What is a Breast Lift?Breast Lift with Implants Risks & Complications Are you a Candidate?Cost Breakdown FAQ Breast Lift Types Recovery & Scars

PROCEDURE GUIDE

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Alternative Names: Mastopexy, Boob Lift

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What is a Breast Lift?Are you a Candidate?Breast Lift Types Breast Lift with Implants Cost Breakdown Recovery & Scars Risks & Complications FAQ

Summary of Breast Lift

Cost :

$10,600 +

Surgery Length:

2 - 3 Hours

Anesthesia :

General Anesthesia

Recovery :

6 Weeks Before Physical Activity

Synopsis:

Breast Lift Video Gallery

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Why Breast Lift?

A Breast Lift is designed to leave your breasts rounder, firmer and uplifted, with the position of your areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipples) and nipples enhanced. When performing this surgery (with or without Breast Augmentation), SixSurgery understands the aesthetics of a beautiful, youthful breast and aims to carefully incorporate these features into your results (characteristics of youthful-looking breasts, click here).

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What is a Breast Lift?

A Breast Lift (otherwise known as a Mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that can be performed using a number of different techniques to correct sagging, deflated breasts (known as breast ptosis). When performed by the SixSurgery team at the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute, results are achieved by meticulously repositioning the nipple and/or breast tissue, and tightening the skin. SixSurgery is a highly experienced Cosmetic team with the surgical skill and cosmetic artistry to beautifully restore the appearance of youthful breasts.

Breast Lift Walkthrough: Facts & Limitations of Surgery

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Are you a Candidate?
Will a Mastopexy work for me?

Every woman will have her own unique goals and expectations for the outcome of a Breast Lift. Women who typically seek a Breast Lift surgery are those whose breasts have lost volume and are sagging due to weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding (or nursing) and/or aging. Women may also seek out a breast lift for reasons of a naturally droopy shape, or significant asymmetry. The surgery elevates and improves the appearance of breasts that exhibit one or more of the following issues:

A pendulous shape or sagging (while remaining proportionate with the body frame).

Loss of firmness and skin elasticity.

A flat elongated shape when unsupported.

Nipples that fall below the breast fold (infra-mammary fold).

Nipple/areola complexes that point downward.

Stretched skin and enlarged areolae.

Asymmetry between the two breasts and/or nipple/areola complexes.

If any of the above concerns affect you, you may be an ideal candidate for a Breast Lift surgery at the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute.

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Mastopexy Specialists

At the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute, our unique approach to Breast Lift surgery will ensure that your whole experience, from the moment of your first consultation with us, through to your recovery after surgery in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, is as positive and comfortable as it can be. Individualized planning, meticulous surgical technique, careful monitoring and post-surgical care all combine to ensure that we offer you the best possible long-term results for your Breast Lift.

Learn more about how to prepare for your breast lift.

Our Complete Guide to Surgery

Step 1

Placement of Incision

In the first stage of the process, the surgeon performs Liposuction in donor areas of your choice (areas of your body from where a suitable amount of fat can be harvested). The most common donor areas are the abdomen, flanks and thighs. The surgeon meticulously sculpts these areas to give you the contours you desire. Liposuction is performed using a gentle technique that maintains the viability of fat cells. The fat is then processed and prepared for injection into the breasts.

Step 2

Technique

Your existing breast anatomy.

Personal goals.

The amount of breast elevation (ptosis correction) needed.

Step 3

Results

A general anesthetic will be administered to you during your Breast Lift surgery, so that you will be asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure. The procedure will be performed in the Operating Room under absolute sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection. After the incisions on your breasts have been made, your surgeon will meticulously reposition the breast tissue and remove excess skin to give an uplifted appearance and fuller projection

Step 4

After Surgery

When your surgery is completed, you will be taken into the Recovery Room where you will be closely monitored. Once our experienced nurses determine that you are safe to be released, you will either be able to go home under the supervision of an accompanying adult (you will not be able to drive yourself) or may choose to stay in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel for the first night after surgery. The new look to your breasts will take time to settle due to the swelling that occurs with Breast Lift surgery, but once the breasts are fully healed, the optimal result will be seen.

Breast Lift Types

Types of Incisions used for Mastopexy
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Periareolar Breast Incision

Vertical Breast Incision

Weiss “Anchor” Breast Incision

Anchor Lift ⭐

A breast lift with an anchor incision is utilized to address moderate to severe breast ptosis (or ‘sagging’) and allows for the maximum amount of customized reshaping. The procedure is similar to a vertical lift with the addition of a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold, creating an anchor-shaped scar.

The advantages of this procedure are the most dramatic results possible and the maximum ability for the surgeon to reshape the breast. The cons of this procedure are the additional scars, but with proper post-op wound care, the incisions will often fade to barely-there lines and they are discreetly hidden within the breast fold.

Vertical Lift
(Lollipop Lift)

A breast lift with a lollipop incision is performed on patients with moderate breast ptosis (or ‘sagging’) in order to remove a larger amount of skin. It is called a Lollipop Lift because the final scar shape will circle around the areola with a vertical component below, similar to the silhouette of a lollipop.

A Vertical lift (Lollipop lift) procedure starts similarly to a periareolar lift and then extends the incision below the areola in order to narrow and reshape the breast. This allows the surgeon to reshape or remove excess tissue in order to even-out the breast design. The advantages of this type of lift are the more dramatic results and improved shape of the breast that are not possible with a periareolar lift.

Though the thought of scars can be intimidating, with proper post-op wound care, the incisions will often fade to barely-there lines.

Vertical Lift (Lollipop Lift)

The Vertical Sling technique is the latest and most advanced Breast Lift surgery procedure. It is a variation of a Vertical Breast Lift (also known as a Keyhole Breast Lift), which elevates and reshapes the entire breast, and can therefore be considered a full Breast Lift. The novel Vertical Sling Breast Lift performed by SixSurgery not only elevates the breasts, but also reshapes them to give the following additional benefits:

Enhanced pertness and fullness.

More youthful appearance.

Longer lasting lift.

Lower risk of complications.

No loss of volume

Minimal scarring.

In the Vertical Sling approach, the chest muscle (pectoralis major) is used to support part of the breast tissue by forming a Chest Muscle Sling, thereby giving an enhanced and longer-lasting Breast Lift. This is a much more extensive procedure than a Periareolar Breast Lift and is used by SixSurgeons only in women whosesagging breasts (breast ptosis) require more than 2 cm of elevation (moderate to severe ptosis).

During the procedure of this type of Breast Lift, a doughnut shaped piece of skin is removed following the Periareolar method above, but with additional skin removed by also placing a straight incision directly from under the areola to the breast fold (infra-mammary fold). The chest muscle (pectoralis major) is then dissected from the chest wall and part of the breast tissue is folded under and sutured to the muscle. The surrounding skin is pulled upward and/or inward towards the areola and sutured in place.

SixSurgery’s advanced and meticulous wound closure techniques minimize the appearance of the scars on the breast after the Breast Lift procedure.

No Vertical Scar Technique

In some select patients, it is possible to perform a Breast Lift where there is no vertical scar, only the areola and breast fold scar (which is well hidden). This is ideal for patients whose breasts hang significantly so that their entire areola is below the breast fold.
‍
This Breast Lift technique uses an internal suspension technique to lift the breasts, and has no vertical scarring. It is applicable to ideal candidates only. To find out whether or not you would benefit from this procedure, you will need to have a consultation with us.

Periareolar Lift

The Periareolar Breast Lift (also known as the Benelli or Doughnut Breast Lift) is a technique that re-positions the nipple and minimizes scarring by limiting it to the areola only. A periareolar breast lift is performed on patients who have minimal breast ptosis (or ‘sagging’) and only require the repositioning of the nipple to achieve their desired breast shape. This is recommended for women whose breasts have very mild sagging and require only 1 – 2 cm of elevation. ALTHOUGH MOST PATIENTS REQUEST THIS LIFT FOR ITS MINIMAL SCARRING, THIS LIFT IS NOT EFFECTIVE FOR MOST PEOPLE AND THUS ITS RECOMMENDED IN VERY FEW SPECIFIC INSTANCES.

During the procedure a doughnut shaped piece of skin is removed from around the areola border. The areola/nipple complex, surrounding skin and breast tissue are repositioned and sutured in place to give an uplifted and fuller appearance. An Areola Reduction can be performed by making the inner incision within the areolar border.

The advantage of this type of lift is the minimal scarring as the incision is carefully hidden around the areola. The resulting scar after this Breast Lift technique is partially disguised by the uneven surface of the areolar border and the colour contrast between the dark areola and lighter breast skin. Additional skin can also be removed from above the areola (a Crescent Breast Lift) to create a further lifting effect for the breast tissue and/or nipple. The downside of this procedure is that not everyone is a candidate and the breast tissue is not actually ‘lifted’.

Example of periareolar BA or a graphic of the level of breast ptosis

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Breast Lift With Implants

Augmentation Mastopexy (or Breast Lift with implants) is the ultimate procedure to transform the appearance of deflated and sagging breasts and restore timeless beauty to a woman’s figure. The procedure is a combination of a Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift and can benefit women who, in addition to being suitable candidates for a Breast Lift, also:

Have deflated breasts that require an increase in volume.

