Breast lift, also known as Mastopexy, is a surgical procedure used to lift sagging breasts.  The surgery involves removing of excess skin and tightening of the surrounding tissue.  It may be performed with or without breast implants.

Factors that may cause breasts to sag are mostly related to loss of skin elasticity and that is due to aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, breast feeding, pregnancy, and genetics.

A good candidate is a woman with good health, stable weight, and typically has sagging breasts, and elongated in shape.  The nipples may be pointing downwards, or fall below the breast crease when not wearing a bra.  She may have enlarged areolas or stretched skin, or may have asymmetrical breasts.

Prior to the surgery, the surgeon will do a full medical examination on you, which may include a mammogram.  The details of the procedure will be discussed and some photographs will be taken of your breasts.  If you are a smoker you should refrain from smoking at least 3 weeks prior to the surgery.  You will need someone to drive you home at the end of the surgery.

The procedure may be done in a hospital or an outpatient office.  It can be through general anesthesia or local.  The surgery may last up to three and half hours.

There are typically three incision patterns used in this surgical procedure depending on the size and shape of the breast, the position and size of the areolas, the degree of sagging and the skin’s elasticity as well as the amount of skin that needs to be removed.  The first incision is around the areola and this will create a new position for the nipple.  The second incision goes vertically down from the nipple to the breast crease.  The third extends around the areola/nipple vertically down to the breast crease and runs horizontally on the underside of the breast along the crease.

The breast tissue is then reshaped, any excess skin is removed, and the nipples are repositioned while remaining connected to their underlying tissue to avoid loss of sensation.  The incisions are then sutured.  The incision lines are unfortunately permanent but with time they may fade significantly.  The incisions will be covered with dressing, and you will need to wear bandages for several days.  In addition thin draining tubes will be placed in your breasts to drain the excess post-operative fluids.

After the surgery there will be bruising, swelling and pain, you will need to wear a sports bra for support until the swelling decreases.  Stitches will be removed within a week or two.

Light daily activities may be presumed within a week and heavy activities within a month. Temporary reduction in the sensation of the nipple may occur, which will return to normal after healing.

Risks involved in the surgery are infection, bleeding, allergic reaction to anesthetic, visible scars, the possibility of permanent loss of nipple sensation, poor healing, breast shape irregularities and asymmetry, skin discoloration, fat necrosis, and damage to deeper structures.

Cost of surgery ranges between US$3,500 – US$6,000.