Breast lift

A guide to understanding breast lift surgery

Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is performed when the breasts are sagging and there is a clear downward displacement of the areola. This condition, known as breast ptosis, may be caused by significant weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding or the natural effects of gravity, particularly in women with larger breasts.

Mastopexy may be performed solely to lift and reposition the areola, or it may be combined with the placement of a breast implant in cases where there has been a significant loss of volume and the breast appears excessively lax or “deflated”. In addition, this procedure allows for the reduction of excessively large areolas when required.

In all cases, the aim of breast lift surgery is to achieve a more harmonious breast shape that is proportionate to the rest of the female figure.

Surgical planning

Before a mastopexy, the surgeon assesses the overall condition of the breasts, the degree of sagging, the position and size of the areola, skin firmness and the tension of the supporting tissues. This evaluation allows the surgeon to determine the most appropriate surgical approach in order to achieve an optimal result.

During this pre-operative consultation, the need for breast implants to enhance aesthetic outcomes is also assessed. The patient is informed in detail about how the surgery will be performed and receives instructions to follow in the days leading up to the procedure (such as temporarily discontinuing certain medications or nutritional supplements, and stopping smoking). Expectations regarding recovery and outcomes are also discussed.

What mastopexy involves

Breast lift surgery is performed in an operating theatre under general anaesthesia, or in selected cases, under local anaesthesia with sedation. Depending on the extent of the procedure, surgery usually lasts between one and a half and four hours. Hospital admission is generally not required, although when necessary, it rarely exceeds one night.

Depending on the degree of breast ptosis, the position of the areola and whether a breast implant is required, mastopexy may involve anything from an incision around the areola alone to more extensive incisions extending along the inframammary fold in more severe cases.

In all situations, surgeons aim to place incisions as discreetly as possible, so that scars become virtually imperceptible once healing is complete.

“In general, the best outcomes are achieved by combining different therapeutic options and intervening at an early stage”

Recovery after breast lift surgery

After mastopexy, a special dressing is applied and replaced by a support bra after a few days. In the first days following surgery, it is normal for the patient to feel tired and experience some discomfort or pain, which is effectively managed with standard analgesics.

Temporary hypersensitivity in the nipple area and breast swelling due to post-operative oedema are also common. This swelling gradually subsides over the following weeks, a process that can be accelerated through manual lymphatic drainage sessions provided by our Beauty and Wellness Unit.

Complete rest is not required after mastopexy; on the contrary, gentle walking is recommended from the first day after surgery. Depending on the patient’s occupation and following the surgeon’s guidance, most patients can resume near-normal activities and return to work within a few days, avoiding strenuous exercise or movements that involve lifting the arms above shoulder level.

After breast lift surgery

Breast lift surgery is compatible with future pregnancy and breastfeeding, even when mastopexy is combined with breast implants. However, when planning the most appropriate timing for this procedure, patients should be aware that pregnancy and breastfeeding increase the risk of recurrent breast sagging over time.

This procedure does not interfere with future mammographic examinations. Nevertheless, if mastopexy has been performed together with breast implants, patients should inform the radiologist so that imaging studies can be correctly interpreted.

More information

Below you will find the frequently asked questions, authorship, and references for the information provided on this page: