Breast lift
Breast shape and position can change with pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, reshapes and repositions the natural breast tissue to create a more youthful, balanced contour. The procedure can also elevate the nipples, reduce stretched areolas, and improve breast symmetry.
Patient Story:
This 20-year-old patient had always been self-conscious about the shape and position of her breasts. She wanted a more youthful, lifted appearance that better reflected how she felt and complemented her frame.
Dr. Albright performed a breast lift to reshape and elevate the breasts, creating a natural, balanced contour without the use of implants. These results are shown at 4 months post-operatively.
- Breast Lift
- No Implant
- Age: 20
- Result: 4 months
Patient Story:
This 51-year-old mother of two had become increasingly unhappy with the size and shape of her breasts over the years. Her goal was to achieve a lighter, more youthful, and proportionate appearance. Dr. Albright performed a breast lift with reduction, creating a balanced, natural-looking result. These results are shown at 5 months post-operatively.
- Breast Lift
- No Implant
- Age: 51
- Result: 5 months
Patient Story:
This 29-year-old mother came to Dr. Albright because she was unhappy with the shape and proportions of her breasts. At the time of consultation, she wore a 30H bra and wanted a smaller, more proportionate breast shape that would better complement her frame.
Although she initially expressed interest in a breast lift with augmentation, her ultimate surgical plan focused on reshaping and lifting her natural breast tissue without implants. Dr. Albright performed a breast lift to improve breast position and shape while creating a more balanced appearance relative to her frame.
The procedure resulted in a lifted, more proportionate breast contour while maintaining a natural appearance. These results are shown at 5 months post-operatively.
- Breast Lift
- No Implant
- Age: 29
- Result: 5 months
Patient Story:
This 38-year-old mother wanted to restore the youthful shape of her breasts after having children. Dr. Albright performed a breast lift / breast reduction to reshape and elevate the breasts, creating a natural, balanced contour without the use of implants. These results are shown at 6 months post-operatively.
- Breast Lift
- No Implant
- Age: 38
- Result: 6 months
Patient Story:
This 44-year-old patient wanted to improve her breast shape after having a child. She underwent a full breast lift / breast reduction shown 4 months post-operatively.
- Breast Lift
- No Implant
- Age: 44
- Result: 4 months
Patient Story:
This 41-year-old mother of two came to Dr. Albright because she was unhappy with her breast shape and asymmetry. She wanted to improve the balance between her breasts while achieving a smaller, more proportionate breast contour, with a goal of going from a D cup to a C cup.
Dr. Albright performed a breast lift to reshape and reposition the natural breast tissue while improving symmetry and overall breast proportions. No implants were needed to achieve her desired result.
The procedure created a more lifted, balanced breast shape while reducing her bra size from a D cup to a C cup. These results are shown at 4 months post-operatively.
- Breast Lift
- No Implant
- Age: 41
- Result: 4 months
Breast lift procedure
Breast lifts are best for those patients who are happy with their breast volume in a bra but are a little less comfortable with the shape of the breast when the bra comes off. They desire a more youthful but NATURAL and desirable breast shape without too much roundness at the top. Whether your breast is just too droopy or your nipples are pointing at the floor, Dr. Albright has a solution! With a breast lift, he can reposition the droopy breast tissue back up on the chest while also centering the nipple on the mound. Need the areola (pigmented skin around the nipple) to be smaller? He can do that, too, during the same breast lift surgery.
For patients who may want slightly more fullness but not enough to warrant a breast implant or who don't want to worry about future issues with breast implants, Dr. Albright may be able to add your own fat to the breast to add a modest amount of volume and improve overall contour. Fat Transfer Surgery, a more natural filler for your breasts than silicone, offers a reassuring option. The one limitation of this technique is that it does not maintain a full round upper pole of the breast out of clothes like an implant, and the final cup size is less predictable. Dr. Albright will be able to discuss this with you during your consultation.
The specific Breast lift technique may vary based on your anatomy, desires, and surgeon. The main types of breast lift incisions are listed below.
Crescentic Breast Lift
The crescentic breast lift is a type of mastopexy or breast lift surgery that is suitable for individuals with minimal sagging or drooping of the breasts. This technique involves making a crescent-shaped incision along the upper half of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). Through this incision, a small amount of skin is removed, allowing the nipple and areola to be elevated slightly. This results in a subtle lifting effect and can also adjust the position of the nipple to a more aesthetically pleasing location on the breast mound. The crescentic breast lift is considered less invasive compared to other types of breast lifts, making it ideal for patients with mild ptosis (sagging) who desire a subtle enhancement.
