What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or Mastopexy, is designed primarily to elevate and re-contour rather than increase the size of the breasts – although a breast lift can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation if greater breast volume is desired. Candidates for mastopexy surgery are women who have droopy or saggy breasts and would like to have them restored to a more youthful appearance. Additionally, almost all breast reductions operations also combine an element of breast lifting.

A breast lift removes the excess skin that is responsible for the droopy breast look, placing the breast in a higher position on the chest wall and with a more youthful shape. Implants alone may help temporarily by filling out a ‘deflated breast,’ but the sagging returns rapidly, leaving the patient with a larger drooping chest. Several operations are available to lift the breast, with or without the addition of implants, and the procedure chosen is based on desires and the needs of each patient.

Mastopexy Recovery

Following your breast lift surgery, your breasts will be covered in a surgical dressing that will include gauze and a post-operative compression garment. Your breasts will be bruised and swollen, and you will experience some discomfort for a few days. Pain medications will be prescribed to help you as needed.  You will be able to move around but should avoid lifting over 25 pounds for three weeks following surgery.

Any stitches will be removed approximately one to two weeks after surgery. You may notice a temporary change of sensation in your nipples and areolas. This should dissipate as the swelling subsides. This numbness is usually temporary but may take several weeks, months, or up to a full year until feeling returns to normal.

The healing process is gradual, and your final result won’t be evident until your scars have matured. For this reason, it is vital to protect your incisions from sun exposure during this healing process. Incisions will appear reddish or pinkish before they flatten and pale.

Following surgery, Dr. Fodor recommends continuing getting yearly mammograms and self examination.

How Much Does Breast Lift Surgery Cost?

There are several factors to consider when selecting a qualified plastic surgeon and determining the cost of breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, to achieve a more lifted, youthful, and balanced breast shape:

• • Qualification and expertise of the surgeon – It is strongly recommended that your procedure is performed by a board certified plastic surgeon. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery helps ensure proper training, surgical expertise, and adherence to high safety standards. Patients should be cautious of providers advertising unrelated or non-recognized certifications.
  • Extent of breast sagging – The cost of breast lift surgery can vary depending on the degree of breast ptosis, or sagging. Patients with mild sagging may require a less extensive lift, while those with more significant drooping may need a more advanced technique to reshape and reposition the breast tissue.
  • Type of breast lift technique used – Different incision patterns may be used depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals. Common techniques include a crescent lift, periareolar lift, vertical lift, or anchor lift. More extensive lift techniques typically involve additional surgical time and complexity.
  • Nipple and areola repositioning – Breast lift surgery often involves repositioning the nipple and areola to a more natural, youthful position. In some cases, the areola may also be reduced in size. The amount of repositioning and reshaping needed can affect the overall cost.
  • Combination procedures – Some patients choose to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation, breast implant revision, breast reduction, or fat grafting. Since anesthesia and facility fees may be shared, combining procedures can sometimes reduce the overall cost compared to performing each procedure separately.
  • Revision or corrective surgery – Patients seeking correction from a previous breast lift or breast surgery may require more advanced techniques. Revision procedures often vary in cost depending on scar tissue, breast shape, asymmetry, skin quality, and the level of expertise required.

On average, breast lift surgery can range from approximately $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the factors above. The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, and patients are usually discharged the same day after a short recovery period.

Patients should be cautious of significantly discounted procedures offered by unqualified providers. While lower pricing may seem appealing, it can lead to poor breast shape, visible scarring, asymmetry, nipple position concerns, recurrent sagging, or the need for revision surgery, which is often more costly and complex.

Because breast lift surgery involves precise reshaping of the breast tissue, skin, nipple position, and overall breast contour, choosing an experienced and trusted surgeon is critical. The quality of care and results often reflect the surgeon’s expertise, making it important to prioritize skill, safety, and natural-looking outcomes over price alone.