Restore a perkier, more youthful position to sagging breasts to improve firmness and shape.
What is Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) Surgery?
Breast uplift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure performed to raise and reshape breasts that have sagged (ptotic) or lost firmness.1 The goal is to restore a more youthful and lifted appearance by:
Removing excess skin.2
Repositioning the nipple and areola (often higher on the breast mound).3
Reshaping the remaining breast tissue.4
Several factors contribute to breast ptosis:
Aging: The skin naturally loses elasticity and firmness over time.5
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Glandular tissue enlargement during pregnancy stretches the skin, and the subsequent involution can cause supporting ligaments to stretch.6
Weight Fluctuations: Significant gain and loss of weight can cause the skin to stretch beyond its capacity to retract.7
Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to have weaker supporting tissues, making them more prone to sagging.8
Lack of Support During High-Impact Sports: Activities involving excessive breast movement (like running or jumping) without a supportive sports bra can stretch the breast ligaments over time.9
The technique chosen depends on the amount of sagging (ptosis), the nipple position, and the amount of excess skin.10
| Technique | Incision Pattern | Amount of Sagging | Scarring/Lift Result |
| Donut / Periareolar | Incision made only around the areola. | Mild to moderate sagging. | Results in the least scarring but provides a limited lift. |
| Lollipop (Vertical) | Incision made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. | Moderate to severe sagging. | Suitable for a significant lift with less scarring than the anchor technique. |
| Anchor / Inverted-T | Incision made around the areola, vertically down, and horizontally along the breast crease. | Severe sagging. | Allows for the most significant lift and reshaping, but results in the most extensive scarring. |
Your surgeon will assess your individual case to recommend the most appropriate approach for your desired outcome.
Before undergoing breast lift surgery, specific steps are necessary to ensure a smooth recovery:
Consultation: Meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations.
Medical Evaluation: A complete medical evaluation is often requested, which may include blood tests and imaging tests such as a mammogram, to check for underlying health issues.11
Medication Review: Inform your surgeon about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your surgeon will advise you on discontinuing anything that may interfere with clotting (blood thinners) or healing.
Lifestyle Adjustments: It is crucial to quit smoking well in advance, as it significantly increases the risk of complications and impairs healing.12
Preoperative Instructions: Follow instructions, which may include fasting (no food/liquids) before surgery.
Plan for Aftercare: Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you with daily activities during the initial recovery period.13
How long does the breast lift surgery typically take?
Breast lift surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the technique used.
How many days is it necessary to stay in the hospital after having breast lift surgery?
(Note: This was a question without an answer in your original text.)
Breast uplift surgery can often be performed as an outpatient procedure (discharged the same day), but some patients may require an overnight stay (1 night) for monitoring and pain management.
When will the patients be able to resume their social and professional lives?
Generally, most patients are able to return to work and resume their normal social activities within one to two weeks post-surgery.14
Initial Period: You will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days.15 Prioritize rest during this time.
Full Activity: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on when it is safe to resume strenuous activities, exercise, and heavy lifting, which is usually restricted for 4 to 6 weeks.
For more information about breast augmentation and breast reduction surgeries, please contact Sibel Atalay Aesthetic Clinic in Antalya.