What is Breast Lifting?

Breast lifting refers to the variety of plastic surgical procedures that are available to elevate and tighten the breast that may have dropped for any number of reasons. A surgical breast lift or mastopexy involves making incisions usually around the areola and often in the lower breast to reshape the breast. A breast lift may be done in conjunction with the placement of a breast implant in some cases. The lifting procedure is done for reshaping the breast and shifting the nipple-areola to a higher position, and an implant can be added to provide additional upper breast fullness.

How is breast lift surgery done?

Breast lift surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure and may be performed in an accredited office OR or ambulatory surgical center. Incisions are necessary in order to reshape the breast. Most breast lifts or mastopexies involve an incision around the natural edge of the areola in order to shift it to a higher location. Incisions in the lower breast are often necessary, but vary quite a bit depending on the extent of the lift necessary. Stitches are needed, but they are typically placed under the skin, so very little suture removal is necessary which usually leads to a better outcome.

What is the recovery period like?

A breast lift usually has a shorter recovery than breast augmentation surgery. We usually recommend taking off a week from work, but some patients may be able to return to a desk job somewhat sooner. There is some discomfort with the surgery, but it should be fairly easily handled by common pain medications. Full activities such as playing tennis or golf, may take 3-4 weeks in some cases. A breast lift with breast augmentation typically requires a longer recovery, and patients may want to take 10 days off from work, with a full recovery of more like 6-8 weeks.

Who is an ideal candidate for breast lift surgery?

The ideal candidate is someone who is very conscious about the drooping of her breast. This is especially more common after having several children.