Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, reshapes and elevates sagging breasts for a more youthful appearance. Ideal for those experiencing ptosis from life changes, it focuses on contour rather than size increase.
Key Benefits
- Restored firmness and symmetry.
- Improved fit in clothing and bras.
- Boosted self-confidence in daily life.
What to Expect
Consultations involve detailed discussions of goals and options. Surgery typically lasts 2-3 hours, with recovery allowing return to light activities in 1-2 weeks. Costs start around $7,000-$10,000, varying by complexity.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience at Cary Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I've performed breast lifts on thousands of patients, earning multiple "Voted Best Plastic Surgery" awards in the area. This procedure is transformative for women dealing with sagging breasts due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, or genetics, helping restore a perkier, more youthful contour that aligns with their self-image. Key concerns like scarring, nipple sensation, and long-term maintenance are always addressed to set realistic expectations. Results are long-lasting but influenced by lifestyle factors such as weight stability and avoiding smoking.
Why Choose Dr. Hanna?
With decades of expertise and thousands of breast lifts performed, I've refined techniques that prioritize scar minimization, nipple sensation preservation, and natural reshaping and avoiding the 'overdone' look. Many patients come to me after pregnancy or weight loss, sharing how this surgery renewed their body confidence without drastic changes.
As a multiple award-winner for Best Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I emphasize thorough consultations to align expectations, drawing from real outcomes where satisfaction rates exceed 90% when patients maintain stable weight. Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, our personalized plans consider your skin quality, breast tissue, and lifestyle for optimal, long-lasting results.
Actual Patient 
Actual Patient Benefits of Breast Lift
From my experience, a breast lift isn't just cosmetic—it's empowering, helping patients feel more comfortable in their skin. Research suggests benefits include improved contour and symmetry, with many reporting enhanced quality of life. Key advantages:
- Elevated, perkier breasts for a youthful silhouette.
- Reduced sagging from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging.
- Better symmetry and nipple positioning.
- Improved fit and options for clothing, bras, and swimwear.
- Boosted self-esteem; patients often note feeling more vibrant in social and professional settings.
- Long-term firmness, though maintaining weight and avoiding smoking is crucial for durability.
Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for complete information on Breast Lift Surgery.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are healthy women with realistic goals, often post-childbearing or after weight stabilization. From thousands of consultations, success is highest in those with:
- Moderate to severe sagging (ptosis) where nipples point downward.
- Good skin elasticity and overall health; non-smokers preferred, as smoking impairs healing.
- Stable weight to preserve results.
- No active breastfeeding plans, though many can still nurse post-surgery.
- Emotional readiness for change. If significant volume loss is present, we may recommend combining with implants. Not ideal for those seeking only size increase—augmentation addresses that.
Schedule a Consultation to find out if you're a candidate.
Breast Lift Surgery, Step-by-Step
Performed in our accredited facility under general anesthesia or IV sedation, the surgery lasts 2-4 hours. Steps:
- Incision:
Based on chosen technique (e.g., lollipop for moderate lift).
- Reshaping:
Remove excess skin, lift tissue, reposition nipple/areola higher.
- Refinement:
Reduce areola size if needed; add implants if combining procedures.
- Closure:
Use layered sutures; no drains typically required.
You return home same day with a support bra.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery is manageable, with most patients resuming light work in 1-2 weeks and full activities in 4-6 weeks. A typical recovery protocol after a breast lift may look like this:
- Days 1-3: Rest, manage swelling/bruising with meds; wear surgical bra.
- Week 1: Avoid lifting; follow-up visit.
- Weeks 2-4: Gradual activity increase; scars begin fading.
- Month 1+: Exercise resume; final settling in 3-6 months.
Tips from experience:
Quit smoking 6 weeks pre/post-op, stay hydrated, and use scar creams. Long-term: Annual check-ups; results last 10+ years with healthy habits.
Risks & Complications
As with any surgery, risks exist but are minimized through expertise. Common risks include scarring, temporary sensation changes, asymmetry, or infection. More rare risks include hematoma or nipple issues.
We discuss all risks and possible complications from breast lift surgery during your consultation, emphasizing smoking cessation and health optimization to reduce them.
Benefits often outweigh risks for suitable candidates, but informed consent is key.
** Individual results vary
Cost & Financing
We will always provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Breast lift surgery typically costs around $8,000 which includes anesthesia, facility fees and follow-ups. Different surgical techniques and the complexity may affect the pricing and options for implants to be added during a breast lift also affect the final pricing for the full procedure.
We offer financing through CareCredit and accept major cards.
Schedule a consultation and we'll provide you with a personalized quote for your breast lift surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does surgery take? About 2-4 hours at our practice.
- Will it affect breastfeeding? Often, yes, but we will discuss if planning on having (more) children.
- What about scars? Scars usually fade over the next 6-12 months after your surgery. Laser options are also available.
- Can I combine with other procedures? Yes, like breast augmentation or mommy makeovers for comprehensive results.
- Is breast lift surgery safe? Yes, with low risks when performed by a board-certified surgeon.