Have a natural breast volume that is smaller than desired.

Have pronounced volume and/or shape asymmetry between the two breasts.

Would like increased upper pole breast fullness and a round (as opposed to teardrop) look

Would like their breasts to appear the same size as before surgery

With these combined procedures, your breasts will not only be restored to a youthful position, pertness and fullness, but will also be enlarged in volume, leaving your figure balanced and your femininity enhanced. Although a breast lift does not remove any volume from your breasts, removing loose skin can make the new lifted breast appear slightly smaller. A small breast implant can be an excellent option to add to a breast lift for women wishing to appear the same size as well. Breast implants are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and profiles to perfectly match the individual body type and goals of each woman. You can also choose to have your implants filled with a saline solution or a silicone gel formulation, both of which have been extensively safety tested and are Health Canada-approved. Furthermore, with the advanced surgical techniques ably employed by SixSurgery, your recovery and healing will be straightforward.

This image shows the before and immediately after a Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift. In the after image, the patient is in an upright position on the operating room table. Her breasts are very perky. This will change over the next three months, as her implants settle with gravity. As you can see, despite her very droopy looking appearance in the before photo, a significant lift was possible to achieve using only the vertical (lollipop) incision technique. The additional fullness is the result of adding asmall implant.

A Breast Lift can also be combined with a Breast Reduction. Click here to learn more about the combined Breast Reduction + Breast Lift surgery.

Understanding Limitations of a Breast Lift

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that helps to reshape your breasts and changes the way they are positioned on your chest. It is NOT a cure for gravity and it is NOT permanent. Gravity and aging will continue to affect your breasts over time and your breast tissue will settle in a natural way after surgery. How long will a lift last? That depends on how heavy your breasts are, how physically active you are, and how strong/supportive your tissues are.

Some women will drop significantly within months (but not to the same level as before) while others will take years before they notice significant sagging.

How much does Breast Lift cost?

Breast Lift:

$ 9,100+

Breast Lift + Implants

$ 12,600 - $ 14,600+
(depending on implant choice)

Common Additions

Tummy tuck (drain free or with drain)

$ 7,300 (mini) or $ 10,300 - $ 16,500 + (full)

(Additional liposuction starts at $ 2,500 – $ 6,500)

Tummy tuck (extended or vertical)

$ 13,300 - 18,500 +

Additional Liposuction

$ 7,500 + (First Area), + $ 2,500 – $ 7,000 (for each additional area)

(fees VARY significantly based on the amount of work required, amount of expected liposuction, number of areas, etc)

Recovery & Scarring

Click here for more on: Breast Lift Scars

During recovery, your body will heal, and the final, optimal appearance of your breasts will be appreciated. Immediately after surgery, you may feel a little tired from the effects of the anesthetic and will initially experience some discomfort, swelling of your breasts, and bruising.

If available, our patients are offered the option and comfort of one of the luxurious hotel rooms inside the Fairmont Royal York Hotel to spend their first night after surgery (for an additional cost). You then have the option of being seen the morning. After, again in 2-3 weeks later to have your sutures removed.

Further follow-up visits at the clinic will be arranged to allow us to continue to monitor the progress of your healing after your Breast Lift, as the tissue settles into place.

Learn more about how your breasts will look and feel after your lift.

The length of time it may take for you to recover from your Breast Lift surgery will depend on several factors and varies between women. Most women who have a breast lift procedure at the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute go back to regular activities within 1 week. Post operative care will require you to sleep on your back during the recovery period and wear a surgical support bra at all times for 6 weeks after surgery. Thereafter, in order to maintain the new, beautiful appearance of your breasts, long- term proper bra support is also important.

Surgery Scars:

In order to remove enough skin to create a meaningful change, breast lift surgery leaves scars on the breasts that are permanent and cannot be avoided. In most patients they are minimal and will fade noticeably over time. The incisions are also placed in locations that are easily concealed by the natural breast fold and in colour changes around the areola. In clothing, even bikini tops and dresses with plunging necklines can be worn without visible scars.

Well healed mastopexy scar seen 1.5 years after surgery. It is a thin line and the surrounding skin is normally colored. The scar itself is a thin white line

In some patients (darker skin or asian background) there is an increased risk of hypertrophic scar. These scars are raised, widened, and darker colored

Hypertrophic Scars:

Some patients can develop hypertrophic scars – scars which become more red, thicker, and wider over time. These will then require various treatments in order to obtain a good result. Who’s at risk? Patients who have experienced thicker scarring with previous surgeries or skin injuries, patients with a family history of keloid scarring, and patients with darker skin tones are at an increased risk of abnormal scar development.

