Breast Surgery
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Restoring shape and position for breasts that have moved — not shrunk.
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Reshaping and repositioning — without changing volume
A breast lift addresses sagging and shape loss without changing volume. Over time — from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or aging — the supportive tissues of the breast stretch and the nipple position drops below the inframammary fold (the crease beneath the breast). Mastopexy tightens this envelope, reshapes the breast, and restores the nipple to a natural position.
For patients who have enough volume but feel their breasts sit too low, this is usually the right operation. The lift is about shape and position — not size. If volume is also a concern, a lift can be combined with augmentation, but those are separate decisions with separate trade-offs.
A breast lift restores shape and position — not size. For patients whose breasts have moved, not shrunk.
Who This Procedure Is For
- Women whose breasts have sagged after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change.
- Patients whose nipples sit at or below the inframammary fold.
- Patients satisfied with their volume but wanting better shape and position.
- Non-smokers in good general health, with realistic expectations about incision patterns and the scars that come with them.
- Patients not planning future pregnancy — a subsequent pregnancy will likely stretch the tissue again and undo much of the correction.
How It’s Performed
Incision pattern — matched to your anatomy
Three main incision patterns are used: periareolar (circumareolar) for mild lifts, vertical (“lollipop”) for moderate lifts, and anchor (inverted-T) for significant lifts. Dr. Arredondo selects the pattern based on how much repositioning is needed. Smaller incisions don’t always serve bigger problems — forcing a small-pattern lift onto a patient who needs more often leaves recurrence, flattening, or distortion. The right pattern is the one that produces a lasting, natural shape.
Reshaping the breast
Excess skin is removed and the underlying breast tissue is reshaped upward and medially to restore a more youthful contour. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned to a natural height while keeping its blood supply and sensation intact. Internal sutures support the new shape so it holds as healing progresses.
Combining with augmentation
Many patients who want both more volume and a lift are best served by a combined breast lift with augmentation — or, in some cases, a staged approach (lift first, implant later, or vice versa). Combined procedures add complexity and carry a higher revision rate than either procedure alone. Dr. Arredondo discusses the trade-offs honestly so you can decide what fits your anatomy and goals.
Anesthesia & duration
Breast lift is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, typically taking 2–3 hours. Most patients go home the same day.
Dr. Arredondo Explains
Understanding the Internal Bra
What to Expect After Surgery
Things to Consider
- Scars are the main trade-off. They’re permanent, but typically fade to thin lines with proper care and placement chosen to hide under most bras and swimwear.
- Results are shape-focused. Size remains essentially unchanged unless the lift is combined with augmentation or reduction.
- Future pregnancy will likely stretch and undo much of the lift — which is why we typically recommend waiting until childbearing is complete.
- Breastfeeding is generally still possible after a lift, though a small percentage of patients experience changes in capacity.
- Nipple sensation may be altered — temporarily in most patients, permanently in a small number.
Frequently Asked
No. A lift reshapes and repositions but doesn’t change volume. Size changes require adding or removing tissue. That said, many patients are surprised how lifted breasts look larger — sitting higher on the chest and filling the upper pole — even though the actual volume is unchanged.
Scar patterns vary by the lift technique used. With proper care, most scars fade to thin lines within 12–18 months. Placement is chosen to hide under most clothing and swimwear. Scars are real and permanent — the question is whether the trade-off is worth the shape improvement.
Combined breast lift with augmentation is common. It’s a more complex procedure with higher revision rates than either alone, so Dr. Arredondo discusses whether a staged approach (lift first, implant later, or vice versa) might better serve your anatomy. There’s no single right answer — it depends on starting tissue, goals, and risk tolerance.
The surgical bra is worn for several weeks after surgery. After that, Dr. Arredondo typically advises supportive bras during recovery to protect the reshaping. Gradual return to whatever bra routine you prefer usually happens around the three-month mark.
A lift holds for many years, but skin and tissue continue to change with time, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy. With stable weight and no pregnancy afterward, most patients enjoy the result for well over a decade. Gravity always wins eventually — the goal is to buy a long stretch of a shape you like.
Often Considered Together
Breast Augmentation
For patients whose primary concern is volume. Often combined with a lift when both size and position need addressing.
Learn moreBreast Reduction
For patients with large, heavy breasts causing physical symptoms. Includes an integrated lift.
Learn moreMommy Makeover
Combined breast and abdominal procedures for patients who’ve experienced changes after pregnancy.
Learn moreSchedule a Consultation
Every plan starts with a conversation about what you’re hoping for — and an honest discussion of what’s realistic for you.
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