An Introduction to Breast Lift Surgery – Information for Prospective Lift Patients

Though it may be done in conjunction to breast implants, there is a type of surgery, known as mastopexy, that is designed to give you an enhanced bust shape without necessarily having implants created. Mastopexy/breast lift surgery refers to a specific type of surgery whereby the surgeon reduces the effects of aging and gravity on the bust line.

How does mastopexy work?

The breast lift surgeon has many different options with this type of surgery. It may involve repositioning the nipple to make the breast look more youthful, the surgeon may involve physically cutting and lifting breast tissue and removing layers of fat that have built up from gravity in order to give the breast a healthier shape.

What types of breast lifts are there?

There are two main types of breast lifts available:

Full Breast Lift - The full breast lift involves multiple incisions below and around the breast as well as on the areola. The incisions are such that although scarring almost always occurs, it occurs in locations that make it less visible so that it is less noticeable to the naked eye. Full breasts lifts often involve a removal of skin and tissues and a reduction in areola size.

Modified Breast Lift - When scars are a major concern, surgeons turn to the modified breast lift, which is able to product similar but less drastic changes to the size of the breast when compared to the modified breast lift. As a result, the modified breast lift is more common when used in conjunction with a breast implant.

Compared to most other types of elective surgery, complications with breast lift procedures are uncommon. Beyond the standard infection, bleeding, and anesthesia risks that are true of all surgeries, breasts may look uneven upon completion, breastfeeding can suffer, and breast lifts may cause altered/different feelings within the breasts. These risks are generally minimal but may increase if a breast augmentation is done in conjunction with the mastopexy.






There are a variety of plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical treatments available to improve the appearance of your face, breasts, body contour, and skin. With everything from laser skin resurfacing to breast implants, a talented San Francisco breast lift surgeon can transform the way you look and feel.