A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure designed to lift sagging breasts to a more youthful, aesthetic position on the chest.

A breast lift is generally needed if the nipples sit lower on the chest wall than the inframammary crease. The type of lift needed is determined by how low the nipples are.

Breast implants increase breast volume but do not correct sagging. A breast lift involves removing excess skin and repositioning the breast on the chest wall.

The scarring for a standard breast lift is similar to the scarring for a breast reduction. A breast reduction includes removing excess breast tissue as well as excess skin.

The breasts are still basically the same size after a breast lift although they may appear smaller due to the difference in location. The small amount of skin removed does not normally change the breast size.

A concentric or donut lift only has a scar around the areola. A standard mastopexy or lift has a scar around the areola and a vertical scar down the front of the breast. If a substantial amount of skin has to be removed, there may also be a scar along the inframammary fold as well. The scars will gradually fade over time and will be less noticeable. You will be provided a scar treatment to help minimize scarring.

After surgery, you may experience mild pain and swelling for a few days. A support bra can help with the discomfort and you will be given medication to help with the pain.

Some of the risks associated with breast lift surgery include infection, negative reaction to anesthesia, loss of nipple sensation, prominent scarring, uneven nipples and breast asymmetry.

It is recommended that you get up and move around as much as possible during the first week without overdoing it. You may shower the day after surgery. Most patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks. It is important to not do any strenuous activity or lifting for at least 10 days after surgery. Numbness and bruising may persist for several weeks.

The results of a breast lift are long lasting and vary depending on each individual patient. Many will enjoy firm, youthful breasts for several years, but certain factors, such as aging, weight loss, pregnancy and gravity, can cause tissues to weaken and the breasts to sag again.