Mastopexy, also called a breast lift, is an operation where a surgeon repositions your nipple higher on your chest wall. They also remove any excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue.

If you’re considering a surgical breast lift, one way to see if it might help you is to put a pencil under your breast and see if it stays there. If it does, a breast lift might be an option.

You may choose to have this procedure if you are bothered by the appearance or feel of breasts that are droopy, flat, or have an areola that’s gotten larger. These effects can happen because of:

Women usually get this procedure on an outpatient basis, meaning there’s no overnight stay. It takes about 3 hours and is usually done under general anesthesia.

Some women also get breast implants at the same time as their breast lift.

Your surgeon should describe your options and explain the procedure in detail.

Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery?

Breast lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery?

You may be a candidate for breast lift surgery if:

What results should I expect after breast lift surgery?

The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.

Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery.The final results of your breast lift will appear over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle.Incision lines are permanent but will continue to fade over time. The results of your breast lift surgery will be long-lasting. Over time, your breasts can continue to change due to aging and gravity. You’ll be able to retain your new look longer if you:

Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Breast lift surgery and pregnancy

Breast surgery should be entertained after child bearing is completed.

Changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides.

Likewise, significant weight loss after breast surgery can negatively impact breast appearance.

How to Prepare for Mastopexy

The first step is to consult with a plastic surgeon. When you do, tell the surgeon what your goals are. If you’re also getting breast implants, bring photos showing the size and shape of the breasts you’d like.

The surgeon will consider your health and describe your options. The surgeon should also explain the procedure in detail and go over the risks and what the recovery will be like.

Complications after breast lifts are relatively rare. The main three are bleeding, infection, and scarring. Your surgeon will give you instructions for preparing that will help lower your risk of complications. Those instructions will include such things as not smoking, making sure you are off medications that may make bleeding more likely, and taking antibiotics if necessary.

You should also start planning for the recovery period. For instance, you will have to avoid heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks after your breast lift. If you have young children, you may need to line up help.

What are the steps of a breast lift procedure?

Your breast lift procedure can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques.

The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

There are three common incision patterns:

Around the areola

Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease

Step 3 – Reshaping your breasts

After your doctor makes the incisions:

Step 4 – Closing the incisions

After your breasts are reshaped and excess skin is removed, the remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed.

Some incision lines resulting from breast lift are concealed in the natural breast contours; however, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

Many women desire the smallest scar possible. However, your plastic surgeon will recommend the incisions which best suit your anatomy.

Listen to your surgeon and do not diminish your result by demanding an incision that will not be appropriate for you.

Sutures are layered deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be used to close the skin.

Step 5 – See the results

The results of your breast lift surgery are immediately visible. Get more information about breast lift results.

What should I expect during my breast lift recovery?

During your breast lift recovery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions after the procedure is completed.

You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.You will be given specific instructions that may include:

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual breast lift recovery period.