About breast lift
Ptosis is graded by where the nipple sits relative to the inframammary fold. That grade determines the technique: mild ptosis may need only a periareolar or short-scar approach, while severe ptosis requires a full anchor-pattern lift.
The distinction patients most often need clarified is between lifting and filling. A lift moves existing tissue upward and removes excess skin. If you also want more upper pole fullness than your own tissue can provide, an implant is added — an augmentation-mastopexy.
We do as much of the shaping as possible with internal tissue rearrangement rather than relying on skin tension. Skin stretches; internal pillars and auto-augmentation flaps hold, which is what determines whether the result is still good at five years.
Who this suits
- Nipples sitting at or below the inframammary fold.
- Breasts that have lost shape after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss.
- Stretched areolae or a downward-pointing nipple position.
- Completed family, or willingness to accept that future pregnancy may alter the result.
- Non-smoker with stable weight.
How the procedure is performed
- Assessment and grading of ptosis, tissue quality, areolar size and asymmetry.
- Selection of scar pattern: periareolar, vertical (lollipop) or inverted-T (anchor).
- Elevation of the nipple-areola complex on a vascular pedicle, preserving blood supply and sensation.
- Internal parenchymal reshaping and creation of an auto-augmentation flap for upper pole fullness.
- Reduction of the areola to a proportionate diameter.
- Skin envelope tailored and closed under minimal tension in layers.
- Implant added concurrently where volume as well as lift is wanted.
What it achieves
- Nipple restored to a youthful position on the breast mound.
- Rounder, firmer shape with improved upper pole.
- Areolar size reduced and asymmetry corrected.
- Result held by internal structure rather than skin tension.
- Can be combined with augmentation or reduction as needed.
Recovery timeline
Individual recovery varies. These are the stages most patients pass through, and the ones we plan your follow-up around.
- Days 1–3
Surgical bra worn continuously. Moderate soreness. Drains, if used, removed at 24–48 hours.
- Days 7–10
Dressings changed; sutures largely dissolvable. Desk work resumed.
- Weeks 2–4
Swelling settling. Breasts appear high and flat at the lower pole — this corrects as tissue drops.
- Weeks 6–8
Full exercise. Underwired bras permitted.
- Months 3–6
Shape settled. Scars at their most pink; scar care in full swing.
- Months 12–18
Scars mature and pale. Final result.
Cost
Mastopexy alone. Augmentation-mastopexy with implants from $4,400. Includes hospital stay, garments and one year of follow-up.
Bands reflect the genuine variation in complexity between patients. Your firm quote is issued after examination and does not change afterwards. See our full price list for context across the catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
No. It repositions what you have and can look fuller in the upper pole, but the volume is unchanged. If you want more volume, an implant is added at the same operation.
Scar pattern depends on how much lift is needed. All lifts leave a scar around the areola; most add a vertical scar, and larger lifts add one in the fold. They fade substantially over 12–18 months with proper care but are permanent.
If your complaint is position rather than volume, then yes — and many patients who ask for implants actually need a lift. We will tell you which applies at consultation.
The nipple is elevated on a pedicle that preserves its nerve supply. Temporary altered sensation is common for a few months; permanent loss is uncommon but possible, particularly with larger lifts.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding will change the result, sometimes substantially. We recommend completing your family first where that is realistic.
