Breast Lift
What Is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging (or ptotic) breasts. Unlike breast augmentation, which adds volume, a breast lift primarily changes breast position and shape. Women choose to undergo a breast lift for:
- Sagging (ptosis): Due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or gravity, breasts can lose their firmness and begin to droop.
- Nipple position: To raise the nipples if they point downward or sit below the breast crease (inframammary fold).
- Shape and Symmetry: To improve the overall shape and even out asymmetrical breasts.
A breast lift procedure can be combined with breast augmentation. This combination breast procedure is referred to as a “breast lift with implants” or “breast augmentation with lift” and can be performed to restore volume or to achieve a larger size.
However, a breast lift without implants may also be the right procedure depending on your goals. Dr. Bartlett’s extensive experience with all breast procedures allows him to fully evaluate your case and offer all options that might be right for you.
Your Personalized Breast Lift Consultation
If you are considering a breast lift, or mastopexy, the first step is a confidential consultation with Dr. Bartlett. At this time, he will perform a medical evaluation and listen carefully to understand your goals. He will answer questions about the benefits and risks of surgery, describe the treatment process, and may discuss alternative treatment options. Dr. Bartlett will create and personalize your surgical plan. He will tell you what to expect so you can prepare for your breast lift procedure. Your visit is also the time to discuss whether a lift alone or a lift with implants better matches your goals. Review Dr. Bartlett’s training before your visit and bring questions about incision patterns, recovery, and the full estimate.
What to Expect During Your Breast Lift Procedure
Dr. Bartlett will make incisions on the breasts to remove excess skin to tighten and reshape the breast tissue. Areolas that have stretched or enlarged can be reduced in size. The incisions are closed with dissolving sutures. Common incision patterns include:
- Around the areola (periareolar incision).
- Vertically down from the areola to the breast crease (sometimes referred to as the lollipop incision).
- Horizontally along the breast crease (sometimes referred to as an anchor incision or inverted-T).
General anesthesia is recommended for this procedure.
3 to 4 hours. The exact duration of surgery will depend on the treatment plan, techniques used, and if there are other procedures performed during your procedure.
Breast lift surgeries are performed in our AAAASF Certified office operating room in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.
Healing After a Breast Lift Procedure
Dr. Bartlett and his staff review details of the recovery process, providing instructions and prescription medications prior to surgery. If you are exploring additional enhancements such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, these may also be discussed as part of your personalized surgical plan. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and help during the first few days of recovery.
After surgery, you will remain in a surgical bra. Showering may begin 48 hours after surgery; follow Dr. Bartlett’s instructions for wearing a supportive bra day and night for six weeks.
Discomfort is often mild to moderate and pain medication is prescribed and typically used for 2 or 3 days after surgery. Swelling and bruising can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Numbness and firmness may persist for months but do not affect appearance.
Patients typically take 1 to 2 weeks off from work. Light exercise is permitted in 2 weeks; heavy exercise is recommended to resume at least 6 weeks after surgery. Swelling and bruising abate within 2 weeks, but the final breast lift result can be seen 3 to 6 months after surgery. Patients can enjoy results that look natural and youthful.
"Everyone that’s ever known me has called me Mrs. Just So. In other words, I am very particular and also a perfectionist in all areas. I couldn’t have picked a better plastic surgeon. My husband and I met Dr. Bartlett and didn’t even feel that we had to get a second opinion. No one can even tell that I had this done. People will say, “Oh, I love your haircut, you look so good,” and then other people I tell will say, “Oh my god, I want his number.” They say they’ve never seen anyone look so natural. Dr. Bartlett is a perfectionist and very tedious and is an artist. He listens and cares and even called me over the weekend to see how I was doing. His entire staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well. I would recommend Dr. Bartlett to anyone!"
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
Breast lift pricing depends on the surgical plan, anesthesia, and whether implants are part of the procedure. The office may provide an initial estimate by phone. After examining your anatomy and discussing your goals, Dr. Bartlett’s team will provide a detailed quote for your recommended plan.
Why Choose Dr. Bartlett for a Breast Lift?
Dr. Richard A. Bartlett is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years in practice. During a consultation at his Brookline practice, he reviews each patient’s anatomy and goals before discussing whether a lift alone or a combined procedure is appropriate.
Breast Lift FAQs
Can I see breast lift results before a consultation?
Will a breast lift add volume?
A lift changes breast position and shape. If added volume is one of your goals, ask Dr. Bartlett whether combining a lift with breast augmentation is appropriate for you.
Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation in Boston
Ready to discuss breast lift surgery in the Boston area? Request a consultation with Dr. Bartlett in Brookline to review your goals, surgical options, recovery, and a personalized estimate.
Need More Help?
Check out these related procedures
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure that involves placing implants to enhance the aesthetics of the breasts.
Breast Reduction
There are women with large breasts who want to reduce their breast size due to aesthetic preferences and some women experience physical discomfort.