Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
Mastopexy, often known as a breast lift, raises and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues for a firmer, more youthful contour. Breast lift surgery is one of the most effective procedures for breast reshaping, especially when breasts have changed due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging.
Why Consider a Breast Lift?
Over time, many women notice changes in breast shape and position. These changes often result from:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Weight loss or gain
Natural aging and gravity
Heredity and loss of skin elasticity
A breast lift addresses sagging and drooping in the breasts. It can also reduce enlarged areolas and reposition nipples for a more balanced look. For women seeking fuller breasts in addition to reshaping, a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation.
Those wanting smaller breasts may benefit from combining a lift with a breast reduction.
For mothers interested in a more complete transformation, a breast lift is often included as part of a Mommy Makeover.
Candidates for a Breast Lift
You may be a good candidate if you:
Are healthy and maintain a stable weight
Do not smoke
Feel your breasts have fallen or lost shape
Have breasts with a flat or elongated appearance
Notice nipples that point downward or fall below the crease
Have stretched skin or enlarged areolas
Experience uneven breast position
The Procedure
Dr. Thomson uses incision patterns and techniques tailored to your body and goals.
Options may include:
Around the areola
Around the areola with a vertical line to the breast crease
Around the areola, with vertical and horizontal incisions along the crease
During the procedure, Dr Thomson:
Lifts and reshapes breast tissue for better contour
Repositions nipples and areolas to a more youthful position
Reduces enlarged areolas when needed
Removes excess skin to improve elasticity and breast reshaping
Recovery and Results
Recovery is usually about one month, and most patients:
Return to light activities within 10–14 days
Wear a supportive bra every day during healing
Notice immediate improvements in shape and position
Final results continue to refine over several months as breasts settle. Scars are permanent but fade with time.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation
Although both procedures improve breast appearance, they serve different purposes.
For some women, combining the two procedures provides the best outcome: breast implants for added volume and a lift for improved shape and position.
Breast Augmentation
Goal: Increases breast size and fullness
Addresses: Volume loss, naturally small breasts, asymmetry
Implants Used?: Yes (saline or silicone breast implants)
Best For: Patients who want larger, fuller breasts
Breast Lift
Goal: Raises and reshapes sagging breasts
Addresses: Sagging, stretched skin, nipple position, breast reshaping
Implants Used?: No (can be combined with implants if desired)
Best For: Patients happy with size but unhappy with shape or sagging
Start Your Journey
A breast lift can restore confidence and create a youthful, natural look through effective breast reshaping. Whether performed alone or in combination with a breast augmentation, reduction, or a Mommy Makeover, Dr. Thomson provides guidance and care tailored to your specific needs.
Book your consultation today to explore whether a breast lift is right for you.
Breast Lift at a Glance
Procedure Time: 2–3 hours
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Incision Options: Around the areola, vertical to breast crease, or anchor-shaped
Addresses: Sagging, stretched skin, nipple position, areola size
Recovery: Light activity in 10–14 days; full recovery in about 1 month
Results: Raised, reshaped breasts with improved contour and firmness