A breast lift, or mastopexy, changes the shape and appearance of your breasts. It can be used to correct sagging breasts (breast ptosis). It involves lifting the existing breast tissue and changing the placement of the nipple on the chest. 

Froedtert & MCW breast lift surgeons specialize in breast surgery and perform a high volume of procedures. In addition to standard breast lift procedures, we perform specialized breast lifts for patients who have had massive weight loss. We also do auto-augmentation breast lifts using a patient’s own breast tissue instead of breast implants.

Why Should You Have Breast Lift Surgery

After pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight loss, your breasts may not be as full or as high on your chest. During a breast lift, the surgeon removes excess skin and breast tissue and repositions the breasts, making them higher.

Depending on your desired outcome, we may recommend combining a breast lift with a breast augmentation — repositioning the breast and inserting an implant to give the breast more volume. The combined effect results in a fuller, higher and rounder appearance. 

You may also have a breast lift as part of your breast reduction surgery — removing excess skin and repositioning the areola - after the surgeon removes breast tissue.

Preparing for Breast Surgery

At your initial consultation, we sit down with you to go over how you would like your breasts to look after surgery and any concerns you may have. Your provider will do a breast exam to measure the size, shape and skin quality of your breasts. Pictures may be taken to help prepare for the procedure and to compare before and after. We'll discuss breast lift options, with and without implants.

We will also take a health history, including the following:

  • Family history of breast cancer and other related issues: Be sure to tell your doctor about the result of any mammograms you have had or if you have had any breast surgeries in the past.
  • Any drugs you are taking: Include all prescription, over the counter, vitamins and herbal supplements. Pain relievers — ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin — can make you more susceptible to bleeding. Supplements, such as garlic and fish oil, can also increase the risk of bleeding. Be sure to bring a list of EVERYTHING you take.
  • Any allergies to medications
  • Any bleeding issues: Include any blood-thinning medication or supplements that increase risk for bleeding on the medication and supplement list mentioned above. 

Your doctor may also order lab tests, a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and a mammogram.

Your care team will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure and if you need to take a shower with special soap to prevent infection. If you smoke or use nicotine products, talk to your doctor about when to stop using them before the procedure. 

You will need to find someone to drive you home after the procedure. You will also need someone to help you at home as you will have restrictions on your activity level and how much you can lift.

What Happens During Breast a Breast Lift

The surgery takes between two and three hours. We will put an IV in your arm to provide fluids and medication. You will receive a drug that makes you sleepy — keeping you pain-free during the procedure. Once you are completely asleep, your doctor will insert a tube in your mouth to help you breathe.

Breast lift procedure steps and an example of incision placement below the areola

Based on your areola placement and amount of sagging, your surgeon will make incisions in three possible places.

  • Around the areola
  • Around the areola and down the breast to the crease where your breast meets the chest wall (pictured)
  • Around the areola, down the breast and horizontally along the crease where your breast meets the chest wall

Your surgeon then reshapes the breast tissue and removes excess skin. If your areola is disproportionate to your new breast size and position, the surgeon will remove skin around the edges.

We may place a drainage tube around the incisions. The tube allows any extra fluid to drain out and helps healing. We will remove the drain at your first follow-up visit.

Finally, your doctor will close your incisions with stitches and cover your incisions with clean bandages. If you are having both breasts lifted, we will repeat the procedure on the other breast. 

After Breast Surgery

You will go to recovery for observation. You may receive medication for pain and nausea, and you'll remain on your IV until you can eat and drink. Once you are up and about, you can go home. In some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital depending on your condition.

Your care team will talk to you about wearing a special bra or bandage that provides extra support. This will also provide compression to reduce bleeding. There may be some bruising, swelling and tenderness for a few weeks. Pain is generally less than you would expect and around the incisions not within the breast itself. 

Your care team will talk to you about how to care for your incisions and how to change your bandages. Always wash your hands before touching your bandages or wound area. Watch for signs of infection.

  • Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
  • Chills
  • Excessive swelling
  • Redness
  • Warmth around the wound
  • Yellow, green or bloody discharge
  • Foul smell coming from the wound

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Your surgeon will need to remove any stitches and check on your progress. If you had a drain put in, your doctor will remove that as well. We will schedule these appointments before you leave on the day of your surgery.

Risks of Breast Lifts

As with any surgery, there are risks involved. Call your care team if you experience bleeding or any of the signs of infection listed above. Additionally: 

  • Your breasts may feel different and have different levels of sensation. These may be short-term or long-lasting changes.
  • There will be some scarring from the incisions, though much can be concealed by the edges of the areola and in the crease below the breast. Most scars fade to thin lines over time.
  • You may have problems with breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The longevity of a breast lift is dependent on an individual’s anatomy and tissue quality.

  • Breast lifts are a common procedure with no more risk than other cosmetic surgeries. Your doctor will discuss specific risks with you prior to your procedure, as all surgeries do carry some risk.

  • The cost of a breast lift varies by patient and depends on the type and length of the procedure. You will get an individual quote prior to your surgery.

  • Breast lift surgery is typically a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance. It is elective, meaning that it is not medically required and is not the result of another condition (such as breast cancer). Please talk to your surgeon about any special circumstances and if it part of a medically necessary breast reduction.

Virtual Visits Are Available

Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We'll assess your condition and develop a treatment plan right away. To schedule a virtual visit, call 414-777-7700.

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