What is mastopexy surgery?
Mastopexy, commonly referred to as breast lift surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that raises and firms the breasts through the removal of excess skin, tightening the surrounding breast tissue, and reshaping the breast, whilst simultaneously lifting the position of the nipple.
The procedure is designed to correct breast ptosis and helps to address breasts that have lowered in position on the chest, and loss of firmness as a result of natural ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight fluctuations. A breast lift can also help balance the shape and size of unequal breasts and raise the position of downward-pointing nipples. Breast lift surgery may be performed alone or in conjunction with a breast augmentation, breast fat transfer, or some patients may choose to remove and replace existing breast implants with new ones.
What breast lift mastopexy surgery won’t do:
Breast lift mastopexy surgery will not significantly change the shape and size of your breasts or round out the upper portion of your breast. If you are seeking volume and shape definition in the upper pole of the breast, a breast augmentation mammoplasty may be a suitable surgery option.
The best surgical approach for a mastopexy procedure will depend on the patient’s personal circumstances and customised to suit the patient’s unique needs and natural breast anatomy and degree of ptosis, all of which will be discussed during a consultation. This tailored approach ensures the breast lift process aligns with the patient’s goals and desired outcomes, while addressing any specific concerns the patient may have.
As with any surgical procedure, mastopexy carries potential risks and complications that need to be considered. It is important to consult with an experienced specialist plastic surgeon to discuss the best treatment options, expected outcomes, what to expect during recovery and cover any potential risks associated with breast lift surgery including how these will be managed in the case complications do arise.
Our experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeons provide personalised consultations to create a tailored plan that is best suited to achieve the patient’s goals.
Mastopexy surgery | What to expect
| Results | 10-15 years – natural aging, gravity, pregnancy/lifestyle factors may affect results |
|---|---|
| Surgery Time | 60 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Off-Work | 7 – 14 days |
| Exercise | Limited for 6 weeks |
| Full Recovery | 3-12 months |
Why consider breast lift mastopexy surgery
The choice to undergo mastopexy surgery is a personal decision that can be driven by medical, aesthetic or lifestyle factors, and the decision to proceed should be a well informed and considered process.
Breast lift surgery is a highly customised procedure and is tailored to each patient’s body type, preferences, and desired results, ensuring that the outcomes are anatomically balanced and proportionate.
Common reasons patients may consider mastopexy surgery include:
Improve Shape: Breast lift alone can improve shape and create a more proportionate breast profile. When combined with fat transfer or breast implants, a breast lift can increase shape and volume concerns related to ageing, breastfeeding and weight loss
Correct Ptosis: Breast lift is designed to help reposition the breast tissue and the nipples to a more prominent and proportionate position, correcting breast ptosis
Improve Symmetry: Breast lift surgery can be used to balance and correct breast asymmetry, where one breast is smaller or different shape to the other
Improve Firmness: Breast lift surgery may assist with improving breast tissue firmness (dependent on existing breast tissue) or when combined with breast implants can reshape and raise the breasts, improving firmness in the upper pole of the breast and cleavage area
Will a breast lift increase my breast size?
A mastopexy (breast lift) procedure alone will not increase the size of your breasts, and additional procedures such as inserting breast implants via an augmentation mammoplasty (breast augmentation) may be recommended if you are seeking a fuller breast appearance or increased breast size.
It is important to note that while a breast lift procedure is designed to reshape, lift and reposition the breasts by removing excess skin, this inevitably results in a smaller bra cup size.
For patients wishing to increase breast volume and fullness, particularly in the upper pole of the breast, they may be more suited to a breast lift procedure combined with breast implants, known as augmentation mastopexy.
The potential outcomes of a combined breast lift and augmentation procedure include:
Improved Breast Shape: Breast augmentation may be used to address and improve both breast ptosis (sagging) and loss of breast volume
Enhanced Breast Profile: Women who have experienced significant changes in their breasts due to factors natural factors like; pregnancy, weight loss, or ageing may achieve a more anatomically proportionate breast profile through the lifting, redistribution and reshaping of breast tissue
Improved Symmetry: Breast implants may help address and correct breast asymmetry, creating balance between breasts
Defined Cleavage: Breast implants may be able to create and better define the appearance of the cleavage
Customised Results: Results are customised to the patient’s natural anatomy to best achieve the patient’s desired breast size, shape, and position
Am I a suitable candidate for mastopexy (breast lift) surgery?
A mastopexy (breast lift) may be suitable for you if events in your life such as weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding have affected the shape of your breasts.
Whether due to pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, or natural ageing processes, over time, a woman’s breasts may begin to show the effects of ptosis (breast sag). As a result, some women choose to undergo breast lift mastopexy surgery to help raise and reposition their breasts to their desired size, shape and position.
Mastopexy surgery may be suitable for you if you experience any of the following:
Breast Ptosis: Individuals who experience breast sagging (ptosis)
Volume Loss: Individuals who experience breast sagging (ptosis) and a loss of breast volume, often due to factors like pregnancy, weight loss, or ageing
Desire for Changed Breast Size and Shape: Those who wish to achieve not only a lifted breast appearance but also desire an increase in breast size, fullness, and projection.
Good Overall Health: Prospective patients should be in good general health, free from underlying medical conditions that might increase the risks associated with surgery and anaesthesia
Healthy & Stable Weight: It’s important for women considering breast lift surgery to have a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the long-term results
Realistic Expectations: Prospective patients should have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes and limitations of breast lift surgery based on individual anatomy
Non-smoker: Ideal patients are those that are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for a specified period before and after surgery. Smoking increases surgical risks and post-operative complications, and affects the healing process
Completed Childbearing: It is recommended that prospective patients are not planning any further pregnancies, as future pregnancies and breastfeeding can impact the long-term results of their breast lift results
What is breast ptosis?
Breast ptosis, commonly known as breast sagging or drooping, is a condition that occurs when breast tissue and nipples shift downward. It can be caused by factors such as:
- Ageing
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Weight fluctuations
- Genetics
The most accurate way to determine whether a breast lift is appropriate is through a personal consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon. To learn more about breast lift surgery, please contact our team to schedule a consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons.
What is involved with mastopexy surgery?
A mastopexy (breast lift) procedure involves the surgical removal of excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the breast. For women with breast ptosis – whereby the nipple sits below the inframammary fold, or points down, a mastopexy may be a suitable procedure to reposition the breasts and areola complex proportionate to the patient’s anatomy.
Mastopexy surgery involves raising and reshaping the breast tissue to address issues such as sagging (ptosis), loss of volume, and changes in breast shape and profile. There are different methods of performing a mastopexy (breast lift) and the most suitable technique will be determined by the patient’s individual needs and personal preferences.
Following surgery, patients will be provided with specific post-operative aftercare instructions to support optimum healing and recovery. Our nursing team will be in touch the day after your surgery to check in on your recovery and answer any questions or concerns you may have following your procedure. Our patient care team will organise your follow-up care and complimentary review appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions to help aid a smooth recovery and to achieve the best possible results from their mastopexy procedure. Adherence to appropriate post-surgery care is essential for optimal healing and results.
Dr Philip Richardson 
Dr Milap Rughani 
