Breast
Breast lift
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure, sometimes referred to as breast plasty, that aims to raise the breasts and correct sagging skin. This procedure is intended for patients who notice breast ptosis after pregnancy, weight changes, or over time.
A breast lift (mastopexy) raises the breasts and improves their shape after a loss of volume or sagging skin.
What is it?
A breast lift involves removing excess skin, recentering the areola if necessary, and reshaping the breast to achieve a more harmonious chest. Depending on the anatomy and goals, mastopexy can be performed on its own or combined with other surgical procedures.
Process
Consultation
During your consultation, the surgeon will assess your aesthetic goals and establish a personalized treatment plan.
Preparation
On your surgeon's advice, you will prepare for the procedure by adjusting your medications and avoiding smoking.
Procedure
The procedure usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, during which the surgeon makes the necessary incisions and tightens the breast tissue.
Recovery
After the procedure, you will begin the recovery phase, which includes rest and limiting certain activities.
Final result
You will see the final result about three months after the procedure, once the swelling has completely subsided.
Why choose our clinic?
State-of-the-art technology
The technical facilities allow for supervised care that complies with cosmetic surgery standards.
Experienced surgeons
The procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon, with a surgical strategy adapted to each anatomy.
Excellent customer service
Follow-up includes the pre-operative consultation, post-operative check-ups, and detailed recovery instructions.
Expected results
3 hDuration of the procedure70 %Recovery after 2 weeks90 %Recovery after 1 month
Before / after results
Breast lift (mastopexy): definition and goals
A breast lift, or mastopexy, corrects breast ptosis — that is, sagging of the breast — without necessarily changing its volume. Here is what the technique actually treats.
What a mastopexy corrects
With time, a pregnancy, or a change in weight, the skin stretches and the breast descends: the areola sits lower and the upper part empties out. A mastopexy removes the excess skin, reshapes the gland, and repositions the areola to restore a firmer, better-supported shape.
The different scar patterns
- Scar around the areola (periareolar), for limited sagging.
- Vertical scar, from the areola to the fold, for moderate ptosis.
- Inverted-T scar (anchor), for more significant sagging that requires removing more skin.
The choice of pattern depends on the degree of ptosis and the quality of the skin. The surgeon chooses the option that offers the best balance between correction and scarring.
Good candidate and the role of implants
A mastopexy addresses specific situations and can, depending on the case, be combined with added volume.
Who is concerned
A breast lift concerns patients bothered by sagging breasts, in good general health and with a relatively stable weight. If a pregnancy is planned soon, it is often advised to wait, as a new pregnancy can again alter the shape of the breast.
Lift alone or with volume
- Lift alone: when the volume is sufficient but the breast is sagging.
- Lift with an implant: when a lack of volume is added to the sagging.
- Lift with fat grafting: for a measured, natural volume, depending on the anatomy.
These combinations are never automatic: they are decided case by case after a clinical examination.
Anesthesia, procedure, and recovery
An overview of the main steps and the recovery to approach the procedure more calmly.
Anesthesia and duration
A mastopexy is generally performed under general anesthesia and most often lasts a few hours depending on the extent of the procedure. The anesthesia team confirms the medical feasibility on the day of the procedure.
The first few days
- Moderate discomfort is common in the first few days and is relieved by pain medication.
- Wearing a compression bra is usually prescribed to support the reshaped breast.
- Rest and limiting arm movements are recommended at first.
Returning to daily activities is often possible after one to two weeks depending on the job; sport and intense effort are reintroduced later, according to the surgeon's advice. The postoperative course varies from one person to another.
Results, scars, and durability
The result of a mastopexy is assessed over time, once the swelling has resolved and the scars have matured.
How the result develops
The shape already looks changed right after the procedure, but the result refines over several months as the swelling decreases and the breast stabilizes. The scars, red at first, gradually fade but remain permanent.
Scar care
The final quality of the scars depends on genetics, local care, and sun protection. Massages or scar products may be advised depending on the healing phases.
Durability and factors of change
- The result is long-lasting but the breast continues to evolve over time.
- Skin aging, weight changes, and a subsequent pregnancy can alter the shape of the breast.
- A stable weight and good support help preserve the result.
Frequently asked questions
Is a breast lift painful?
After a breast lift, moderate discomfort is common during the first few days. Pain-relief medication is prescribed and the level of discomfort gradually decreases.
How long does the result of a breast lift last?
The result of a mastopexy is long-lasting, but it evolves over time. Skin aging, weight changes, and a subsequent pregnancy can alter the shape of the breast.
How long is the recovery after a breast lift?
Returning to daily activities is often possible after one to two weeks depending on the job. Intense physical exertion and sport are generally resumed later, according to the surgeon's advice.
Can a breast lift be combined with implants?
Yes, in some cases. When the sagging is accompanied by a loss of volume, the surgeon may suggest combining the mastopexy with implants or fat grafting to restore shape in addition to raising the breasts. This combination is not systematic: it depends on your anatomy and your goals, assessed during the consultation.
Does a breast lift leave visible scars?
A mastopexy leaves scars whose layout (around the areola, vertical, or inverted T) depends on how much sagging needs to be corrected. They usually fade over the months but remain permanent. How they evolve also depends on your healing and on following the postoperative care.
Next step
Have questions?
Discuss your goals with our team during a personalised consultation.
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