In spite of a woman’s best efforts to provide support for her breasts and keep them supple and stable, eventually, age and gravity take their toll, and her bosoms will sag, losing their shape and firmness. Factors such as pregnancy and weight fluctuations may hasten this process. Though this natural occurrence is hardly life-threatening, many women may consider undergoing breast lift surgery to restore the youthful appearance of their breasts. Otherwise known as a mastopexy, a breast lift treatment removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to support the rejuvenated breast. The areola region, which enlarges over time or due to pregnancy, can also be reduced as part of the breast lift surgery.

A woman may qualify as a candidate for a breast lift if her breasts are pendulous, but of decent size, if they lack firmness or substance, or if the nipples and areolas point downward and fall below the breast crease. Also, some women develop with one breast lower than the other as an inherited trait, which a breast lift can also correct. Prospective patients are asked to have realistic expectations for the surgery, and must realize that the treatment is temporary at best, due to the continuing effects of aging, gravity and other factors on the breasts.

The surgery itself begins with incisions that follow the natural contour of the breast. Commonly, this involves three incisions: one made around the areola, another that runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast, and the last one horizontal beneath the breast that follows the curve of the breast crease. This creates a clearly defined excisable area, called an anchor incision because of its shape. Once the excess skin is removed, the areola is lifted into a new, higher position, and reduced if necessary. Skin formerly located above the areola is restructured below and around it, raising the overall breast profile. The incision lines will remain, but are expected to fade over time. The sutures used to close the skin are layered deep within the breast tissue to support the new breast structure, and are sometimes supported with adhesive tape.

There are several variations of the standard breast lift procedure, which do not require as much incision, but also provide less manipulation of the breast shape and firmness. One popular variant is known as the donut lift, whereby a section of skin around the areola is cut in a ring shape, and the remaining skin pulled inward and sutured. Another version is called the crescent lift, which is similar to the donut lift but with more tissue being removed from above the areola to raise the breast higher after suturing.

Some risks associated with breast lift surgery include unsightly scarring, loss of nipple or breast sensation, skin discoloration, fluid accumulation, swelling and blood clots. Most of these negative effects are temporary or can be resolved with medication, but in extreme cases, they may require additional corrective surgery.

After the surgery, a patient may return to work within a week, although occupations that require strenuous physical activity may be need longer recovery periods. Mild pain and discomfort are to be expected for some weeks afterwards as part of the healing process. Severe pain, however, should be reported to the doctor as a sign of possible complication. Sexual activity is discouraged as well for one to two weeks.

Breast lift surgery does not interfere with normal breast function, and breastfeeding may still be performed afterwards, but it is best to check with your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or lose significant weight.