Breast Lift Surgery
Overview
A breast lift (mastopexy) raises and reshapes breasts that have descended, by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple higher on the breast mound. It changes position and shape but not size — where extra volume is also wanted, it is combined with an implant, and where less volume is wanted, with a reduction.
Benefits of this treatment
Restores a more youthful position
Raises breast tissue and the nipple to a higher, more supported position on the chest.
Improves clothing and bra fit
A lifted contour often sits better in fitted clothing and swimwear than sagging tissue can.
Can be combined with augmentation
Where volume is also wanted, a lift is frequently combined with an implant in the same procedure.
Day-care or short-stay procedure
Most patients go home the same day or after one night.
How the procedure is performed
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1
15 minutes
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia for comfort and safety throughout.
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2
10 minutes
Incision planning
Incision pattern (around the areola, vertical, or anchor-shaped) is chosen based on how much lift is needed.
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3
60–90 minutes
Repositioning
Breast tissue is reshaped and lifted, and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher on the breast mound.
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4
20 minutes
Closure
Excess skin is removed and incisions closed, with a supportive surgical bra fitted immediately.
Recovery and aftercare
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Days 1–3
Tightness and swelling
The chest feels tight and swollen; a supportive bra is worn continuously.
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Week 1
Back to light routines
Most people manage desk-based work, avoiding lifting the arms overhead.
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Weeks 2–4
Settling in
Swelling reduces and the breasts begin to settle into their new position.
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Months 3–6
Final shape and scar fading
Swelling fully resolves and scars begin to flatten and fade, continuing to improve for up to 12–18 months.
Risks and side effects
Scarring
Permanent scars around the areola and, depending on technique, extending vertically or along the breast crease.
Change in nipple sensation
Temporary or, rarely, permanent altered sensation can occur.
Asymmetry
Minor differences between breasts during healing are common and usually settle; some asymmetry may persist.
Rarer complications
- Difficulty breastfeeding — Depending on incision pattern, milk duct disruption is possible — discussed in advance if future breastfeeding matters to you.
- Wound healing delay — More likely in smokers — smoking cessation is advised well before and after surgery.
What it costs
What affects the price
Incision pattern
More extensive lifts (anchor-shaped incisions for significant sagging) cost more than a minimal peri-areolar lift.
Combined augmentation
Adding an implant in the same session increases the overall price compared with a lift alone.
Frequently asked questions
Not on its own — a lift repositions and reshapes existing tissue. If you also want more volume, an implant can be added in the same procedure.
Scars are permanent but generally fade and flatten significantly over 12–18 months; the exact pattern depends on how much lift is needed.
Many women can, particularly with incision patterns that preserve milk ducts, but this should be discussed at consultation if it matters to you.
A lift is long-lasting, though gravity, weight change and future pregnancy can affect the result over time.
Related
Treatments patients also consider
Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)
Removal of excess abdominal skin and repair of separated abdominal muscles.
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Considering Breast Lift Surgery?
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