About Procedure
Before & After
« Breast Lift
« Surgical Procedures
Breast lift, technically called mastopexy, is surgery to uplift and improve the shape of a female breast that:
• Sags or is pendulous, but is proportionate with the body frame
• Has lost firmness and skin elasticity
• Has a flatter, elongated shape
• When unsupported, the nipple falls below the breast crease
• Has a nipple and areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) that point downward
• Has stretched skin and an enlarged areola
A breast lift is appropriate for women who wish to improve breast shape and position. When an increase in
breast volume is also desired, breast implants may be inserted in conjunction with a breast lift.
While a breast lift does not generally affect breast function, women who are planning future pregnancies
should discuss this with their plastic surgeon. The changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy
can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides. Likewise, plans for significant weight
loss should also be discussed. For these reasons, good candidates for a breast lift are generally women of
normal, stable weight whose breasts are fully developed and who have completed their family. Breast lift
is appropriate in younger women as well, most commonly in cases of breast asymmetry where the position
of one breast is lower than the other.
A breast lift is best performed on:
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness
or medical conditions that can impair healing.
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving body image
A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how a breast lift can improve your breast
contours. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about breast lift in a non-pressured environment,
and will include:
• A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
• The options available in breast lift surgery
• The likely outcomes of a breast lift and any risks or potential complications
• The prescribed course of treatment recommended by your plastic surgeon
Your plastic surgeon will also answer your questions.
Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of breast lift surgery. These will be
carefully evaluated in consultation with your plastic surgeon. The success of your procedure, safety
and overall satisfaction requires that you:
• Honestly share your expectations with your plastic surgeon
• Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins,
herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
• Be candid about any history of breast cancer in your family and
your personal breast health
• Commit to precisely following all of your plastic
surgeon’s instructions
By making the decision to consult with your plastic surgeon and following all the instructions given,
you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.
Your plastic surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained
in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.
Breast lift is a highly individualized procedure achieved through a variety of incision patterns
and techniques. The appropriate technique for your case will be determined based on:
• Breast size and shape
• The size and position of the areola
• The degree of breast sagging
• Skin quality and skin elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin
There are many variations to the procedure, however one of the most common is a pattern with three incisions:
• Around the areola
• Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
• Horizontally along the breast crease
Through these incisions, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour
and firmness. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height. If necessary,
enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter. Excess breast skin is removed to compensate
for a loss of elasticity.
Alternative techniques eliminate either the horizontal incision at the breast crease, the vertical incision
from the areola to the breast crease or sometimes both. In any case, incisions are usually placed so that
they can be hidden under clothing and swimsuits. Non-removable sutures are layered deep within the breast
tissue to create and support the newly shaped breasts. Sutures, skin adhesives and/or surgical tape may be
used to close the skin.
