What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

Also known as a mastopexy, breast lift surgery is designed to elevate the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. The surgery is often ideal for women who have experienced breast ptosis (sagging) due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, or gravity. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, a breast lift can restore a perkier, more youthful, and symmetrical appearance.

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?

A breast lift Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta can:

Am I a Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Candidates for mastopexy should primarily want to combat ptosis (i.e., breasts that sag significantly below the crease line). They may also wish to address asymmetry, downward-pointing breasts, overly large nipples and/or areolas, and skin irregularities.
If you are interested in a breast lift, you must be in good overall health and maintain a stable weight. Ideally, you should also be a non-smoker or be willing to quit before and after surgery.

Breast Lift Video

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The Mommy Makeover & Breast Enhancement Surgery

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

While breast lift surgery and breast augmentation are sometimes confused, they are actually two very different procedures that are recommended for different reasons. Although high quality breast implants can replenish size and volume, any “lifted” effect provided by implants alone is generally not enough to fix breast ptosis. For women who primarily wish to reduce ptosis, a breast lift is usually the most effective solution.

During your preoperative appointment, Dr. Connors or Dr. Hart will evaluate your anatomy and aesthetic goals to determine whether a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both (a breast augmentation with a lift) may be the ideal approach.

Complementary Procedures to Breast Lift Surgery

In addition to breast augmentation surgery, a breast lift is often combined with other cosmetic treatments to rejuvenate the overall aesthetic. For instance, a breast reduction is similar to mastopexy, but can accompany the latter to remove tissue alongside skin, ergo creating a smaller bustline. Patients may also choose to incorporate body contouring procedures – such as tummy tuck surgery or a Brazilian butt lift – to produce a more sculpted, proportionate silhouette. 

Many women opt to include a breast lift as part of a “mommy makeover,” a combination of treatments designed to restore pre-pregnancy contours. This comprehensive option can include a combination of breast, body, facial, and even non-surgical procedures, customized to meet each patient’s unique aesthetic goals. To learn more about the mommy makeover process, we welcome you to schedule your preoperative appointment with our staff.

What Does the Breast Lift Procedure Involve?

There are several incision patterns that may be employed to perform mastopexy:

Once the incisions are made, Dr. Hart or Dr. Connors can remove excess skin, reshape tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola as needed. The size of the areola can also be reduced to better suit the new breast shape. Any breast implants are most often placed under the pectoralis muscle.

For an even more optimal outcome, our surgeons frequently employ the innovative SAFELipo® framing strategy during the breast lift procedure. This specialized technique, which involves liposuction of the lateral chest and axilla, can create a more harmonious appearance and improve the overall shape of the area, making it a common addition to all types of breast enhancement surgery.

Sutures are secured within the breast tissue to maintain the lifted position. The incisions are then carefully closed to promote optimal healing and minimal scarring.

How Long Is Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery?

A breast lift is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, with most surgeries lasting between one to two hours. Over-the-counter medications can mitigate postoperative swelling or discomfort.

Most patients can return to work and light daily activities within a few days after breast lift surgery; however, resuming more strenuous activities, including exercise, will be a gradual process. Women can typically ease back into their regular workout routines (e.g., running and weight training) within four to six weeks depending on their healing progress.

“As always… everyone was amazing! Dr. Hart is so patient and knowledgeable. She takes all the time it takes to ensure her patients get their questions answered and feel well informed. Her staff are equally as helpful! Every time I have been in their office has been an awesome experience!"
- Robin C.

Will a Breast Lift Leave Scars?

Some scarring is unavoidable with a breast lift, as incisions are necessary to reshape and elevate the breasts. With this in mind, Dr. Connors and Dr. Hart utilize precise surgical techniques to place incisions in discreet locations whenever possible, helping to minimize their visibility. Over time, any scars that appear should fade to a natural skin tone.

If you are interested in a procedure to potentially reduce scarring, ask about the state-of-the-art BRIJJIT® device during your preoperative appointment. BRIJJIT® is an advanced option designed to offload tension from healing incisions. It can minimize scar formation and promote optimal skin healing following surgery.

Furthermore, most of our patients at Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta find that the transformative results of a breast lift far outweigh any scarring.

How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

While the effects of a breast lift can be long-lasting, their longevity depends on several factors, including skin quality, aging, lifestyle, and weight fluctuations. To reap the full benefits of your mastopexy results, Dr. Hart and Dr. Connors advise you to adhere to a healthy diet, exercise frequently, avoid smoking, and take excellent care of your skin. In addition, because pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can interfere with surgical results, we usually advocate that patients complete their families before pursuing breast lift surgery.

For certain patients – particularly those with more severe ptosis or who have undergone massive weight loss – our surgeons may recommend an internal mesh bra. These bras are placed during the surgery and can produce an even longer-lasting outcome.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

The cost of breast lift surgery in Atlanta can depend on:

Our practice offers financing options through CareCredit® and Alphaeon® Credit, which can allow eligible patients to pay for their care through convenient monthly installments. Our team will be happy to discuss the financial aspect of your experience and answer any questions that may arise.

Our team at Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta looks forward to guiding you through your breast lift journey. Contact us today to schedule your preoperative appointment with Dr. Connors or Dr. Hart!

Medical Resources*

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Stanford Medicine 

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