Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Lift. Rebalance. Refine.
A mastopexy restores a higher, firmer breast contour by correcting breast ptosis, tightening the cutaneous envelope, and repositioning the nipple–areola complex (NAC) on a vascularized pedicle.
Mastopexy elevates the breast mound while preserving NAC perfusion.
Overview
What a Lift Corrects
Ptosis occurs when the breast parenchyma descends and the NAC sits at or below the inframammary fold (IMF). During mastopexy, redundant skin is excised, the parenchyma is coned and re-suspended, and the IMF relationship is refined to restore base support and upper-pole projection.
Clinical focus: improving nipple position, breast footprint symmetry, and parenchymal support — not simply “tightening skin.”
Auto-augmentation: your own tissue can be rotated superiorly to add upper-pole fullness without prosthetic volume.
Technique choice is guided by ptosis grade, skin quality, areolar diameter, breast base width, and desired scar vector.
Technique Options
Lift Patterns
Incision design and pedicle selection are tailored to ptosis grade and tissue biomechanics.
A circumareolar (“donut”) mastopexy for mild ptosis. Also allows areolar reduction with limited scar length.
Best when the NAC is only slightly below ideal position and skin redundancy is minimal.
Periareolar + vertical limb (“lollipop”) for moderate ptosis. Enables stronger parenchymal coning and improved projection.
Common pedicles include superomedial or superior to preserve perfusion.
Adds a horizontal IMF limb (“anchor”) for significant ptosis or marked dermatolaxia. Greatest ability to excise excess skin vectors.
Useful when the lower pole requires extensive tightening to prevent bottoming out.
Augmentation mastopexy combines lift + implant when volume loss (postpartum involution) accompanies ptosis.
Implant selection considers base width, tissue pinch thickness, and desired projection to avoid over-stretching.
Terminology
Key Medical Terms
Pedicle
Edema decreases. NAC position stabilizes. Gentle range-of-motion resumes.
Ptosis Grade
Severity classification based on NAC position vs IMF and mound apex.
Parenchyma
Glandular + fatty tissue reshaped into a higher, tighter cone.
Dermatolaxia
Excess lax skin envelope requiring excisional tightening.
Auto-augmentation
Superior rotation of your own tissue to improve upper-pole fullness.
Healing
Recovery Phases
Swelling (edema) and tightness are expected early. Shape refines as the parenchyma settles into its new support.
1
Weeks 1
Compression bra, light ambulation, avoid heavy lifting. Watch for hematoma or seroma.
2
Weeks 2-3
Edema decreases. NAC position stabilizes. Gentle range-of-motion resumes.
3
Weeks 4–8+
Return to full exercise when cleared. Scars transition into remodeling over 6–12 months.
Safety First
Risks & Monitoring
Complications are uncommon but clinically important to understand.
NAC ischemia / necrosis: compromised perfusion to nipple tissue. Pedicle selection and tension control reduce risk.
Wound dehiscence: partial separation of incision, more likely with smoking or diabetes.
Hypertrophic or keloid scarring: overactive collagen response; managed with scar protocols.
Recurrent ptosis / bottoming out: late lower-pole descent due to weak dermis or gravity.
Additional considerations include infection, asymmetry, altered sensation, and the need for revision.
Questions, Answered
Breast Lift FAQ
Does mastopexy increase breast size?
A lift repositions and reshapes parenchyma; apparent fullness improves, but true volume increase requires implants or autologous fat grafting (lipofilling).
How is the scar pattern chosen?
Ptosis grade, skin redundancy, and areolar location determine whether a periareolar, vertical, or Wise pattern provides stable elevation.
Can a lift be combined with reduction?
Yes. Reduction mammoplasty includes mastopexy plus excision of excess parenchyma to relieve physical symptoms while improving contour.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting, though aging, pregnancy, and major weight changes can re-stretch the skin envelope over time.
Schedule Your Consultation
Meet with Dr. Herman to review ptosis grading, pedicle options, and the lift technique best suited to your anatomy and goals.
Breast Aesthetic Expertise
Why Choose Dr. Herman
Dr. Herman balances refined elevation with surgical safety — emphasizing pedicle perfusion, symmetry, and durable parenchymal support.
- Advanced training in aesthetic & reconstructive breast surgery
- Technique tailored to ptosis grade and tissue biomechanics
- Scar-vector planning for stable, long-term contour