Changes in breast position and skin elasticity can follow pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and aging. A breast lift, also called mastopexy, removes excess skin and reshapes breast tissue to raise and support the breast contour.
At SARA Surgery in Morton Grove, Dr. Sara R. Dickie helps you understand whether a lift addresses your concerns and whether volume or breast weight also needs consideration. Your goals guide the conversation, alongside your health and anatomy.
What Can a Breast Lift Address?
A lift may be considered when the breasts sit lower, the nipples point downward, or the skin envelope has become stretched. The procedure can reposition the nipple and areola as part of reshaping the breast; areola size may also be addressed when appropriate.
A lift primarily changes shape and position. It does not reliably provide the added volume or upper-breast fullness associated with augmentation. The ASPS breast lift overview explains the procedure’s purpose and limitations.
Breast Lift, Augmentation, or Reduction?
If you like your breast volume but want a different position, a lift alone may be worth discussing. If you also want added fullness, augmentation may be considered. If breast size and weight are concerns, reduction may be more appropriate.
These decisions depend on an examination, rather than a cup size or photograph alone. A lift and augmentation may be combined or staged. Our comparison of augmentation and breast lift can help you prepare questions.
Planning Your Breast Lift
Dr. Dickie reviews your health, medications, prior surgery, breast screening history, and expectations. Share future pregnancy or breastfeeding plans and anticipated weight changes because these may affect timing and later breast shape.
The amount of excess skin and the repositioning needed help determine the incision pattern. Ask Dr. Dickie to explain where your scars would be and what that approach can achieve. A shorter incision is not necessarily the appropriate choice for every anatomy.
Learn about Dr. Sara Dickie and the broader breast surgery options at SARA.
Recovery and Scar Care
Your instructions will cover dressings, support garments, incision care, follow-up visits, and when to return to work, lifting, and exercise. Plan help with tasks that strain the chest or require carrying children. Your restrictions depend on the operation and how you are healing.
Breast lift scars are permanent, although their appearance changes as they mature. Depending on the technique, incisions may surround the areola, extend vertically toward the breast crease, and continue within that crease. Discuss scar placement before surgery and follow your individual care instructions.
Our article on breast surgery incisions and scarring provides background. Mayo Clinic also explains breast lift recovery and risks.
Risks and Long-Term Changes
Risks include bleeding, infection, healing problems, asymmetry, changes in breast or nipple sensation, and partial or total loss of nipple or areola tissue. Breastfeeding ability may be affected. Additional surgery may be needed, and a combined implant procedure adds implant-specific risks.
Results cannot be guaranteed. A lift does not stop aging or prevent later changes from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or gravity. Dr. Dickie will explain what is reasonable for your starting anatomy.
Questions About Breast Lift Surgery
Do all breast lifts require implants?
No. Implants are considered when added volume is also a goal. A lift may be performed using your existing breast tissue.
How much does a breast lift cost?
Cost reflects the surgical plan and whether augmentation or other procedures are included. Request an individualized estimate and clarification of the included services.
Schedule a Breast Lift Consultation in Morton Grove
Contact SARA Surgery to discuss breast position, shape, and the approach that may fit your goals.
