Mastopexy: Lift and Reshape Sagging Breasts for a Youthful Appearance

Mastopexy (breast lift surgery) reshapes and elevates sagging or drooping breasts to a more youthful, perky position without significantly changing their size. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, and the natural aging process can cause the breasts to lose their firmness and fall below the inframammary fold. Mastopexy reverses this process, restoring breast contour and position.

What Is Breast Ptosis?

Breast ptosis (sagging) is classified into grades based on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold:

• Grade I (minor ptosis): Nipple at the level of the fold
• Grade II (moderate ptosis): Nipple below the fold but above the lowest breast contour
• Grade III (major ptosis): Nipple below the fold at the lowest breast point
• Pseudoptosis: Nipple above the fold but lower breast pole is deflated

Mastopexy Techniques

The surgical technique is chosen based on the degree of ptosis. A periareolar (donut) mastopexy is suitable for mild sagging, leaving a scar only around the areola. A vertical (lollipop) mastopexy addresses moderate ptosis with a scar around the areola and vertically down to the fold. The inverted T mastopexy is used for severe ptosis and leaves an anchor-shaped scar.

Mastopexy with Augmentation

Many patients who have lost breast volume in addition to experiencing sagging choose to combine mastopexy with breast implant placement in a single operation. This combination delivers both lifting and volume restoration for a comprehensive breast rejuvenation result.

Recovery

Recovery follows a similar timeline to breast augmentation. A surgical bra is worn for 4–6 weeks. Final mastopexy results are visible within 3–4 months and represent a lasting transformation — particularly for patients who maintain a stable weight.