Mastopexy or breast lift surgery, is designed to restore a youthful, rounded shape to the breast. It is particularly satisfying for large-breasted women or women who have lost weight or breast volume after pregnancy. A breast lift can be used to create symmetry in patients with large differences in breast size or shape. Mastopexy can be combined with augmentation in cases where increased volume or fullness above the nipple is desirable.

There are many different approaches to breast lift surgery. I prefer to confine scars to the undersurface of the breast. This procedure is referred to as a vertical scar or “lollipop” mastopexy. This approach does not place any scars on the chest wall itself. It creates a beautiful, full, rounded, natural appearing breast. It is essentially a dart procedure – taking the laxity from the sides of the breast to make a more narrow, elevated breast.  This technique is very important so that no tension is added around the nipple/areolar complex to flatten or widen this area, as seen with the donut periareolar technique in many or most cases.

Mastopexy typically does not result in a prolonged recovery. Most discomfort is related to placement of implants if this is performed simultaneously. Light activity is allowed as tolerated immediately after surgery. Scars continue to improve for over a year after the surgery!

Most of the complications specifically associated with mastopexy relate to simultaneous placement of implants in situations involving asymmetric breast tissue. In these cases, it is helpful to discuss the possibility of future minor revision procedures if needed.  Small revisions of additional skin removal or improvement of the scar tissue can for the most part be performed under local anesthesia in the office with minimal expense and downtime.