary to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. The extent of scarring depends on the technique used—ranging from minimal scars around the areola to more extensive scars in an anchor pattern for significant lifting. While scars are permanent, they typically fade significantly over 12-18 months, becoming less noticeable. We use advanced closure techniques to minimize scarring, and we provide detailed post-operative scar care instructions. Most patients find that the improvement in breast shape and position far outweighs concerns about scarring, especially as scars fade and are easily concealed beneath clothing and swimwear.
Many women can successfully breastfeed after a breast lift, as the procedure typically preserves the milk ducts and nipple connection. However, the ability to breastfeed can never be guaranteed, even in women who haven’t undergone breast surgery. The surgical technique used affects the likelihood of preserving breastfeeding function—periareolar techniques may pose a higher risk of affecting milk production or delivery than other approaches. If you’re planning future pregnancies and breastfeeding is important to you, it’s essential to discuss this with your surgeon during consultation, as technique modifications can sometimes be made to optimize the preservation of breastfeeding capability.
Yes, a breast lift is commonly combined with other procedures for comprehensive results. The most frequent combination is a breast lift with augmentation, which addresses both position and volume issues simultaneously. Many women choose to include a breast lift as part of a Mommy Makeover, combining it with procedures like tummy tuck and liposuction to restore their pre-pregnancy figure. Breast lifts can also be performed alongside breast reduction for patients with large, sagging breasts. Combining procedures can be cost-effective and allows for a single recovery period. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate based on your health status, goals, and safety considerations.
Key Benefits
Elevated, more youthful breast position and shape.
Improved breast projection and firmness.
Repositioned nipples to a more forward-facing orientation.
Reduced areola size if desired.
More proportionate breast contour.
Enhanced clothing fit and comfort.
Improved self-confidence and body image.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Shikha Bansal today.