Breast Lift

A Guide to Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, medically known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure performed to raise and reshape breasts that have begun to sag. Many patients seek this procedure to address changes that can occur with aging, after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or following significant weight loss. Common concerns include sagging, excess skin, and nipples that point downward.

For women who want both a more lifted appearance and increased breast fullness, a breast lift can be combined with a breast augmentation procedure for comprehensive results.

Understanding Different Breast Lift Techniques

There are several surgical approaches to a breast lift. The best technique for you will depend on your breast shape and volume, the amount of excess skin to be removed, and your personal aesthetic goals.

• Anchor Lift (Wise Pattern): This is one of the original breast lift techniques, designed for a dramatic lift and reshaping of severely sagging breasts. Incisions are made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease itself. While this method involves more significant scarring, it provides predictable and long-lasting results that hold up well against time and weight changes. It is typically reserved for more extensive cases.

• Lollipop Lift (Vertical Mastopexy): This is the most frequently used technique for breast lifts, both with and without implants. The incisions are made around the edge of the areola and extend vertically down to the breast crease. The resulting scars are generally well-hidden once healed. The breast shape may appear somewhat "boxy" for the first one to three months after surgery but typically settles into a rounded, natural shape.

• Doughnut Lift (Peri-Areolar Lift): This technique is ideal for correcting mild to moderate areola enlargement and can raise the nipple position by about half an inch or less. The incision is made only around the outer edge of the areola, making the scar very easy to conceal. However, this procedure can sometimes flatten the breast mound, so it is often performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation.

• Crescent Lift: Best suited for women with minimal sagging, this procedure involves a small, crescent-shaped incision along the upper edge of the areola. A small amount of skin is removed to lift the nipple-areola complex into a higher position, improving symmetry and balance. It can also be combined with breast augmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lifts

Who is a good candidate for a breast lift?
The best candidates are healthy individuals with realistic expectations for the outcome of their surgery. Patients who are 40 or older may be required to have a screening mammogram before the procedure. A breast lift can rejuvenate your bustline and can be performed alongside a breast augmentation to achieve optimal shape and volume.

How is a breast lift performed?
The surgical technique will be tailored to your specific needs, ranging from a small peri-areolar incision to a more extensive anchor incision, depending on the amount of skin and the position of the nipples. If you have experienced significant volume loss, adding breast implants can optimize the final result.

What is the recovery process like?

Recovery experiences can vary, but here is a general overview of what to expect:

• Downtime: Most patients need one to two weeks of downtime, although some are able to return to work within a few days.

• First Week: It is normal to experience moderate swelling and minor bruising during the first week.

• After One Month: The majority of the swelling should resolve by this time. The main complaints after surgery are typically discomfort from swelling and some pain along the incision lines.

Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully is essential for a safe and smooth recovery.

If you’re ready to explore your options, consult with Dr. Han Hoang, a board-certified, UCLA-trained plastic surgeon, to create a customized plan tailored to your unique needs.

📞 Call us at 714-584-3507
 📧 Email us at hanhoangmd@gmail.com