What is a breast lift?
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure performed to correct breast sagging (ptosis), reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipple–areola complex to a more ideal position. The goal is to give the breasts a firmer, lifted, and more aesthetic appearance.
When needed, the diameter of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple) can also be reduced during surgery.
 

Who is a good candidate?
You may be a suitable candidate if you have one or more of the following:
- Breast sagging and loss of shape after pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Breast laxity after weight gain/loss
- Decreased skin elasticity due to aging
- Nipples pointing downward or positioned below the inframammary fold
- Dissatisfaction mainly with breast shape and sagging, rather than breast size
Suitability is determined based on breast tissue volume, skin quality, degree of sagging, and your expectations.
 

Does a breast lift increase breast size?
A breast lift primarily improves shape and position. Because the breast is reshaped and tightened, it may appear fuller; however, if a significant increase in volume is desired, some patients may benefit from a breast lift combined with implants.
 

What is the difference between a breast lift and breast reduction?
Mastopexy (breast lift): The main goal is to correct sagging and improve shape.
Breast reduction: In addition to correcting sagging, a significant amount of breast tissue/skin is removed to reduce volume.
Some patients fall into a borderline category; the most appropriate plan is determined during consultation.
 

What techniques are used?
Different incision/scar patterns are used depending on the degree of sagging:
- Periareolar (around the areola)
- Vertical (lollipop)
- Inverted-T / anchor
The most appropriate technique is selected individually based on the degree of ptosis, excess skin, breast volume, and the desired shape.
 

Where will the scars be?
Scars vary depending on the technique used:
- Around the areola
- A vertical line from the areola downward
- If needed, a horizontal scar along the inframammary fold
Scars are more noticeable early on and generally fade over time. Scar quality depends on personal healing characteristics, skin type, smoking, and adherence to scar care instructions.
 

Can it be combined with implants?
Yes. A mastopexy + implant combination may be considered especially if:
- Upper pole fullness is reduced
- Volume loss is significant after breastfeeding or weight loss
- A fuller décolletage is desired
However, the balance of risks/scars/recovery in combined surgery should be carefully evaluated during consultation.
 

Anesthesia and surgery time
Breast lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the technique and additional procedures, the operation typically takes about 2–4 hours (varies by patient). Adding implants or asymmetry correction may increase the duration.
 

Pre-operative preparation
Common recommendations include:
- If you smoke: reduce/stop smoking to support circulation and wound healing
- Adjusting blood thinners and certain supplements as advised
- Required pre-operative tests and anesthesia evaluation
- Measurements, photography, and surgical planning
- Planning for a post-operative support bra
 

Recovery and return to daily activities
A general timeline (varies by patient):
- First 3–7 days: Swelling, tenderness, and tightness are common.
- 1–2 weeks: Gradual return to daily activities; some patients may return to desk work.
- 2–4 weeks: Light activities are resumed; arm movements are gradually increased.
- 4–6 weeks: Progressive return to more active exercise (as clarified at follow-up visits).
- 3–6 months: Breast shape becomes more natural as swelling decreases; scars continue to mature.
- 6–12 months: Further settling of the breast shape and scar maturation.
Use of a support bra, adherence to follow-up visits, and activity restrictions are important parts of recovery.
 

Safety, risks, and important considerations
Breast lift surgery is generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries risks. Commonly discussed risks include:
- Swelling, bruising, temporary asymmetry
- Bleeding, infection
- Wound-healing problems / wound separation along incision lines
- Prominent scarring (hypertrophic scar/keloid tendency)
- Changes in nipple or skin sensation (temporary, rarely permanent)
- Areolar shape/asymmetry issues
- Changes in breast shape over time / recurrent laxity
- Rarely, the need for revision surgery
 

Important notes:
- In patients with severe sagging, poor skin quality, or marked volume loss, perfect symmetry may not be achievable in a single procedure.
- Smoking may increase circulation-related and wound-healing risks.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

1) Will a breast lift leave scars?
Yes. Correcting breast sagging usually requires scars. The goal is to choose the most appropriate technique and help scars fade as much as possible over time. The scar-to-benefit balance is discussed during your consultation.
 

2) Will my breasts become smaller after a breast lift?
The main goal is to reshape and lift the breasts. Depending on how much skin/tissue is removed, some volume reduction may be perceived, but it is generally less than with a breast reduction (depending on the planned procedure).
 

3) Can a breast lift be done without implants?
Yes, in many patients. However, if upper pole fullness is significantly reduced or a fuller appearance is desired, implant combination may be considered.
 

4) Is the nipple moved upward?
Yes. In mastopexy, the nipple–areola complex is repositioned to a more aesthetically appropriate level.
 

5) Can the areola be reduced?
Yes. In suitable patients, areolar diameter can be reduced to create a more balanced appearance.
 

6) Does it affect breastfeeding?
Many patients are still able to breastfeed, but this cannot be guaranteed in every case. The surgical technique, breast tissue characteristics, and individual factors all matter.
 

7) Will I lose sensation?
Temporary changes in sensation are common after surgery. In most patients, sensation improves over time; rarely, changes may be permanent.
 

8) When can I return to work?
For desk-based work, some patients return within 7–14 days. Physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period.
 

9) When can I exercise?
Walking is usually allowed early. For upper-body exercise and more intense sports, 4–6 weeks is often safer for most patients; the exact plan is determined during follow-up visits.
 

10) Will I see the result immediately?
In the first weeks, the breasts may look higher and firmer due to swelling. The shape softens and becomes more natural over weeks to months.
 

11) Are the results permanent?
Results are long-lasting, but aging, gravity, weight changes, and pregnancy/breastfeeding can affect breast shape over time.
 

12) Can sagging come back?
Yes. Some degree of recurrent laxity may occur over time. Weight fluctuations, skin quality, and lifestyle factors can influence this.
 

13) Is symmetry guaranteed?
Natural asymmetry is very common in the human body. The goal is to improve noticeable asymmetries and achieve the best possible balance, but perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.
 

14) Will I need revision surgery?
Most patients do not. However, revision may occasionally be needed for scars, areolar shape, asymmetry, or contour concerns.

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The content on this page is for general informational purposes only; it does not replace diagnosis and treatment. The appropriate surgical method and implant selection are determined through face-to-face examination and medical evaluation.

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