Mastopexy
Breast Lift
What is a Mastopexy
(Breast Lift)?
Mastopexy (breast lift) is a surgical procedure to lift and reshape the breasts. As a woman ages, gravity, pregnancy, and weight changes can affect the shape and feel of a woman's breasts. The skin of the breast weakens and although the volume of the breast remains unchanged the breasts often appear flattened, low and less firm. During mastopexy surgery, the extra skin is remodeled tightening the feel of the breast while repositioning the breast to a more youthful position. Some women opt to increase the volume of the breasts with implants at the time of the mastopexy.
Who is a good candidate?
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Candidates for breast lift surgery are in good overall health and generally have breasts and/or nipples that sag below the level of the fold underneath the breast.
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Although a breast lift will not necessarily interfere with breastfeeding or complicate a future pregnancy, becoming pregnant can affect the results of the procedure and additional surgery may be needed after pregnancy to restore the desired appearance of the breasts. Most women who undergo this operation will be away from work for around five days.
How is the procedure performed?
A breast lift is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The surgeon makes incisions based on your anatomy and the degree of lift needed—these may be around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes along the crease itself. Through these incisions, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, the nipple and areola are repositioned, and excess skin is removed. The incisions are then closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape. The choice of incision pattern depends on your breast size, shape, and the amount of sagging present
What does recovery look like?
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Outpatient procedure: Most patients return home the same day.
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Initial recovery: Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for about 1–2 weeks.
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Activity: Light activities and desk work can usually be resumed after a week; avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for up to six weeks.
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Support: You may need to wear a surgical bra and avoid underwire bras for several weeks.
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Results: Breasts will look firmer and more lifted immediately, but final results settle over several months as swelling subsides and scars mature.
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Longevity: Results can last for years, but future pregnancies, weight changes, and aging may affect the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Will a breast lift change my breast size?
A breast lift reshapes and lifts but does not significantly change breast size. If you want larger or smaller breasts, augmentation or reduction can be performed at the same time.
How long do results last?
A breast lift provides long-lasting results, but gravity, aging, and life changes can impact breast shape over time.
Are the scars noticeable?
Incisions are placed to be as discreet as possible, often hidden in natural breast contours. Scarring is permanent but typically fades over time.
Will insurance cover the procedure?
Insurance generally does not cover breast lift (mastopexy) surgery because it is typically classified as a cosmetic procedure, aimed at improving appearance rather than addressing a medical issue.