BREAST SURGERY

BREAST
LIFT

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to correct breast ptosis (sagging), which commonly occurs due to the natural ageing process, gravity, significant weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding or genetic and hormonal factors. The degree of breast ptosis is assessed based on the position of the nipple in relation to the inframammary fold. Depending on the severity of each case, different surgical techniques may be used to restore a more youthful and uplifted breast contour. In many cases, a breast lift can be combined with breast implants in order to enhance both shape and volume.

BRIEFLY

Procedure time
2 hours

Anesthesia
General

Hospital stay
1 night

Back to the office
7-10 days

The Procedure

Breast lift is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes around two hours. During surgery, excess skin is removed according to a pre-planned design, and the nipple is repositioned to achieve a more youthful placement. If breast implants are used, they are usually placed under the muscle (submuscular placement) to provide additional volume and support. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, meaning there is no need for removal. Most patients stay at the hospital overnight for observation before being discharged the next day.

Recovery Process

Postoperative discomfort is generally mild and can be managed with common painkillers. If implants are used, some additional pain may be experienced during the first few days.

  • Bruising and swelling typically subside within a few days.
  • A supportive post-operative bra must be worn for 4–6 weeks to help shape and support the breasts.
  • Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least three weeks post-surgery.

Patients can generally return to normal daily activities within a week, while full recovery and final results become apparent after 3–6 months.

Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable. The use of silicone sheets and scar-reducing creams during the first few months post-surgery can aid in optimal healing and improve scar appearance.

ανορθωση_στηθουσ_πρινανορθωση_στηθουσ_μετα

Scar Placement

The location of scars depends on the degree of breast sagging and the surgical technique used:

  • Periareolar (Donut lift) – for mild sagging, leaving a scar around the nipple.
  • Vertical (Lollipop lift) – for moderate sagging, with a scar around the nipple and a vertical scar down the lower breast.
  • Anchor (Wise Pattern lift) – for significant sagging, involving an additional horizontal scar along the inframammary fold.
  • Crescent for minimal nipple lift only.

Photos Before & After

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

What You Need to Know

The discomfort after surgery is generally mild and manageable with simple pain relief. If implants are placed, pain may be slightly greater for the first few days.

Initial results are visible immediately after surgery, but the final outcome is best assessed after 3–6 months when the skin has fully adapted to the new breast shape.

Full recovery typically takes 3–4 weeks, although this varies from patient to patient. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided during this period.

As with any surgery, complications such as infection, haematoma, or slight asymmetry may occur. However, these risks are minimised when the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon and postoperative care instructions are followed.

Yes, it is common to combine a breast lift with implants to achieve both elevation and increased volume. This option can be discussed during your consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Breastfeeding may be affected, as the surgery can have an impact on the milk ducts. However, many women are still able to breastfeed successfully after a mastopexy.

The extent of scarring depends on the technique used but is typically around the nipple and extend vertically or along the breast fold in more severe cases. With proper care, scars fade significantly over time.

Suggested Procedures