Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
About Mastopexy
A mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift, elevates and reshapes sagging breasts to restore firmness and a youthful profile.
Many individuals experience breast ptosis (drooping or sagging) due to factors like aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, genetics, and the effects of gravity. A mastopexy can renew breast contour and elevate confidence.
What It Can—and Can’t—Do
What It Does:
- Removes excess skin and tightens surrounding tissue to lift the breasts.
- Repositions the nipple–areola complex to a higher, more youthful location.
- Can address asymmetry and resize enlarged areolas.
What It Doesn’t Do:
- Typically does not change breast volume. If adding fullness is desired, combining with augmentation or reduction is an option.
- Cosmetic in nature and generally not covered by insurance.
Explore Topics On This Page:
Is This Right for You?
Good candidates:
- Are in overall good health and non-smokers.
- Desire lifted breasts.
- Have realistic expectations and are past childbearing or have stable weight.
Consider delaying if:
- You plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- You’re still experiencing significant weight changes.
Consultation and Preparing for Surgery
During your consultation, expect to discuss:
- Your goals and desired outcomes.
- Complete medical and family history, including any cancer screening
- Lifestyle factors, medications, smoking habits, etc.
- A physical breast examination with careful measurements and possibly baseline imaging (e.g., mammogram).
- Available surgical techniques, anesthesia, and expected recovery.
Pre-surgery:
- Avoid aspirin, NSAIDs, or products that increase bleeding risk.
- Stop smoking well before surgery to support proper healing.
Surgical Techniques
The mastopexy technique is tailored to your anatomy, degree of sagging, and cosmetic goals. Options include:
- Crescent lift: Small incision above the areola – best for minimal sagging.
- Periareolar (“donut”) lift: Circular incision around the areola – suitable for mild to moderate sagging.
- Vertical (“lollipop”) lift: Incision around the areola extending vertically down – common for moderate lifts.
- Inverted-T (“anchor”) lift: Incision around the areola plus vertical and horizontal cuts along the breast crease – used for significant reshaping.
When combined with breast augmentation (implant) or reduction, these scars may vary in size but allow comprehensive contouring.
After Surgery: Recovery & Results
- Procedures are performed outpatient.
- Results are immediately visible, though swelling and scar maturation continue for several weeks to months.
- Incisions generally heal in four to six weeks, with scars fading over the course of a year or more.
- Risks may include scarring, uneven results, sensory changes, bleeding, or infection.
- Long-term outcome durability depends on lifestyle changes like weight stability and avoiding smoking.