Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift — also known as mastopexy — is a surgical procedure to change the shape of your breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is reshaped to restore firmness and raise the breasts to a higher position.You might choose to have a breast lift if your breasts sag or your nipples point downward. A breast lift might also boost your self-image and self-confidence.A breast lift won’t significantly change the size of your breasts. However, a breast lift can be done in combination with breast augmentation or breast reduction.

A breast lift can reduce sagging and raise the position of the nipples and the darker area surrounding the nipples (areolae). The size of the areolae can also be reduced during the procedure to keep them in proportion to the newly shaped breasts.

You might consider a breast lift if:

• Your breasts sag — they’ve lost shape and volume, or they’ve gotten flatter and longer
• Your nipples — when your breasts are unsupported — fall below your breast creases
• Your nipples and areolae point downward
• Your areolae have stretched out of proportion to your breasts
• One of your breasts falls lower than the other

What you can expect

After a breast lift, your breasts will likely be covered with gauze and a surgical support bra. Small tubes might be placed at the incision sites in your breasts to drain any excess blood or fluid.

Your breasts will be swollen and bruised for about two weeks. You’ll likely feel pain and soreness around the incisions, which will be red or pink for a few months. Numbness in your nipples, areolae and breast skin might last for about six weeks.

In the first few days after a breast lift, take pain medication as recommended by your doctor. Avoid straining, bending and lifting. Sleep on your back or your side to keep pressure off your breasts.

Avoid sexual activity for at least one to two weeks after the breast lift. Ask your doctor when it’s OK to resume daily activities, such as washing your hair, showering or bathing.

While you’re healing, keep your breasts out of the sun. Afterward, be careful to protect your incisions during sun exposure.