Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

 

Overview

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. It restores youthful contour and firmness — often after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. In 2025, modern techniques focus on natural shape, lasting support, and minimal scarring.

🎯 What a Breast Lift Can Do

  • Raise sagging or deflated breasts

  • Reshape stretched or flat breast tissue

  • Reposition downward-pointing nipples

  • Reduce enlarged areolas

  • Restore firmness and a more youthful appearance

  • Improve breast symmetry

Note: A breast lift does not add volume. For fuller size and lift, it’s often combined with breast implants or fat transfer.

📐 Common Breast Lift Techniques

Surgeons customize the lift technique based on your breast shape, skin quality, and degree of sagging (ptosis):

1. Crescent Lift

  • Minimal lift for slight sagging

  • Scar hidden at the upper edge of the areola

  • Rarely used alone

2. Periareolar (Donut) Lift

  • Circular incision around the areola

  • Best for mild to moderate ptosis or areolar resizing

  • Often combined with implants

3. Vertical (Lollipop) Lift

  • Incisions around the areola and vertically down to the crease

  • Most popular technique for moderate sagging

  • Balances lifting power with minimal scarring

4. Anchor (Inverted-T) Lift

  • Adds a horizontal incision along the breast crease

  • Ideal for significant sagging or large breast reductions

  • Provides dramatic reshaping

🧠 Internal Support Options in 2025

  • Internal bra sutures: Reinforce lift from within the breast

  • Biologic or synthetic mesh (e.g., GalaFLEX, Durasorb): Offers structural support for long-term results

  • Particularly helpful in cases of weak skin or revision surgery

⚙️ Procedure Details

  • Performed under general anesthesia

  • Takes 1.5–3 hours

  • Outpatient surgery — no overnight stay

  • Incisions are closed with fine sutures and covered with surgical tape or dressing

  • A surgical bra is worn post-op for support and healing

⏳ Recovery Timeline

Timeframe What to Expect
1–3 days Swelling, soreness, tightness
1 week Resume desk work and light activities
2–4 weeks Limit upper body movement, no heavy lifting
6 weeks Resume exercise, final results emerging
3–6 months Scars fade, breast shape settles

✅ Candidacy

You may be a good candidate if:

  • Your nipples sit below your breast crease or point downward

  • Your breasts have lost shape or volume

  • You’re finished having children or breastfeeding (recommended but not required)

  • You’re healthy, non-smoking, and have realistic expectations

🔄 Common Combination Procedures

  • Breast Augmentation: Adds volume + lift (augmentation-mastopexy)

  • Breast Reduction: Lift is included by default during reduction

  • Tummy Tuck or Liposuction (Mommy Makeover)

⚠️ Risks & Considerations

  • Temporary swelling, bruising, or sensitivity

  • Scarring (most fade significantly over time)

  • Changes in nipple sensation (usually temporary)

  • Rare risks: poor healing, asymmetry, need for revision

💡 Trends in 2025

  • Patients are prioritizing natural proportions over dramatic volume

  • Emphasis on scar-minimizing techniques and internal mesh support

  • Growing interest in “auto-augmentation” lifts, using the patient’s own tissue instead of implants

  • AI-based imaging tools help preview before/after simulations during consultations