A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. Over time, aging can cause the skin to lose elasticity, leading to a loss of shape and firmness. A breast lift helps restore a more youthful, lifted appearance. In some cases, it can be performed alongside breast augmentation to increase volume while improving shape.
Reasons For Considering A Breast Lift
- Lift sagging breasts caused by aging and gravity.
- Firm breasts that have lost volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Reposition nipples and areolas that point downward or outward.
- Restore natural shape and suppleness after weight loss.
What to Expect
The Procedure
The most common breast lift technique involves an anchor-shaped incision along the underside of the breast. This allows the surgeon to remove excess skin, reposition the nipple and areola, and reshape the breast for a more lifted, youthful appearance.
Patients with smaller breasts or minimal sagging may be candidates for a less invasive “doughnut” (or concentric) mastopexy, which uses a circular incision around the areola to remove a small, doughnut-shaped area of skin. Newer techniques may also minimize incisions or help preserve nipple sensation.
If a breast implant is added during the lift, it is placed in a pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to enhance volume while lifting the breast.
Recovery
After a breast lift, rest and limited activity are important to support healing and speed recovery. Immediately after surgery, patients are placed in a post-operative surgical bra to protect the area and minimize breast movement. This bra will need to be worn for several weeks as you heal.
All patients experience some discomfort after surgery, but this can usually be managed effectively with oral medication. While complications are uncommon, following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully helps ensure a smooth recovery.
Please contact our office if you would like to see before and after photos of this procedure.