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Breast Lift

Lift, reshape, and rejuvenate sagging breasts with a physician led procedure that improves contour and nipple position for a youthful, natural look and lasting confidence.

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Overview

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The procedure can reposition the nipple and areola, restore a firmer contour, and improve symmetry between sides. Many patients consider it after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or aging. When performed by a board-certified surgeon, a breast lift delivers a natural looking improvement while preserving your proportions and supporting a comfortable, confident fit in clothing.

On its own, a lift does not change breast size. If you want added volume, your surgeon may recommend combining mastopexy with implants or fat transfer. If you prefer smaller, lighter breasts, reduction can be performed at the same time. Your plan is individualized to your anatomy, goals, lifestyle, and recovery preferences.

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Dr. Tiffany McCormack

MD, FACS
Dr. Tiffany McCormack

Cost of a Breast Lift

Total price reflects surgeon expertise, facility and anesthesia fees, surgical time, and aftercare. Technique, extent of lifting, and whether implants or reduction are added also influence cost. Most patients pay out of pocket, though financing programs are commonly available through many practices.

95-97% patient satisfaction

Success rates

$7,000

Average cost

110,000+ in the U.S.

Procedures performed annually

5-8% minor complications

Complication rate

Average Cost

$7,000

Cost Range

$5,000-$10,000

Package pricing for combined procedures can lower overall fees but may extend recovery. Geographic location and case complexity matter, too. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized quote that includes garments, follow-up visits, and any recommended imaging or lab testing.

Breast Lift Before and After Photos

Before and after photos demonstrate lifted breast position, improved firmness, and refined shape. Because these images involve sensitive anatomy, many galleries are shared during in person consultations rather than online. Ask to see patients with similar body types and surgical plans so you can understand likely outcomes and discuss your preferences.

Breast Lift (6)

Before & After Gallery

This gallery contains real patient images from medical procedures, including before-and-after photos that may feature clinical nudity. These images are presented strictly for educational and informational purposes and are intended to help prospective patients understand realistic surgical outcomes. All patients shown have given their informed, written consent for these images to be shared publicly. Viewer discretion is advised. By continuing, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or older and understand the nature of this content.

Pros and Cons of Getting a Breast Lift

Pros

  • Lifts sagging breasts
  • Improves shape and symmetry
  • Repositions nipple for a more natural look
  • Restores youthful appearance
  • Boosts confidence
  • Long-lasting results

Cons

  • Visible scarring
  • Potential changes in nipple sensation
  • Risk of complications like infection or poor healing
  • No significant change in breast size
  • Possible need for revision surgery
  • Downtime and recovery required

How it Works

A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. The procedure repositions the nipple for a more youthful, balanced contour; restoring comfort, symmetry, and confidence without significantly changing breast size.

What it Treats

Treats sagging, elongated, or deflated breasts, improves symmetry, and elevates low nipples caused by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or genetics, restoring a firmer contour.

Procedure Time

Most breast lifts take two to three hours. Outpatient surgery is typical. Anesthesia is general. Time varies with incision pattern, implant placement needs, and complexity.

Eligibility

Ideal candidates are healthy nonsmokers with realistic expectations and sagging breasts that limit comfort or aesthetics. Breast development should be complete, and future pregnancies discussed.

Recovery & Downtime

Expect one to two weeks of reduced activity. Wear a support bra, avoid heavy lifting, sleep elevated, then resume exercise gradually after medical clearance, carefully.

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Breast Lift

Before a Breast Lift

Your surgeon reviews goals, examines breast position, and recommends incision patterns. You may need a mammogram, labs, medication adjustments, and to stop nicotine. Preoperative photos, garment fitting, and recovery planning help you prepare for a smooth experience.

During a Breast Lift

Under anesthesia, the surgeon reshapes breast tissue, elevates the nipple areola complex, and removes extra skin. Incisions may be around the areola, vertically to the fold, and sometimes along the fold. Dissolving sutures and surgical tape support precise closure.

After a Breast Lift

You will wear a supportive bra, manage discomfort with prescribed medication, and follow incision care instructions. Swelling and bruising peak early, then steadily improve. Most patients return to desk work within two weeks and resume exercise after clearance.

Potential Risks and Side Effects from a Breast Lift

Changes in Nipple or Breast Sensation

Temporary numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity is common as nerves recover. Sensation usually improves over weeks to months. A small percentage of patients experience lasting changes, which may be decreased or increased sensitivity, especially around the nipple and areola.

Scarring and Skin Irregularities

All lifts create scars. Skilled placement keeps them as discreet as possible, often around the areola and along the lower breast. Unevenness, puckering, or delayed healing can occur but usually improves with time, scar care, and follow up treatments.

Infection or Poor Wound Healing

Infection is uncommon and minimized by sterile techniques, antibiotics when indicated, and careful aftercare. Smoking, diabetes, or poor nutrition can impair healing. Prompt follow up for redness, drainage, or fever helps your team treat problems early and protect your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

A breast lift repositions sagging breasts and reshapes tissue for a firmer, lifted appearance. Breast augmentation increases breast volume using implants. The two can be performed together if you want both lift and added fullness, but they target different concerns; shape and position versus size and enhancement, depending on your goals.

Results from a breast lift can last 10 to 15 years or longer, especially with stable weight and supportive habits. However, gravity, aging, and hormonal changes may eventually impact the results. Periodic evaluations with your provider can help maintain your look or determine if a revision is needed over time.

Yes, a breast lift involves incisions that result in scars. However, they’re typically placed around the areola and along the lower breast fold, making them less noticeable under clothing. Over time, scars tend to fade significantly with proper care. Most patients feel the benefits outweigh the appearance of minor scarring.

Absolutely, many patients combine a breast lift with augmentation or reduction to achieve both lift and volume adjustment. It’s also frequently part of a mommy makeover, which may include a tummy tuck or liposuction. Combining procedures can streamline recovery, reduce costs, and offer comprehensive aesthetic improvements tailored to personal goals and timeline preferences.

You’re likely a good candidate if your breasts have lost shape or firmness, nipples point downward, or sag below the breast crease. Ideal patients are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and don’t smoke, as smoking can impair healing and affect surgical outcomes. Your consultation confirms fit and safety.

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Sources & studies

The information presented on this page is supported by data and insights from the following trusted sources:

Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life After Mastopexy - PubMed (2017)

Study found over 90% patient satisfaction with breast lift results, reporting significant improvements in self-image and confidence.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Overview - American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Provides detailed data on procedure trends, average cost, recovery, and risks.

Long-Term Outcomes of Mastopexy - Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2020)

Analysis showed lasting improvements in breast position and shape, with most patients maintaining results beyond 10 years.

All sources are reviewed for accuracy and credibility to ensure the content remains reliable and up to date.

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