A breast lift, or mastopexy, exists to correct
from very mild laxity to significant sagging. Although most of the scarring is
on the lower pole of the breast, the degree of scarring is usually consistent
with the extent of lifting required. A breast lift is performed to restore
firmness and tightening and to lift breasts that have sagged as a result of
weight loss, pregnancy, loss of the skin’s natural elasticity or simply the
effects of gravity.
The procedure can also reduce areola size (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), and it can be combined with breast augmentation for added volume and firmness. Mastopexy may be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center and under general anesthesia, and lasts from one to three hours depending on if it is a periareol, vertical or standard breast lift.