Breast Lift — Stubbs Center
Surgical · Breast

Breast
Lift

Reduce sagging of the breast and restore breast shape. You can also correct both size and placement of the breasts when combining a lift and augmentation. Plan on 1 to 2 weeks of downtime.

1–2 wks
Downtime
High
Patient satisfaction
Triple Board
Certified surgeon
Overview

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging in the breasts by reshaping and lifting them to a more youthful position. The primary goal is to correct breast sagging (ptosis) by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue. This procedure routinely provides extremely high patient satisfaction.

Also known asMastopexy
Performed byDr. Jason Stubbs, board-certified cosmetic surgeon
GoalCorrect breast sagging (ptosis), restore lifted and firm appearance
Downtime1 to 2 weeks; gentle exercise can begin at 3 weeks

Depending on the degree of sagging and the desired outcome, different techniques of breast lift surgery may be used. Dr. Stubbs will recommend the most appropriate approach during your consultation.

Significant ptosis

Anchor lift (Inverted-T)

Suitable for significant ptosis. Involves an incision around the areola, vertically down the breast, and horizontally along the breast crease.

Moderate ptosis

Lollipop lift

Also known as vertical mastopexy. Involves an incision around the areola and vertically down the breast — less extensive than the anchor lift.

Mild to moderate

Donut lift (Peri-areolar)

Used for mild to moderate ptosis. Involves an incision around the edge of the areola only.

Dr. Stubbs likes to use the superior medial pedicle technique. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to lift and reshape the breasts. The nipple and areola complex are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position on the breast mound.

How it's performed

The skin is removed around the areola and lower portion of the breast. Surgical incisions are always required around the nipple and may additionally be made vertically from the nipple to the crease and possibly in the crease itself.

The more skin to lift, the longer the scars. This will provide a lifted breast that fits better in bras and moves less with exercise and normal daily movements.

Signs you could benefit

If your nipple and areola have descended toward or below the lowest point of the crease below your breast, or are pointing downward, a breast lift may be right for you.

If fullness in your breasts has decreased as well, then Dr. Stubbs may also recommend breast implants in addition to the lift.

Medications will be prescribed for antibiotics and pain control. Most patients do not need prescription pain medication as post-operative discomfort is controlled with over-the-counter pain medications.

~1 week

Most patients are back to work in one week

3 weeks

Gentle exercise can begin at three weeks

Months

Scars are initially pink and slightly raised, then fade and flatten over several months

Up to 1 yr+

Scars continue to improve for up to one year and longer; medical grade scar therapy is available

Sagging breasts can result from various factors. Understanding the cause can help set realistic expectations for your outcome and recovery.

1
AgingLoss of skin elasticity and natural gravitational effects over time
2
Pregnancy and breastfeedingChanges in breast size and shape due to hormonal fluctuations and lactation
3
Weight fluctuationsSignificant weight loss can lead to deflation and sagging of the breasts
4
GeneticsSome individuals may have a genetic predisposition to breast ptosis

A procedure that combines a breast lift and breast augmentation can be an option for some women. Depending on the size of implant chosen, the procedures may need to be performed in 2 settings for best outcomes.

Breast lift + augmentation

You can correct both size and placement of the breasts when combining a lift and augmentation. If your nipple and areola have descended and fullness in your breasts has also decreased, Dr. Stubbs may recommend implants alongside the lift.

It is also common to combine a breast lift with a breast reduction specifically to address back, shoulder, and neck pain caused by heavy, sagging breasts.

1
Lift + volumeCorrect sagging and restore lost fullness at the same time for a comprehensive result
2
Improved fitA lifted breast fits better in bras and moves less with exercise and normal daily movements
3
Staged when neededDepending on implant size chosen, procedures may be staged across two settings for the best outcome

Common questions about breast lift surgery, cost, recovery, and what to expect.

There is no set price for a breast lift, even from a specific cosmetic surgeon. Because cosmetic surgeries are tailored to the patient's needs, the costs reflect this. To get a precise quote, you need to sit down with Dr. Stubbs. Your cost will include the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, facility/OR fee, and may include other costs as well.
Because sagging breasts tend to move and pull more than perkier ones, it could. However, if your breasts are causing you pain, it is more likely that their volume is the biggest contributing factor, not their elevation. It is common to combine a breast lift with a breast reduction specifically to address this issue.
Start by researching breast lift surgeons near you and go over their patient reviews. Stick with the best reviewed, then head over to their websites to see their before and after photos of breast lift patients to see if there are some that align with your goals. Next, schedule consultations with 2 to 3 surgeons that seem like a good fit and select the one who feels like the right person to partner with for your surgery.
This all depends on the approach that best meets your needs. If you have minimal sagging, your surgeon can make smaller incisions and strategically place them so they aren't too noticeable. If you have significant sagging, the lollipop incision will likely be needed, which leaves larger, easier-to-see scars. But keep in mind that in most cases, these will be covered with clothing and your scars should fade over time.
As a rule, your weight should be stable for at least six months before getting a breast lift, since gaining and losing weight can cause your breasts to sag again. Some surgeons prefer that your weight be steady for at least a year. Your weight is typically considered stable if it stays within about a 10 pound range.
Take the next step

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STUBBS CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY

STUBBS CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY

Breast Lift Gallery

Before and after photos of a woman's breast reconstruction surgery by Stubbs Center for Cosmetic Surgery, showing improved and contoured breasts in the after images.
Before and after photos of a woman's breast augmentation surgery, showing changes in breast size and shape. The images are from Stubbs Center for Cosmetic Surgery.
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