Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBreast LiftThe ProcedureRecoverCostPotential RisksFinding a SurgeonFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Breast Lift
The Procedure
Recover
Cost
Potential Risks
Finding a Surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions
During a breast lift, excess skin is removed,breast tissueis remodeled, and the nipples are raised to a new position. Sometimes, thesize of the areola(the area around the nipple) is reduced.
Read on to learn more about what is involved with a breast lift.
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What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is a surgery that can:
Purpose of Breast Lift
It is normal for breast firmness and shape to change over time. Elasticity in the breast tissue and skin can be lost as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, gravity, or aging.This can cause the breasts to change their shape and droop. For some people, this can also simply be the natural shape of their breasts.
If a person is unhappy with the shape of their breasts, a breast lift can help lift and remodel their breast tissue. A breast lift will not change the size of the breasts or increase their volume.
People who want to enlarge their breasts and/or give them more fullness may choose to have abreast augmentation(such as the insertion ofbreast implants) during their breast lift surgery.
Types of Breast LiftsSeveral technique options are available for breast lifts, depending on existing breast tissue, amount of excess skin, and personal preference.Crescent lift: A small incision is made that runs halfway around the top half of the edge of the areola. It is used for people who have a very small amount of sagging.Periareolar (“donut”) lift: A circular incision is made running around the edge of the areola. It is used for people experiencing mild sagging.Vertical (“lollipop”) lift: One incision is made around the edge of the areola. A second incision is made, running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold (where the lower breast meets the chest wall), creating a “lollipop” shape. This is the most common type. It is used for moderate sagging and more extensive reshaping.Inverted T (“anchor”) lift: One incision is made around the edge of the areola, a second incision is made vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and a third incision is made along the inframammary fold. It is used for extensive sagging, dramatic reshaping, and/or along with abreast reduction.
Types of Breast Lifts
Several technique options are available for breast lifts, depending on existing breast tissue, amount of excess skin, and personal preference.Crescent lift: A small incision is made that runs halfway around the top half of the edge of the areola. It is used for people who have a very small amount of sagging.Periareolar (“donut”) lift: A circular incision is made running around the edge of the areola. It is used for people experiencing mild sagging.Vertical (“lollipop”) lift: One incision is made around the edge of the areola. A second incision is made, running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold (where the lower breast meets the chest wall), creating a “lollipop” shape. This is the most common type. It is used for moderate sagging and more extensive reshaping.Inverted T (“anchor”) lift: One incision is made around the edge of the areola, a second incision is made vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and a third incision is made along the inframammary fold. It is used for extensive sagging, dramatic reshaping, and/or along with abreast reduction.
Several technique options are available for breast lifts, depending on existing breast tissue, amount of excess skin, and personal preference.
Crescent lift: A small incision is made that runs halfway around the top half of the edge of the areola. It is used for people who have a very small amount of sagging.
Periareolar (“donut”) lift: A circular incision is made running around the edge of the areola. It is used for people experiencing mild sagging.
Vertical (“lollipop”) lift: One incision is made around the edge of the areola. A second incision is made, running vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold (where the lower breast meets the chest wall), creating a “lollipop” shape. This is the most common type. It is used for moderate sagging and more extensive reshaping.
Inverted T (“anchor”) lift: One incision is made around the edge of the areola, a second incision is made vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and a third incision is made along the inframammary fold. It is used for extensive sagging, dramatic reshaping, and/or along with abreast reduction.
What’s the Procedure Like?
A breast lift is typically done as outpatient surgery but sometimes involves an overnight hospital stay. It may be done in an office-based surgical suite, outpatient surgical center, or hospital-based surgery suite. Ensure that the site is accredited for the surgery.
The procedure takes approximately two to four hours.
During a breast lift, the surgeon will:
Preparing for Surgery
Before your surgery, you will meet with your surgeon for a comprehensive consultation. Your surgeon will:
Your surgeon will also outline specific instructions to follow in preparation for your surgery. These include:
What’s the Recovery Like?
Right after surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room as the effects of theanesthesiawear off.
During the short-term recovery period after surgery, you may experience the following:
You will be given instructions to follow as you recover. These usually include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Callyour surgeonor healthcare provider right away if you are experiencing signs of infection or complications, such as:
Inform your healthcare provider of these signs or any other concerns you may have.
What’s the Cost?
According to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average breast lift cost is $5,012. This is not the total price of the procedure. Other costs may include:
The cost will vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the extent of the surgery, and geographic location.
TheAmerican Board of Cosmetic Surgery offers a search toolto check the range of pricing for cosmetic surgery procedures in your area.
Side effects of a breast lift may include:
As with any surgery, complications from a breast lift are possible. Potential complications include:
Before surgery, your surgeon will discuss these risks with you and evaluate you for any factors that could increase these risks, such as:
Are There Nonsurgical Breast Lift Options?
There are no nonsurgical options that offer the same level of results as a breast lift, but there are some nonsurgical procedures available that can help change the appearance of your breasts, including:
How to Find a Board-Certified Surgeon for Procedure
Summary
A loss of elasticity in the breasts over time is normal. A breast lift is a surgical option for people who are unhappy with how their breasts look due to sagging.
A breast lift moves the breasts to sit higher on the chest and changes their shape. It does not change breast size or add volume to the breasts.
Side effects and complications are possible with a breast lift. It is important to choose anexperienced, board-certified surgeonto perform the procedure and follow all of their instructions.
Typically, people who undergo breast lifts are between the ages of 30 and 60, but the option is available to adults outside these ages.Learn MoreBreast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy): Everything You Need to Know
Typically, people who undergo breast lifts are between the ages of 30 and 60, but the option is available to adults outside these ages.
