A breast lift or mastopexy raises and reshapes sagging breasts through the removal of excess skin and repositioning of the remaining tissue and nipples. A breast lift is performed on a patient who has lost breast volume, for example after a pregnancy. Patients may opt to get breast implants in conjunction with a lift to increase breast firmness and size.

A breast lift involves an incision in the shape of either an inverted tear drop or anchor. The new location for the nipple is determined before surgery. During surgery, excess skin is removed and the nipple is moved up, then the surrounding skin is drawn in to reshape the breast. A surgeon may make circular incisions around the areola and remove a doughnut-shaped area of skin.

• Length: 1-3 hours.
• Recovery: Patients may return to work in approximately 1 week. Strenuous activities may be resumed after 1 month.