Periareolar Breast Lift
The periareolar breast lift, also known as a circumareolar or doughnut breast lift, is a type of breast lift cosmetic surgery designed to address mild to moderate sagging of the breasts or decrease the amount of stretched areola there is on the breast. In this procedure, an incision is made around the perimeter of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. Through this incision, excess skin is removed, and the surrounding breast tissue is reshaped and lifted. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned to a higher location on the breast mound to achieve a more youthful and uplifted appearance but may add a short vertical scar. The periareolar breast lift is suitable for patients with mild to moderate sagging who desire a moderate improvement in breast position and contour. One of the advantages of this technique is that the incision is discreetly located around the edge of the areola, resulting in minimal visible scarring.
Lollipop Breast Lift
The lollipop breast lift, also known as vertical mastopexy, vertical scar mastopexy, or J Breast Lift, is a surgical procedure designed to address moderate to severe breast sagging or breast ptosis. This technique involves making two incisions: one around the perimeter of the areola and another extending vertically downwards from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold (the beneath breast crease). Through these incisions, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped and lifted to achieve a more youthful and uplifted appearance. The lollipop breast lift allows for the repositioning of the nipple and areola to a higher location on the breast mound while also addressing excess skin and sagging in the lower portion of the breast. This technique results in a vertical scar extending from the areola to the inframammary fold, resembling the shape of a lollipop, hence the name. While the lollipop breast lift provides significant improvement in breast position and contour, it's essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if this technique is the most suitable option based on individual anatomy and cosmetic goals.
Anchor Breast Lift
The anchor breast lift, also known as an inverted-T mastopexy or a Wise pattern mastopexy, is a surgical procedure used to address significant breast sagging or ptosis. This technique is called an anchor lift because of the shape of the incisions made during the procedure, which resemble an anchor.
The procedure involves making three main incisions:
1. Circular Incision, which means around the perimeter of the areola.
2. Vertical Incision which means downward from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold (the crease beneath the breast).
3. Horizontal Incision, which means along the inframammary fold.
Through these incisions, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped and lifted to achieve a more youthful and uplifted appearance. The anchor breast lift allows for significant repositioning of the nipple and areola to a higher location on the breast mound, as well as addressing excess skin and sagging in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions.
While the anchor breast lift provides substantial improvement in breast position and contour, it typically results in more extensive scarring compared to other breast lift techniques. However, over time, these scars often fade and become less noticeable.
Check out Dr. Albright's YouTube video for a brief introduction to Breast Lift:
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When planning your breast lift,
there are four primary components that are essential to consider:
Over time, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight fluctuations, aging, and gravity take their toll on a woman's body, causing the skin to lose elasticity and the breasts to lose their shape and firmness. A breast lift counteracts these changes by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola if it has become enlarged over time, creating a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
You may be an ideal candidate for a breast lift if you are physically healthy, maintain a stable weight, and experience any of the following:
Breasts that sag or have lost their shape and volume (ptosis)
Nipples and areolas that point downward or fall below the breast crease
Stretched skin and enlarged areolas following pregnancy or weight loss
Asymmetry where one breast sits lower than the other
A desire for a more youthful, uplifted breast profile without necessarily changing breast size
Week 1-2
Initial swelling and mild discomfort are common. Patients should rest, avoid strenuous activities, and wear a specialized surgical support bra to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.
Week 3-4
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and light daily routines. Swelling continues to subside, and the breasts begin to settle into their new, uplifted position.
Months 2-3
Patients are typically cleared to resume all normal activities, including vigorous exercise. The final shape and results become increasingly apparent as all residual swelling resolves and incision lines begin to fade.
$12,000 – $15,000
Flexible Financing Available
Breast Lift Risks and Considerations
Breast lift surgery can create a more youthful and balanced breast shape, but as with any surgical procedure, it involves potential risks and trade-offs. These may include visible scarring, temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, delayed wound healing, infection, and the possibility of additional surgery or revision.
Breast lift surgery may also affect the ability to breastfeed, depending on the surgical technique and the amount of tissue repositioning required. Pregnancy, significant weight changes, and the natural aging process can also affect breast shape after surgery.
During your consultation, Dr. Albright will discuss these considerations with you, explain how the planned breast lift technique relates to your anatomy, and help you weigh the potential benefits and risks before deciding whether surgery is appropriate for you.
Learn more about breast lift risks and safety →
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Frequently asked questions about breast lift
A breast lift may be appropriate if your breasts have lost their shape or position due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight changes, or genetics.
Good candidates are generally in good overall health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations. A breast lift reshapes and elevates existing breast tissue but does not significantly increase breast volume. Patients seeking additional fullness may benefit from discussing other options.
Future pregnancies and significant weight changes can affect the results. During your consultation, Dr. Albright will evaluate your anatomy, health, and goals to determine whether a breast lift is appropriate for you.
Yes. Breast lift surgery creates permanent scars, but their location and length depend on the surgical technique and the amount of correction needed.
