Breast Lift Procedure

Learn How Breast Lift Procedures are Performed


The breast lift procedure reverses the effects of gravity, pregnancy, and/or genetics by lifting and reshaping sagging breast and even reducing the size of the areola. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but results may vary. Heavier breasts are more prone to sagging and may not retain results as long as lighter breasts.

In a breast lift consultation, your surgeon will take into account your age, the size and shape of your breasts, the condition of your skin and whether an implant is advisable. A breast lift procedure can even be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation. Scarring will result, but incisions are made where they will appear as inconspicuous as possible.

There are several types of breast lift that differ by incision pattern. They are:

  • The Lollipop Lift – Most appropriate for women with a moderate degree of breast ptosis.
  • The Donut Lift – Also known as the periareolar or Benelli lift this incision is suitable for mild to moderate sagging
  • The Anchor Incision / Inverted T – Ideal candidates are women with extremely droopy breasts.
  • The Crescent Lift – This lift is typically done in conjunction with breast augmentation and is appropriate for women with a small degree of ptosis.
  • Scarless Breast Lift – In many instances the term”scarless” is used to describe procedures that use Botox, liposuction to achieve a lifting effect.

Not all patients are ideal breast lift candidates. Your surgeon will discuss which incision will be needed to give you the best possible result.

Before Breast Lift Procedure

  1. Avoid medicines that contain aspirin or ibuprofen two weeks prior to breast lift surgery.
  2. Eating a nutrient-rich diet before and after surgery can help speed the recovery time.
  3. Unless instructed differently by your anesthesia specialist, do not eat or drink the night before surgery.
  4. Contact lenses, make-up, jewelry, etc. should not be worn.
  5. Arrange to have someone take you home after your breast lift surgery and stay with you that evening.

The Procedure

There are various approaches to breast lift surgery so your plastic surgeon will recommend an approach depending on your preferences, body shape and prior and future treatments. The following provides a very basic overview of how the breast lift procedure is performed.

Breast Lifts typically take one and a half to three hours depending on the extent of the procedure. The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or state accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis. Patients are given general anesthesia during this procedure.

Anchor Lift

  1. After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes an incision that follows the natural contour of the breast up to the nipple. This incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple.
  2. Once excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position.
  3. Then the skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incision, giving the breast its new contour.
  4. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.

Lollipop Lift

  1. After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes an incision around the areola and straight down to the breast crease. This incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location of the nipple.
  2. Once excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position.
  3. Sutures close the incision, giving the breast its new contour.
  4. Stitches are usually located around the areola and in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area to the breast crease.

Donut Lift

  1. After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes a circular incision around the areola.
  2. A donut shaped area of skin is removed.
  3. If you’re having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall.
  4. Then the skin surrounding the areola is brought together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incision, giving the breast its new contour.

After Surgery

After the procedure, patients may experience some numbness, bruising, swelling or discomfort at the incision sight. This is normal and will pass with time. Incision site pain is usually minimal, and can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for at least a day or two. Plan on getting plenty of rest and allowing your body to heal.

Patients may experience numbness in the nipples and breast skin, caused by swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally may be permanent.

Patients will be instructed to wear an elastic bandage over gauze dressings. Within a few days, a soft support/sports bra will replace the bandages. You’ll need to wear this bra around the clock for three to four weeks. Stitches are removed after a week.

Breast skin may be very dry following surgery. You may apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be careful not to tug at your skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture areas.

Should you become pregnant, the operation should not affect your ability to breast feed, since your milk ducts and nipples will be left intact. However, future pregnancy may cause temporary breast enlargement and future breast sagging.

Breast Lift Recovery

Most patients are back at work within a week after surgery but should continue to take it easy. Strenuous activities such as lifting heavy object over your head should be limited as they may slow the breast lift recovery time.

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