Learn MoreBreast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy): Everything You Need to Know
Most people who undergo a breast lift will experience some initial soreness and swelling. This can be controlled with prescription pain medication at first, switching to over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) after a few days.Learn MorePractical Tips for Dealing With Pain After Surgery
Most people who undergo a breast lift will experience some initial soreness and swelling. This can be controlled with prescription pain medication at first, switching to over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) after a few days.
Learn MorePractical Tips for Dealing With Pain After Surgery
The longevity of the effects of a breast lift vary with a number of factors. The processes that affected breast sagging before surgery, such as aging, pregnancy, gravity, and weight fluctuations, will contribute to sagging if they occur after surgery as well.Aging and gravity alone are not likely to cause breasts to sag to their pre-surgery level for several years.Learn MoreChallenges of Breast Revision Surgery
The longevity of the effects of a breast lift vary with a number of factors. The processes that affected breast sagging before surgery, such as aging, pregnancy, gravity, and weight fluctuations, will contribute to sagging if they occur after surgery as well.Aging and gravity alone are not likely to cause breasts to sag to their pre-surgery level for several years.
The longevity of the effects of a breast lift vary with a number of factors. The processes that affected breast sagging before surgery, such as aging, pregnancy, gravity, and weight fluctuations, will contribute to sagging if they occur after surgery as well.
Aging and gravity alone are not likely to cause breasts to sag to their pre-surgery level for several years.
Learn MoreChallenges of Breast Revision Surgery
Learn MoreBreast Surgery
Learn MoreHow to Pay For Surgery Costs That Insurance Won’t Pay
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is breast lift surgery?British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.Breast uplift (mastopexy).University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Breast lift (mastopexy).MedlinePlus.gov.Aging changes in the breast.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Breast lift guide.Abdelkader R, Raafat S, Sakr W, Abdelaziz M, ElNoamany S.Augmentation mastopexy: a five-step standardized strategy approach.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open. 2022;10(6):e4349. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000004349American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How should I prepare for breast list surgery?University Hospitals.A breast lift can reshape sagging breasts.NorthShore Plastic Surgery.Breast lift (mastopexy).Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Mastopexy (breast lift).American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does a breast lift cost?Loma Linda University Health.Breast lift (mastopexy).American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of breast lift surgery?Swanson E.A systematic review of subsurface radiofrequency treatments in plastic surgery.Ann Plast Surg. 2022;89(3):274-285. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003093American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing.University of Utah Health.What is Renuvion J Plasma?American Board Cosmetic Surgery.Cosmetic surgery pricing.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is breast lift surgery?British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.Breast uplift (mastopexy).University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Breast lift (mastopexy).MedlinePlus.gov.Aging changes in the breast.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Breast lift guide.Abdelkader R, Raafat S, Sakr W, Abdelaziz M, ElNoamany S.Augmentation mastopexy: a five-step standardized strategy approach.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open. 2022;10(6):e4349. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000004349American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How should I prepare for breast list surgery?University Hospitals.A breast lift can reshape sagging breasts.NorthShore Plastic Surgery.Breast lift (mastopexy).Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Mastopexy (breast lift).American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does a breast lift cost?Loma Linda University Health.Breast lift (mastopexy).American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of breast lift surgery?Swanson E.A systematic review of subsurface radiofrequency treatments in plastic surgery.Ann Plast Surg. 2022;89(3):274-285. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003093American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing.University of Utah Health.What is Renuvion J Plasma?American Board Cosmetic Surgery.Cosmetic surgery pricing.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is breast lift surgery?British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.Breast uplift (mastopexy).University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Breast lift (mastopexy).MedlinePlus.gov.Aging changes in the breast.American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Breast lift guide.Abdelkader R, Raafat S, Sakr W, Abdelaziz M, ElNoamany S.Augmentation mastopexy: a five-step standardized strategy approach.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open. 2022;10(6):e4349. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000004349American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How should I prepare for breast list surgery?University Hospitals.A breast lift can reshape sagging breasts.NorthShore Plastic Surgery.Breast lift (mastopexy).Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Mastopexy (breast lift).American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does a breast lift cost?Loma Linda University Health.Breast lift (mastopexy).American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of breast lift surgery?Swanson E.A systematic review of subsurface radiofrequency treatments in plastic surgery.Ann Plast Surg. 2022;89(3):274-285. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003093American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing.University of Utah Health.What is Renuvion J Plasma?American Board Cosmetic Surgery.Cosmetic surgery pricing.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What is breast lift surgery?
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.Breast uplift (mastopexy).
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Breast lift (mastopexy).
MedlinePlus.gov.Aging changes in the breast.
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.Breast lift guide.
Abdelkader R, Raafat S, Sakr W, Abdelaziz M, ElNoamany S.Augmentation mastopexy: a five-step standardized strategy approach.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open. 2022;10(6):e4349. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000004349
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How should I prepare for breast list surgery?
University Hospitals.A breast lift can reshape sagging breasts.
NorthShore Plastic Surgery.Breast lift (mastopexy).
Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Mastopexy (breast lift).
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does a breast lift cost?
Loma Linda University Health.Breast lift (mastopexy).
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.What are the risks of breast lift surgery?
Swanson E.A systematic review of subsurface radiofrequency treatments in plastic surgery.Ann Plast Surg. 2022;89(3):274-285. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003093
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Laser skin resurfacing.
University of Utah Health.What is Renuvion J Plasma?
American Board Cosmetic Surgery.Cosmetic surgery pricing.
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