Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Pregnancy, breast feeding and gravity cause women’s breasts to droop over time. As a result of aging, the skin loses its elasticity and breasts can lose their shape. Mastopexy is a surgical procedure to lift up and reshape drooping breasts for a period of time.

Some patients choose to have the size of the areola changed while the procedure is being done. In addition, some may have breast implants inserted to increase the size and firmness of the breasts.

Insurance typically does not pay for these procedures.

The best candidates are healthy women who are realistic about what the surgery will achieve. Women with small, sagging breasts usually achieve the best results. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results don’t last as long in patients with large breasts. Mastopexy is not recommended for women who plan to have more children, because pregnancy may stretch the breasts and cause them to droop again.

Be sure to discuss any expectations you have with the plastic surgeon. Typically, he or she can show you before and after pictures that may answer some of your questions. Risks of the surgery include infection and blood clots, as well as poor healing. Poor healing is more common in smokers. Scars will be visible after the surgery, but undergarments and bathing suits usually cover them. Some patients report uneven nipples or a permanent loss of feeling in the nipples or breast area.

The surgeon will examine the breasts and the skin tone while sitting and standing and discuss expectations as well as the positioning of the nipple and areola. He or she will describe the procedure in detail and make sure you understand that scarring will occur. Depending on family history, the surgeon also may require a mammogram before surgery.

Mastopexy usually is performed with the patient under general anesthesia and takes anywhere from one to three hours. There usually is an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. Extra skin is removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position, and the breast is reshaped. Stitches are placed around the areola and in a line down from the nipple along the bottom crease of the breasts.

For patients with small breasts and only a small amount of drooping, there are other less extensive procedures in which an incision is made only around the areola. If implants are being used, they will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscles of the chest wall.

A surgical bra or elastic bandage will be placed over the dressings. The breasts will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a few days, but the pain is manageable with pain medication. After a few days, the dressings will be removed and replaced with a soft support bra to be worn 24 hours a day for three or four weeks. The stitches will be removed after about seven days.

Do not pull on the breast area or skin after surgery. Most patients experience temporary loss of feeling in the nipple and breast area because of the swelling after surgery. Sometimes this lasts for up to a year or even permanently.

Most patients are off of work for at least a week, and more often two weeks, depending on how the patient is feeling. Walking is important, but patients should avoid lifting objects over their head for three to four weeks. The scars may look dark for months, but gradually will become lighter and flatter. Although scars will always be present, they should not show under bathing suits or clothing.

Mastopexy doesn’t last forever; it just delays the effects of gravity.

Making an Appointment

For a consultation with a Washington University cosmetic surgeon, please call (314) 362-4452.

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Disclaimer: The photos on this website are of models, not actual patients.