A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is the process of raising and firming your breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the tissue around the breasts. Breast lifts are especially helpful for individuals who have lost their breast shape or experience their nipples pointing downward as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, heredity, or aging.

Your surgeon will examine your breasts and help you to determine if a breast lift is right for your situation. He or she will look at your breast shape and the degree of sagging that you are experiencing. The incision technique that will work best for you will also be determined. Some incisions are vertical and start below the areola, while some are horizontal and go under your breast. The incision lines are typically covered by your natural breast shape. Some might remain visible after the procedure, but will fade over time.

After the incision is made and your breast tissue is lifted and tightened, your surgeon will reposition your areola and nipple to make your breasts look natural. Your doctor will discuss pain and pain management with you, and it may take some time for the sensation in your breasts to return to normal, but you will likely be able to resume normal physical activities after just a few weeks.

You will see results from your breast lift immediately. Since weight changes and pregnancy can affect the results, it is best to get the lift done once your breasts are finished developing and when no major changes are anticipated. However, you can always have the lift adjusted later if necessary, and breastfeeding is still possible following a breast lift since your milk ducts are not bothered. Your doctor will help you decide if now is the right time in your life to get a breast lift done, or if you should wait until a later time.

Keep in mind that a breast lift does not change the size of your breasts. However, if you want to change your breasts’ size, talk to your surgeon about combining the procedure with a breast augmentation for fuller, bigger breasts, or with a breast reduction to reduce breast size.