A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Many factors affect how long results from a breast lift last, but typically they can be expected to remain for several years or more as long as significant weight gain or loss does not occur.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to raise the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. It can reposition the nipple and areola as well. The goal is to give the breasts a more youthful appearance.
Why get a breast lift?
There are a few main reasons women choose to get a breast lift:
- Breasts have lost volume and are sagging due to age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or gravity over time.
- Nipples fall below the breast fold when unsupported.
- Breasts have flattened or elongated in shape.
- One breast is lower than the other.
- Restore contour after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Ideal candidates for a breast lift
The best candidates for a breast lift are healthy women who:
- Have breasts that sag or whose nipples have fallen below the breast fold.
- Have stopped breastfeeding and if planning future pregnancies, are done having children.
- Do not smoke or are willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.
- Have breasts that are small to moderate in size.
- Have elastic and normal quality skin that will reshape to the new contours.
- Have realistic expectations for what procedure can achieve.
Women whose breasts have lost a significant amount of volume may still need a breast lift but also are better candidates for a breast lift done in conjunction with breast implants (augmentation mammaplasty).
How is a breast lift performed?
A breast lift is performed under general anesthesia as a same-day outpatient procedure. The steps involved in a breast lift include:
- An incision is made around the areola, in a lollipop shape vertically down from areola to crease under breast, or an anchor shape around areola, vertically down and horizontally along crease.
- Excess breast skin is removed and breast tissue reshaped.
- Nipples and areolas are repositioned to a more youthful height.
- Breast tissue is sutured to reshape breast contour and provide support.
- Incisions are closed with layered sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesives.
The specific technique used will depend on factors like the degree of sagging, breast shape and size, quality of skin elasticity, and patient and surgeon preference. Common techniques include:
- Crescent lift – an incision around the upper half of areola.
- Circumareolar lift – an incision around the entire areola.
- Vertical lift – an incision around the areola and vertically down from crease to areola.
- Anchor lift – an incision around the areola, vertically down from breast crease to areola, and horizontally along the breast crease.
Does a breast lift last forever?
No, a breast lift does not permanently last forever. However, when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a breast lift can create dramatic improvements in breast shape and position that last for several years or more in most patients.
There are several factors that affect how long results from a mastopexy last:
Significant weight fluctuations
Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight can affect breast shape after a lift. Weight gain can cause breasts to sag again over time, while weight loss can cause deflation. Maintaining a stable weight is ideal for preserving long-lasting breast lift results.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy, the ligaments that support the breasts stretch as breast volume increases. Breastfeeding also enlarges breasts temporarily. These changes can compromise results from a previous breast lift over time. Patients should be finished having children before undergoing a mastopexy for maximum longevity.
Skin elasticity and aging
Skin becomes less elastic over time as part of the normal aging process. A breast lift creates tighter, firmer breast skin support. But as skin elasticity diminishes with age, the effects of gravity and tissue stretch can start to impact results years later. Genetics play a role in innate skin elasticity as well.
Surgical technique
The technique used, skill of the plastic surgeon, and care during recovery can influence lasting results. Proper surgical techniques that provide adequate structural support for new breast contours tend to produce longer-lasting outcomes from breast lift surgery.
How long do breast lift results last?
On average, the results of a breast lift can last:
- 5-10 years or longer in younger patients with good skin elasticity.
- 3-5 years or longer in older patients with diminished skin elasticity.
However, it is possible for properly performed breast lift results to last 10 years or more, even with normal skin aging effects over time. The longevity ultimately depends on the individual patient characteristics.
Following proper post-op care instructions and wearing recommended compression support garments can help prolong results. Avoiding significant weight fluctuations protects results as well.
For women who experience sagging recurrence years later, a breast lift can typically be repeated to restore a more youthful breast shape once again if the patient is in good health.
What affects how long a breast lift lasts?
The main factors that impact breast lift longevity include:
Skin elasticity
Skin elasticity diminishes naturally with age. Women with more elastic skin in their 30s and 40s tend to have longer-lasting results than patients in their 50s, 60s and beyond. Genetics also play a role in innate skin elasticity.
Breast size
Larger, heavier breasts are more prone to the effects of gravity over time. Breast lift techniques can provide adequate support for smaller to moderately-sized breasts. But significant breast weight places more strain on the surgical results.
| Breast Size | Expected Duration of Breast Lift Results |
|---|---|
| Small | 7-10+ years |
| Medium | 5-7 years |
| Large | 3-5 years |
Pregnancies after breast lift
Pregnancy places strain on surgical results due to hormone-related breast expansion and breastfeeding. Patients should be sure their families are complete before undergoing a breast lift for maximum result longevity.
Weight changes
Weight gain can stretch the skin again and cause breast sagging to recur. Weight loss can deflate the breasts. Maintaining a stable weight is optimal after a breast lift.
Surgical technique
The surgical technique used impacts durability of results. A highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon will create structural support and lift breasts adeptly for the individual patient anatomy. Poor surgical technique can contribute to premature sagging recurrence.
How to prolong breast lift results
Steps patients can take to help prolong their breast lift results include:
- Achieve a healthy, stable weight before surgery and maintain it after.
- Have any planned pregnancies before undergoing mastopexy.
- Follow all post-op instructions carefully, including wearing compression garments as directed.
- Use sun protection and skin care to maintain the health and elasticity of breast skin.
- Avoid significant weight fluctuations after surgery through diet and exercise.
- Schedule regular follow-up exams to check your results over time.
Discuss ways to preserve results with your plastic surgeon during consultations before and after your breast lift. Be sure to alert your surgeon promptly if you experience changes in breast shape or position.
Can a breast lift be redone?
Yes, it is possible to undergo a repeat breast lift if sagging recurs years later after initial mastopexy results have faded.
In many cases, secondary mastopexy procedures can restore breast shape and lift once again. The techniques used may need to be adjusted based on the degree of breast sagging, quality of skin elasticity, and amount of breast volume remaining compared to the original breast lift.
Breast lift revision surgery does carry added risks due to the presence of prior surgical scar tissue and thinner skin envelopes. The ability to redo a breast lift also depends on the individual patient’s health and healing ability.
Scarring after breast lift surgery
All breast lift techniques will leave noticeable scars, as the surgery involves removing excess breast skin. However, scars from a mastopexy usually fade and flatten over time.
Scarring may be more noticeable with anchor lift techniques that incorporate longer scar lines compared to crescent, doughnut or lollipop lift approaches. Proper surgical techniques to close incisions meticulously can help minimize scarring.
Following post-op scar care instructions helps wounds heal optimally. Scars continue maturing for up to a year. Many patients find the aesthetic trade-off of scars acceptable in exchange for the aesthetic improvement in breast shape achieved.
Cost of breast lift surgery
According to 2021 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a breast lift is $4,982. This does not include anesthesia fees, facility fees, and other related expenses.
Because a breast lift is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, insurance typically does not cover it. Some costs that influence the price of mastopexy include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Extent of surgery needed
- Geographic location – costs are higher in major metro areas
- Surgical facility charges
- Anesthesia fees
- Prescription medications
- Post-op garments
During consultations, your plastic surgeon will discuss costs associated with your customized breast lift treatment plan. Many offer financing options to help patients budget procedure costs.
Conclusion
While a breast lift does not permanently last forever, when properly performed it can provide impressive improvements in breast contour and lift that remain visible for several years or more. Taking steps to maintain a stable body weight, follow post-op instructions, and care for your skin can help you prolong your results. For many women seeking to restore a more youthfully shaped breast, a mastopexy is a worthwhile cosmetic investment.