Over time, factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging can cause breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts, creating a more youthful and uplifted appearance without significantly changing breast size.

Understanding Breast Ptosis (Sagging)

Breast ptosis is classified into different grades:

  • Grade I (Mild): Nipple at or slightly above the inframammary fold

  • Grade II (Moderate): Nipple below the fold but above lower breast tissue

  • Grade III (Severe): Nipple well below the fold, pointing downward

Are You a Candidate for Breast Lift?

You may be an ideal candidate if you experience:

  • Breasts that sag or have lost shape

  • Nipples that point downward or fall below breast crease

  • Stretched skin or enlarged areolas

  • One breast that sags lower than the other

  • Good skin elasticity and realistic expectations

The Breast Lift Procedure: Techniques and Options

Peri-Areolar Lift (Donut Lift)

  • Incision around the areola only

  • Best for mild sagging

  • Minimal scarring

Vertical Lift (Lollipop Lift)

  • Incisions around areola and vertically down to breast crease

  • Suitable for moderate sagging

  • Allows significant reshaping

Anchor Lift (Wise Pattern)

  • Incisions around areola, vertically down, and along breast crease

  • For severe sagging or significant reshaping

  • Most extensive scarring but most correction

Combination Procedures

Many women choose to combine mastopexy with:

  • Breast augmentation for added volume

  • Breast reduction for both lifting and size reduction

  • Areola reduction for improved proportion

Recovery and Results

Immediate Post-Op (First Week)

  • Surgical bra or compression garment

  • Drain tubes possibly

  • Limited arm movement

  • Pain managed with medication

Weeks 2-6

  • Gradual return to light activities

  • Swelling and bruising subside

  • Scars begin to fade

Long-Term

  • Final results visible after 3-6 months

  • Scars continue to improve for up to a year

  • Lasting results with stable weight

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do results last?
While a breast lift provides permanent lifting, natural aging, gravity, and lifestyle factors will continue to affect breast appearance over time. Many women enjoy their results for 10-15 years or longer.

Will a breast lift affect sensation?
Some temporary changes in nipple sensation are common, but most sensation returns to normal within several months. Permanent changes are possible but uncommon.

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Many women can breastfeed successfully after a breast lift, though some may experience reduced milk production. Discuss your future plans with your surgeon.

What’s the difference between breast lift and augmentation?
A lift raises and reshapes existing breast tissue, while augmentation increases size with implants. Many women benefit from combining both procedures.

A breast lift can restore the youthful position and shape of your breasts, helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your body. The procedure offers natural-looking results that complement your overall physique.