Breast Lift Surgery – Over the years, women’s breasts lose firmness due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gravity. As the skin begins to lose its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and start to sag. A breast lift surgery, also known as breast reduction or mastopexy, is a procedure that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts, at least temporarily. A breast lift can also reduce the size of the dark-colored tissue surrounding the nipples, known as the areola. If you have small breasts or have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, combining mastopexy with breast implants can enhance both the firmness and size of your breasts.

Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery?

The best results are typically seen in women with smaller, sagging breasts. However, breast lift surgery can be performed on breasts of any size.

Who can have a breast lift surgery? Who shouldn’t?

Many women seek a breast lift due to stretched skin and reduced volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How should I prepare for the surgery?

You’ll need to stop smoking and avoid blood-thinning medications before the surgery. If you smoke or take any medications, be sure to share this information with us during the planning phase.

Where can I have breast lift surgery performed?

Breast lift surgery should be performed in an operating room within a general hospital setting.

Will I need anesthesia for the surgery?

In most countries, general anesthesia is required for breast lift surgery, and the patient remains asleep during the procedure. In some cases—especially when only a small incision is needed—local anesthesia with sedation may be sufficient. You will feel drowsy and relaxed but won’t feel pain or discomfort during the surgery.

How long does the surgery usually take?


Breast lift
surgery typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the procedure.

What is the typical process for a standard breast lift surgery?

While there are several techniques for breast lifts, the most common method begins with a keyhole-shaped incision along the natural contours of the breast. The incision will be made in the outer area where we remove excess skin and define a new position for the nipple. When the breast tissue is repositioned, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Then, the skin surrounding the areola is drawn down to reshape the breast. Stitches typically finish around the areola and run vertically down to the breast crease.

Except in cases of very large breasts, an inverted “T” scar is usually avoided. For some patients—especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging—modified techniques that require smaller incisions may help reduce surgical trauma. One such method is the ‘periareolar mastopexy’, which involves circular incisions around the areola and the removal of a ring of skin.

Can breast lift surgery be done with implants?

Yes, implants can enhance the size and lifting effect of breast lift surgery. When combining breast implants with a lift, the implant is placed either under the breast tissue or deeper beneath the chest muscle.

Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?

You may need to stay in the hospital for one night following the surgery. If your condition is not ideal or you don’t feel well enough, we may keep you for an additional day.

Is breast lift surgery painful?

You may experience bruising, swelling, or discomfort for a day or two after surgery, but severe pain is not expected. Any discomfort you feel can typically be managed with medication.

What should and shouldn’t I do after the surgery?

You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra over the surgical dressing. After 3 days, the surgical assistants will remove the bandages and bra and replace them with a soft, supportive bra. These surgical dressings will remain for 3–4 weeks. Since your surgeon will have used internal stitches, you may take a shower as soon as 5 days after surgery. If your breast skin becomes dry, you can apply moisturizer a few times a day. While applying it, avoid pulling the skin and keep the product away from the incision sites.

How long will it take to return to normal life?

Recovery takes time and happens gradually over several weeks. You may return to work 4 or 5 days after surgery. Patients should avoid lifting anything overhead for three to four weeks. You may also need to refrain from sexual activity and strenuous exercise for at least one week.

Will there be any scarring after the surgery?


Breast lift
surgery typically leaves scars around the areola and/or vertically down from the areola. These scars are generally small and tend to heal well aesthetically. In the first few months, they may feel firm and appear red, but they usually fade over time and may become fine white lines. Fortunately, the scars will not prevent you from wearing low-cut tops.

Will I lose sensation in my breasts after surgery?

The procedure may lead to repositioned nipples or, in rare cases, permanent loss of sensation. Swelling after surgery can temporarily reduce sensation in the nipples and breast skin. In general, this sensation gradually returns within six weeks.

What complications should I expect after the surgery?

As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications or reactions to anesthesia. Bleeding and infection are rare in breast lift procedures, but an infection could lead to wider scars.

What happens if I become pregnant? Will I still be able to breastfeed?

Although there is no specific risk to future pregnancies, they may stretch your breasts again and counteract the results of the surgery. However, breast lift surgery does not negatively affect breastfeeding. Since there is no damage to the milk ducts or nipples, your ability to breastfeed should remain intact.

Is there a cancer risk associated with breast lift surgery?


Undergoing
a breast lift—whether with or without implants—does not increase the risk of developing cancer in either breast.

Are the results permanent?

Please note that breast lift surgery will not keep your breasts firm forever. Factors such as gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause your breasts to sag again over time. Women who also receive implants during their breast lift often experience better and longer-lasting results. After surgery, tiny broken capillaries may appear as small red marks on the skin’s surface. When rhinoplasty is performed internally, no visible scarring occurs; however, when using the “open” technique or when nostrils need to be narrowed, small scars may form at the base of the nose—though they are often barely noticeable.