BREAST LIFT

Anaesthesia: Typically general anaesthesia.

Technique: Removal of excess skin, reshaping of breast tissue, and elevation of the nipple‑areolar complex. The areolar size may be adjusted when needed.

Incisions: Selected based on sagging severity and aesthetic planning.

Duration and setting: Usually a day‑surgery procedure, though complexity or combined procedures may require overnight stay.

No mastopexy can guarantee a specific outcome, and techniques vary per individual anatomy.

No surgical intervention.

Supportive garments or bras (though they do not necessarily prevent ptosis)

Combined procedures such as augmentation‑mastopexy or reduction‑mastopexy when clinically indicated.

Your surgeon will review your medical history, examine breast tissues and degree of ptosis, and discuss incision and reshaping options. Common surgical techniques include:

Vertical (“lollipop”) incision for moderate sagging

Anchor (“inverted‑T”) incision for more extensive sagging or combined procedures

A detailed explanation of potential risks, recovery, and alternatives will be provided in writing as part of informed consent.

Expect initial swelling, bruising, and discomfort, usually managed with prescribed analgesics. Many patients resume light activities within 1–2 weeks; avoid strenuous upper‑body activity for approximately 6 weeks. Results typically stabilize over 3-6 months.

If pre- and post-operative images are shown on this site, they are provided for general information only and do not predict your outcome. Images are displayed using comparable lighting, positioning, background, and clothing where possible. Any gallery contains a prominent notice stating that results vary due to factors including individual anatomy and healing. Images are not digitally altered other than standard anonymisation and sizing for web display.

Dr Alex Phoon Specialist Plastic Surgeon

AHPRA registration number: MED0001587102

Registration type: Specialist registration

Recognised specialty: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Patients may verify registration via the AHPRA public register.

All surgical procedures carry risks. Specific to mastopexy, these may include but are not limited to:

Anaesthetic risks, infection, bleeding, delayed healing, seroma, and scarring (including hypertrophic or keloid scars).

Changes in sensation of the nipple or skin-temporary or permanent.

Asymmetry, contour irregularities, or wound dehiscence.

Scarring that may not fade completely; healing varies by individual.

Rare but serious risks such as blood clots (DVT/PE) or death.
A comprehensive written risk summary will be provided during consultation.

It is essential that all risks & complications of surgery are understood before proceeding. For more information on risks & complications please visit our web page on Risks & Complications of Cosmetic Surgery – Dr Alex Phoon

Mastopexy results may diminish over time due to aging, gravity, pregnancy, or weight changes. Future surgery may be necessary. No surgical result is permanent or guaranteed.

Repositioning the nipple from a lower to a higher position requires a circumferential scar around the nipple and areola, along with a vertical incision below it. This pattern is commonly referred to as a lollipop incision. In some cases, this may be combined with a horizontal incision in the crease under the breast, which is also used when placing implants.

If the breasts are lower-set with more excess skin, the horizontal crease incision may need to be longer, creating what is called an anchor or inverted-T incision. Scarring is an unavoidable part of surgery. While scars generally fade over time, their appearance varies between individuals. Surgeons may recommend scar management strategies such as taping or silicone dressings to support the healing process.

The cost of surgery varies depending on individual circumstances and the specific surgical requirements. These details will be discussed during your consultation, once a tailored treatment plan has been developed.

Factors that may influence the overall cost include:

• Whether your procedure is deemed cosmetic or medically required
• Theatre time
• Length of hospital stay
• Private health fund status (if the procedure is deemed medically necessary)
• Eligibility for item numbers.
• An itemised quote will be provided to you following your consultation with Dr Phoon.

Many patients ask about when they can safely return to exercise after surgery. Physical activity should be avoided in the early recovery period, and most surgeons recommend waiting at least six weeks before resuming strenuous exercise. Returning too early may increase the risk of implant movement, particularly with anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implants. Supportive garments are usually provided and should be worn as directed to assist with recovery.

One of the most common procedures combined with augmentation mastopexy is an abdominoplasty (tummy procedure). The abdominal area, like the breasts, can change significantly following pregnancy or major weight loss. In some cases, patients may consider addressing both areas in a single operation, depending on their individual circumstances and overall health.

These combined procedures can address both functional and aesthetic concerns, such as removing excess skin while reshaping the breasts. The decision to combine procedures depends on several factors, including patient goals, anatomy, and safety considerations, and should be discussed in detail with the surgeon.

This procedure is often performed as day surgery, although an overnight stay may be recommended if it is combined with another operation. Many patients take about a week away from work, with the first few days typically being the most uncomfortable. Pain relief medications are usually prescribed to assist during the recovery period.

Swelling is common in the first few weeks, and it may take 6–8 weeks before the breast shape starts to settle, although recovery and results vary between individuals. The likelihood of needing revision surgery is generally higher with augmentation mastopexy compared to breast augmentation alone.

All mastopexy (breast lift) procedures involve some scarring on the breast. The primary aim of the surgery is to reposition the nipple and reshape the breast. When the procedure mainly involves nipple repositioning without altering breast size, a keyhole or “lollipop” incision pattern may be used. If more tissue adjustment is required, such as in larger breasts, an additional incision in the breast crease may be necessary to remove excess tissue and support reshaping.

Breast lifts (mastopexy) and breast reductions are similar procedures. Both involve reshaping the breast and repositioning the nipple to a higher location. The main difference is that in a breast reduction, additional breast tissue is removed as part of the reshaping process.

In some cases, an implant may be placed at the same time as a breast lift to increase upper breast volume. This combined procedure is called an augmentation mastopexy. While it can sometimes be performed in a single stage, in certain situations—such as with very large breasts, a low nipple position, or significant weight loss—a staged approach may be recommended to support a more reliable outcome. The most appropriate option depends on individual anatomy and surgical considerations, and should be discussed with your surgeon.

In some cases, it may be possible to use a patient’s own breast tissue to reshape and add volume higher within the breast. This is known as auto-augmentation. Another option is fat grafting, where fat is taken from another part of the body using liposuction techniques, processed, and then injected into the breast. Not all of the transferred fat survives long term, and further procedures may be needed if additional volume is desired.