Common incision patterns include periareolar (around the areola), vertical or lollipop, and anchor-shaped incisions. More extensive lifting generally requires longer incisions.
Scars usually become less noticeable as they mature over several months to a year or longer, although they do not disappear completely. Individual healing, skin characteristics, and postoperative care can affect their appearance.
Dr. Albright will explain the expected scar pattern and provide guidance on scar care during your consultation.
Yes. Depending on your anatomy and goals, a breast lift may be combined with breast augmentation, liposuction, or a tummy tuck.
A breast lift with augmentation may be appropriate for patients who want both improved breast position and additional volume. A breast lift can also be performed as part of a personalized Mommy Makeover when breast and abdominal concerns are addressed together.
Combining procedures is not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Albright considers your health, surgical complexity, and recovery needs when determining whether procedures can be safely combined or should be performed separately.
Both fat transfer and breast implants may be considered when a patient wants additional volume along with a breast lift, but they offer different results.
Fat transfer uses your own fat, collected through liposuction, to provide a modest increase in volume and refine breast contours. Some transferred fat may be reabsorbed, making the final volume less predictable.
Breast implants can provide a more substantial and predictable increase in volume, particularly in the upper breast. However, implants also involve specific long-term considerations, including monitoring and the possibility of future surgery.
Dr. Albright can explain which approach, if any, best matches your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing. Swelling, soreness, and tightness are common during the first several weeks.
Dr. Albright's postoperative instructions generally include limiting lifting, reaching, and pulling during the first two weeks, followed by a gradual increase in activity. Patients typically wear a supportive surgical bra and avoid intense exercise for approximately four weeks, although restrictions may vary.
Many patients can return to light daily activities within one to two weeks. Breast shape continues to settle over the following months, while scars may take 8–12 months or longer to mature.
Dr. Albright will provide personalized instructions about lifting restrictions, exercise, bra support, and follow-up care.
Yes. Breast lift surgery can cause temporary or permanent changes in nipple and breast sensation. Some patients experience reduced sensitivity, while others notice increased sensitivity during healing.
The likelihood and extent of these changes depend on the surgical technique, the amount of tissue repositioning, and individual healing. In rare cases, complications affecting blood supply to the nipple or surrounding tissue can also occur.
During your consultation, Dr. Albright will explain the potential risks associated with your recommended breast lift technique.
Yes. Dr. Albright typically recommends wearing a supportive surgical bra during the initial recovery period to support healing tissues and help manage swelling.
The type of bra and how long it should be worn depend on your procedure and postoperative instructions. Underwire bras may need to be avoided initially if they place pressure on healing incisions.
After recovery, a well-fitting supportive bra can improve comfort and provide support during daily activities. However, wearing a bra cannot guarantee that breast sagging will not develop again as a result of aging, pregnancy, or weight changes.
Dr. Albright will provide specific recommendations during your postoperative visits.
Breastfeeding is often still possible after a breast lift, but the ability to produce and deliver enough milk cannot be guaranteed.
The impact depends on the surgical technique and whether the milk ducts, nerves, and glandular tissue connected to the nipple are preserved. Some patients can breastfeed successfully, while others may experience reduced milk production or difficulty breastfeeding.
If you are planning future pregnancies or hope to breastfeed, discuss these goals with Dr. Albright before surgery. He can explain how the recommended technique may affect your individual circumstances.
At Alamo Plastic Surgery, the estimated cost of breast lift surgery ranges from approximately $12,000 to $15,000, depending on the surgical technique and complexity of your procedure.
Estimated pricing includes surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees. Additional procedures, such as breast augmentation, may affect the total cost.
During your consultation, Dr. Albright and his team will provide a personalized estimate based on your surgical plan and explain the available financing options.
The cost of a breast lift and breast augmentation can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, surgeon experience, and geographic location. In general, breast lift surgery tends to be similar in cost to breast augmentation, but it can sometimes be more expensive due to the additional work involved in repositioning the breast tissue and reshaping the breast. If you combine a breast lift with augmentation (which many patients do), the overall cost will be higher since both procedures are performed together. During your consultation, your surgeon will provide a more accurate estimate based on your goals and the complexity of the procedures.
Non-surgical options can improve the appearance of the breasts, but they cannot reliably reposition significantly sagging breast tissue.
A supportive bra can temporarily create a lifted appearance under clothing. Chest exercises may improve the underlying pectoral muscles, but they do not directly lift breast tissue or remove excess skin.
Creams and non-surgical skin-tightening treatments have limited evidence of producing meaningful, lasting correction of breast sagging.
For patients seeking a noticeable change in breast position and shape, a surgical breast lift is generally the most effective option. Dr. Albright can help determine whether surgery is appropriate based on your anatomy and goals.
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