Breast

Restore Youthful Shape and Firmness

A Surgical Solution for a Natural Breast Contour

Lift and reshape sagging breasts for a more youthful, elevated contour — without adding volume.

Breast Lift at a Glance

  • Overview

    A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct breast sagging (ptosis) by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. It repositions the nipple and areola to a more youthful height, creating a firmer, more elevated, and aesthetically pleasing breast shape — without increasing breast size.

  • Recovery

    Swelling and bruising are expected and gradually subside over several weeks. A compression bra is worn to aid in healing. Most patients return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, with a full return to normal activities in about four to six weeks.

  • Results

    Results are immediate and become more apparent as the swelling subsides. The procedure provides a more conical, projected breast shape — restoring a youthful contour that diet, exercise, and creams cannot deliver.

Breast Lift

Am I a Good Candidate?

You are an excellent candidate for a breast lift if you are bothered by breasts that have lost their shape and firmness and appear to sag. This is a common concern for women after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or simply from the effects of aging. The most important factor is being at a stable weight with realistic expectations. A breast lift is ideal for those who feel their breasts are "deflated" or "droopy" and want to restore a more youthful contour. We will assess your specific needs and create a surgical plan tailored to your unique anatomy.

What Do Scars Look Like?

A breast lift results in permanent scars. The location and pattern of the incisions depend on the degree of sagging. Our surgeons use several techniques — a "lollipop" pattern (around the areola and down to the breast crease) or an "anchor" pattern (which adds a horizontal incision along the crease for more significant sagging). The incisions are designed to be well-concealed with clothing and swimsuits, and they fade over time. The scar trade is the most important conversation in consultation, and we will walk through expected scar patterns before any decision is made.

More Details About Breast Lift

How a Breast Lift Works

The Surgical Process

A breast lift is an outpatient surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a series of incisions in a pre-determined pattern to remove excess skin, reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola to a more youthful height. Dissolvable sutures create and support the new breast shape, and the incisions are meticulously closed.

With or Without an Implant

A breast lift alone does not significantly increase the size of your breasts — it repositions the breast tissue and creates a more youthful contour. For patients who have lost volume and also desire a lift, we may recommend combining the breast lift with a breast augmentation. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you during your consultation based on your goals and anatomy.

Surgeon's Notes

Jane Namkung, MD

When to add an implant — and when not to

A lot of consultation conversations come down to one question: do you also want to be bigger? A breast lift alone repositions and reshapes what you already have — it doesn't add volume. For patients who want to look like themselves at 25 (perkier, but the same size), a breast lift alone is the right answer. For patients who feel both deflated and saggy after kids or weight loss, a breast lift plus implant is the combination that restores both lift and volume. The mistake I see most often is patients getting only an implant when they actually needed a lift first — the result is a 'top-heavy' breast where the implant sits high while the natural tissue continues to sag below it. Part of my job is recognizing which path you actually need.

Breast Lift

Breast Lift Recovery & Results Timeline

Please remember this is just a guide for Breast Lift recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.

1

Day 1 – 3

You will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. A compression bra will be worn to help reduce swelling and support your new contour.

2

1 – 2 Weeks

The majority of swelling and bruising will have subsided. You can typically return to work and light, non-strenuous activities.

3

4 – 6 Weeks

The remaining swelling continues to resolve. You can gradually return to a full exercise routine, but avoid heavy lifting.

4

6 Weeks – 3 Months

The final contour of your breasts will begin to take shape. You will be fully recovered and can return to all normal activities.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation to discuss Breast Lift with our board-certified surgeons.