Surgery Complications and Risks

Although complications following Mastopexy are infrequent; the following may occur:

Bleeding

Bleeding, which in rare instances could require hospitalization and blood transfusion. Blood clotsmay form under the skin and require drainage.

Skin irregularities

Skin irregularities, lumpiness, hardness and dimpling may result; some problems disappear with time and from massage, other problems may persist and additional treatments may be necessary

Infection

Infection is rare but may occur and treatment with antibiotics and/or drainage may be required. In rareinstances surgery may be required for severe infection (such as necrotizing fasciitis.)

Wound dehiscence

Wound dehiscence (wound opening) may occur and is generally allowed to heal on its own. This may be related to loss of blood supply to the skin (skin necrosis).

Outpatient nursing

Outpatient nursing may be required to assist with the wound care. You may be required to travel to a localclinic for daily wound care.

Hernia

No patient has perfectly symmetrical/identical breasts. Patients must understand that the surgery will not create two identical breasts. Sometimes a procedure may even increase the visibility of an existing asymmetry.

Numbness

Hernia may be found during the surgery and may require surgical repair, which may be associated withpotential injury to the bowel.

Abnormal scarring

Abnormal scarring or scar position is rare but is possible.

Dizziness

Dizziness may occur during the first week following Abdominoplasty surgery particularly upon rising from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, extreme caution may be exercised while walking. Do not drive a car if dizziness is present.

Deep Venous Thrombosis

Deep Venous Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism and Fat Embolism may occur.

Breast Lift FAQs

Am I a good candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?Is there an age limit for this surgery?When should I have a mastopexy after pregnancy?How is this procedure performed?Will there be scars?What is the Periareolar technique?What is the vertical technique?

Breast Tuck FAQs

Am I a good candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?

If you are in good health, and are experiencing significant drooping and deflation of your breast tissue then you may be a good candidate for a breast lift surgery.

The best candidates are patients who have all the information, fully understand what the surgery involves and its limitations, and who have realistic expectations. Common reasons for a Breast Lift alone are:

Breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size

Breasts that lack substance or firmness

Nipple/areola complexes that point downward (especially if they are positioned below the breast fold)

Asymmetry between the two breasts and/or nipple/areola complexes

Is there an age limit for this surgery?

As long as the patient is 18+, health is the important factor, not age. Any patient may be a good candidate for a Breast Lift provided that they are healthy, in good physical shape, and understand the risks associated with a Breast Lift procedure.

When should I have a mastopexy afterpregnancy?

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, a patient’s breasts may change in shape and appearance. We ask that patients wait at least 3 months after they have finished breastfeeding or 3 months after their weight has stabilized before coming in for a consultation.

How is this procedure performed?

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) surgery can be performed by either simply repositioning the nipple (the Periareolar technique) or reshaping and lifting the entire breast using a lollipop or anchor incision. In both cases, incisions will be made on the breasts to remove excess skin and reshape and/or raise the breast tissue where necessary. Permanent scars will be left where each incision was made, but for most patients these will fade with time.

Will there be scars?

Depending on the degree of lift needed, patients will be left with either a circular scar around the areola (Periareolar Incision), a lollipop scar with a vertical component (Lollipop Incision) or an anchor scar with both a vertical and horizontal component (Anchor Incision). You can learn more about incisions and scars related to Mastopexy surgery here.

What is the Periareolar technique?

The Periareolar technique is a surgical procedure designed to raise the nipple and minimize scarring by limiting it to the areola only. This procedure is ideal for women whose breasts have very mild sagging (breast ptosis) and where only repositioning of the nipple is required.

What is the vertical technique?

Vertical Breast Lift surgery is a full Breast Lift procedure where the entire breast is reshaped and lifted. This is a more extensive procedure than a Periareolar Breast Lift and is used in women who require more than 2 cm of lift to correct their sagging breasts (breast ptosis).

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Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

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Summary of Breast Lift

Breast Lift Video Gallery

Why Breast Lift?

What is a Breast Lift?

Are you a Candidate?Will a Mastopexy work for me?

Mastopexy Specialists

Our Complete Guide to Surgery

Breast Lift Types

Anchor Lift ⭐

Vertical Lift(Lollipop Lift)

Vertical Lift (Lollipop Lift)

No Vertical Scar Technique

Periareolar Lift

Breast Lift With Implants

Understanding Limitations of a Breast Lift

How much does Breast Lift cost?

Recovery & Scarring

Surgery Scars:

Hypertrophic Scars:

Surgery Complications and Risks

Breast Lift FAQs

Confidental Consultation

Are you a Candidate?
Will a Mastopexy work for me?

Vertical Lift
(Lollipop Lift)