Gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can take a toll on the breast’s elasticity, causing them to lose their shape, firmness, and begin to sag (ptosis). If you feel your breasts have lost their youthful “perkiness” or that your nipples point downward, a Breast Lift is the solution.
A Breast Lift, or Mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. By removing excess loose skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, this surgery restores a firmer, higher, and more aesthetically pleasing breast contour.
What Does a Breast Lift Do?
A breast lift is purely a **repositioning and reshaping** procedure. It addresses:
- Sagging (Ptosis): Lifts the breast tissue higher on the chest wall.
- Nipple Position: Repositions nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease to a central, forward-facing position.
- Areola Size: Can reduce the size of enlarged areolas to match the new breast shape.
- Shape: Transforms a “pendulous” or flat shape into a rounder, firmer profile.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: Which Do I Need?
It is crucial to understand the difference:
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Fixes **POSITION**. It lifts the breast but does *not* add size. In fact, it may make the breast look slightly smaller (but firmer) because loose skin is removed.
- Breast Augmentation (Implants): Fixes **VOLUME**. It adds size but does *not* correct significant sagging.
Do you need both? Many patients choose a **Combined Procedure (Augmentation-Mastopexy)**. If your breasts are both “sagging” and “deflated” (empty), we can perform a lift to fix the shape and insert an implant to restore the lost volume in a single surgery.
The Incision Techniques
The type of lift depends on the degree of sagging. Your surgeon will recommend the technique that offers the best result with the least scarring.
1. The “Donut” Lift (Periareolar)
For mild sagging. The incision is made only around the areola. The scar is hidden in the color transition of the nipple.
2. The “Lollipop” Lift (Vertical)
For moderate sagging. The incision is around the areola and runs vertically down to the breast crease. This allows for significant lifting and reshaping.
3. The “Anchor” Lift (Inverted T)
For severe sagging. The incision is around the areola, vertically down, and horizontally along the breast crease. While this leaves the most scarring, it provides the most powerful lift and dramatic transformation for very pendulous breasts.
Are You an Ideal Candidate?
You may be a candidate for a mastopexy if:
- Your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease.
- Your breasts appear elongated, flat, or pendulous.
- One breast sits significantly lower than the other (asymmetry).
- You are finished having children (pregnancy can stretch the skin again).
The Procedure and Recovery
- The Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia, typically taking 2-3 hours.
- Hospital Stay: usually 1 night.
- Week 1: You will wear a surgical support bra 24/7. Swelling and bruising are normal. You should avoid arm movements that strain the chest (like reaching high or lifting).
- Scar Care: Once the initial healing is done, you will begin a scar management protocol (silicone sheets/gels).
- Final Result: While the lift is immediate, the breasts will take 3-6 months to “settle” into their final, natural shape and for the scars to begin fading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Breast Lifts
Will the scars be visible?
Yes, unlike breast augmentation, a breast lift requires removing skin, which means scars are inevitable. However, our surgeons are experts in placing incisions where they heal best. Over 12-18 months, scars typically fade from red to thin white lines that are easily hidden under a bra or bikini. Most patients find the trade-off for perky breasts well worth it.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
In most cases, yes. The nipples are usually left attached to the underlying milk ducts and nerve supply. However, there is always a small risk that milk production could be reduced.
Is the result permanent?
The lift is permanent, but gravity and aging continue. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your results for many years.