Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

The shape of breasts naturally changes over time; this can be a result of pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Regardless of such experiences, our skin loses elasticity as we age, often causing breasts to droop. A breast lift can help to reduce sagging and restore a more youthful shape.

A breast lift is done for cosmetic reasons to change the way the breasts look and feel. This is different from a breast reconstruction, which is typically done to rebuild a breast that has developed abnormally or been surgically removed because of cancer or other conditions.

Most patients getting a breast lift desire perkier breasts, but some also want more volume in their upper breast (“upper pole fullness”) and on each side of their cleavage (“medial fullness”). A breast lift uses tailoring of the skin around the breasts to lift and reshape the breasts and reposition the nipples, but it isn’t designed to alter your cup size.

Depending on your anatomy and personal goals, a breast lift alone can certainly improve the shape and position of your breasts and nipples, but may not improve volume, cleavage, or fullness. In these situations, a breast augmentation procedure using breast implants can be combined (or done in sequence) with the breast lift surgery. Fat-grafting can also help increase volume and improve contour in these areas. Conversely, if you are looking to reduce excess breast tissue and address sagging, you can combine a breast lift with a breast reduction.

The specifics of breast lift surgery will, to a certain extent, depend on your personal anatomy, aesthetic goals and medical condition. It will also depend on your surgeon’s experience.

Typically, the procedure will involve making incisions around the nipple-areolar complex, or NAC. The incisions may be vertical, along the lower middle part of your breast, or hidden in the fold under your breast. Once incisions are made, the surgeon can remove excess skin and alter the position of the nipples, closing the incisions when finished. The extent of scarring will depend both on your body’s wound-healing capacity and the meticulousness of your provider.

Your ideal breast shape, position and your current and preferred bra cup size are important for your surgeon to know. But there are other questions to discuss, too. Do you prefer larger breasts with a more projecting profile? Is having cleavage important to you? Do you care where the incisions are made? These are all meaningful points of discussion, especially if you’re considering a breast augmentation or reduction along with a breast lift. You should also let your provider know if you exercise extensively and plan on continuing to do so.

As you consider options and outcomes, it is always helpful to bring in photos of how you would like your breasts to look. It’s also a good idea to review before-and-after photos of your surgeon’s previous work, to get an idea of typical results and your provider’s artistic vision.

Breast lift results are usually long-lasting, but can change with advancing age, childbearing, breastfeeding, or significant weight fluctuations.

The satisfaction rate with breast lift procedures is generally high, with many studies reporting rates between 80% and 95%.  The most common risks associated with breast lift surgery include visible scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry. A revision procedure can be done if desired or needed.

Before you go

Plan to discuss your medical history with your provider, including any family history of breast cancer and your current exercise routines. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the procedure, its risks and possible outcomes.

During an exam, your surgeon may examine the shape of your breasts as well as the quality of your skin. To be a good candidate for a breast lift, you must be in good general health and have no active infections or skin rashes around your breasts. Before the surgery, your surgeon may also have specific instructions, like avoiding certain substances or medications. Make sure to follow these closely.

During the procedure

A breast lift is sometimes done with local anesthesia but most commonly under general anesthesia. Though specifics will vary, you can expect the procedure to take two to three hours.

The procedure itself will involve making incisions around the nipple-areolar complex, or NAC. The incisions may be vertical, along the lower middle part of your breast, or hidden in the fold under your breast. Once incisions are made, the surgeon can remove excess skin, tighten the remaining skin, and alter the position of the nipples. (There is minimal rearrangement of the breast tissue itself.) The surgeon will typically close the incisions by using sutures that dissolve on their own. The incisions typically heal well but the extent of scarring will depend both on your body’s wound-healing capacity and the meticulousness of your provider.

Breast Lift Aftercare

You can expect to go home the same day as your surgery. You will be given a support bra and may have drains or small tubes placed at the incision sites to drain excess blood or fluid. For the first week or two, you may experience soreness, which can be handled by acetaminophen (Tylenol) and occasionally pain medicines. You can also have swelling and bruising during this time.

Most people can resume everyday activities two to four weeks after surgery, and resume all exercise by four to six weeks after the procedure. The results of a breast lift are typically long-lasting, though a revision procedure can be done if desired or needed.