Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts, restoring a more youthful position and contour without necessarily changing breast size.
At a Glance
Procedure Time
2-3 hours
Recovery Time
2-3 weeks
Board-Certified
ABPS Surgeon
Starting Cost
$7,000+
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts to restore a more youthful, uplifted appearance. Unlike breast augmentation which adds volume, a breast lift addresses ptosis (sagging) by removing excess skin, repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful height, and reshaping the breast tissue itself. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics can all contribute to loss of breast shape and firmness over time. The breast envelope stretches while internal breast tissue loses volume and support, causing the nipples to point downward and the breasts to appear deflated or elongated. A mastopexy restores the youthful breast contour you desire, perky, well-positioned, and proportionate. Many women combine a breast lift with implants (augmentation mastopexy) to restore both position and volume simultaneously. Results are long-lasting, though gravity and future life changes will continue to affect breast shape over time.
Technique Options
Dr. Kurtzman offers multiple facelift techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals:
Periareolar (Donut) Lift
Incision made only around the areola, removing a donut-shaped ring of skin. Minimal scarring but provides limited lift. Best combined with implants for mild sagging.
Best for: Patients with mild ptosis who want minimal scarring, often combined with breast augmentation
Vertical (Lollipop) Lift
Incision around the areola plus a vertical line down to the breast crease. Provides moderate lift with less scarring than the anchor technique. Most commonly performed lift.
Best for: Patients with moderate sagging who want significant improvement with reduced scarring
Anchor (Inverted-T) Lift
Full incision pattern including around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease. Allows maximum reshaping and lift for significant ptosis.
Best for: Patients with significant sagging, large breasts, or those who need maximum lift and reshaping
Augmentation Mastopexy
Combines breast lift with implant placement to address both sagging and volume loss simultaneously. Achieves fuller, lifted breasts in a single surgery.
Best for: Patients who want both improved position and increased volume, such as after pregnancy or weight loss
Ideal Candidates
Breast lift surgery delivers the most satisfying results for patients who meet certain criteria. During your consultation, we'll assess your degree of ptosis and discuss the best approach:
- Breasts that have lost shape, firmness, or volume and appear flat, elongated, or pendulous
- Nipples and areolas that point downward or fall below the breast crease (inframammary fold)
- Nipples that sit at or below the level where the breast meets the chest when viewed from the side
- Stretched skin and enlarged areolas from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
- One breast noticeably lower than the other (asymmetry that bothers you)
- Stable weight, significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect results
- Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding (wait at least 6 months after weaning)
- Realistic expectations, understanding that scars are part of the trade-off for improved shape and position
The Procedure
Breast lift surgery is adjusted to your specific degree of ptosis (sagging) and your aesthetic goals. The technique selected determines the incision pattern and extent of reshaping:
1. Anesthesia & Preparation
Breast lift is performed under general anesthesia for your comfort. The surgical team marks the planned incisions and new nipple position while you are standing, as breast shape changes when lying down.
2. Incision Pattern Selection
The incision pattern depends on your degree of sagging: periareolar (around the areola only) for mild cases, lollipop (around areola plus vertical line down) for moderate ptosis, or anchor pattern (full incision) for significant sagging. We always use the least invasive approach that will achieve your goals.
3. Tissue Reshaping & Internal Support
The underlying breast tissue is lifted, reshaped, and secured with internal sutures to create a rounder, more youthful contour. This internal restructuring provides the foundation for long-lasting results.
4. Nipple-Areola Repositioning
The nipple and areola are moved to a higher, more youthful position, typically at or just above the level of the inframammary fold. The areola can be reduced in size if it has become stretched.
5. Skin Removal & Tightening
Excess breast skin is removed and the remaining skin is carefully redraped around the newly shaped breast mound. Tension is distributed evenly to promote optimal healing and scar quality.
6. Closure & Dressing
Incisions are closed in multiple layers with dissolvable sutures. A surgical bra or compression garment is applied for support. Drains are rarely needed for breast lift alone.
Recovery & Results
Recovery from breast lift is generally well-tolerated with proper planning. Days 1-3: Rest with upper body elevated. Mild to moderate discomfort controlled with prescribed medication. Surgical bra worn 24/7. Some bruising and swelling is normal. Days 4-7: Many patients return to desk work by end of the first week. Continue wearing surgical bra. Avoid raising arms above shoulder height. Weeks 2-3: Swelling continues to decrease. May transition to a supportive sports bra. Light activities resume. Weeks 4-6: Most normal activities including light exercise can resume. Avoid underwire bras and high-impact activities. Months 2-3: Breasts settle into their final position. Scars begin to mature and fade. Full exercise typically permitted after 6 weeks.
You'll see immediate improvement in breast position and shape, though final results emerge over 3-6 months as swelling resolves and breasts settle. Scars are initially pink or red but fade significantly over 12-18 months, becoming thin, pale lines. Results are long-lasting, though gravity, aging, and weight changes will continue to affect breast shape over time. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your results longer.
Real Patient Results
See the transformative results our patients have achieved
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Breast Lift
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Breast Lift
Breast Lift
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will a breast lift change my breast size?
A lift primarily changes position and shape, not size. Some tissue is removed during the procedure, so you may lose a small amount of volume. If you want fuller breasts, augmentation can be combined with your lift. If you want smaller breasts, a reduction includes lifting as part of the procedure.
What's the difference between the incision patterns?
Periareolar (donut) lift: incision around areola only, for mild sagging. Vertical (lollipop) lift: incision around areola plus down to the breast crease, for moderate sagging. Anchor (inverted-T) lift: adds a horizontal incision in the breast crease, for significant sagging. More extensive incisions allow for more dramatic lifting but result in longer scars.
Will I have visible scars?
Yes, scars are an unavoidable part of breast lift surgery. However, incisions are strategically placed to be hidden by bras and swimsuits. With proper care, scars fade significantly over 12-18 months. Most patients feel the dramatically improved breast shape is well worth the trade-off.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Most women retain the ability to breastfeed after a breast lift, as the nipple usually remains attached to the underlying breast tissue. However, any breast surgery carries some risk of affecting milk production. If breastfeeding future children is important, discuss this during your consultation.
Should I get a breast lift or breast augmentation?
If your main concern is sagging/drooping and you're happy with your breast size, a lift alone may be ideal. If you want larger breasts without significant sagging, augmentation alone works. If you have both sagging AND want more volume, combination surgery (augmentation mastopexy) addresses both concerns. We'll help determine the best approach during consultation.
How long do breast lift results last?
Results are long-lasting but not permanent. Gravity and aging continue to affect breast shape over time. Maintaining a stable weight, wearing supportive bras, and avoiding significant weight fluctuations help preserve results. Many patients enjoy their lifted breasts for 10-15 years or more before considering a revision.
Your Expert for Breast Lift
Lawrence C. Kurtzman, MD
MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Why We Excel
- Multiple lift techniques specific to your specific degree of ptosis and anatomy
- Expert in combining breast lift with augmentation for full enhancement
- Strategic incision placement and careful closure technique for optimal scar quality
- Internal tissue reshaping that creates lasting support and natural contours
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from Kurtzman Plastic Surgery patients
Ready to Learn More About Breast Lift Surgery?
Schedule a private consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options with our expert team.