The technical term for a Cosmetic breast lift is "mastopexy". A cosmetic breast lift removes stretched breast skin but not breast tissue and lifts your nipple to a more symmetric and aesthetic position it can also reduce the size and shape of the areola. Breast size is unlikely to change.

A breast lift will not make your breast larger, however a breast enlargement can be routinely done at the same time. Many women seek mastopexy as pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breast often lose their shape and firmness leading to sagginess. If future childbirth is expected it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. Although there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies (mastopexy usually doesn't interfere with breast-feeding) pregnancy is likely to stretch the breasts again and offset the results of the procedure. Gaining or losing weight could potentially make the skin in the breast stretch again affecting the surgical results.

Breast lifts are usually performed on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia lasting one to three hours of surgery. The most common technique involves an anchor-shape incision following the natural contour of the breast. The incision is located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breasts. Different techniques exist and a detailed conversation of the one that fits best to you should be explored in consult with your surgeon.

After surgery, pain is the initial complaint for the first few days, subsiding with medication. A surgical bra is placed after surgery over gauze dressing, it applies support and serves as a bandage as well. Tape strips will be directly applied across the incisions to keep the scars from stretching for 6 months unless irritation prevents continued use.

Post operative soreness, swelling and numbness of the area will last 2 weeks and will subside with time. Dissolving stitches will not require removal. Scars will progress from thick in red after 6 weeks gradually fading, becoming pale and flat from 6 months to 1 year. Work and regular activities can be resumed after 10 to 14 days, avoiding lifting objects overhead is strongly recommended from 3-4 weeks. Complications are infrequent but include, infection, bleeding, temporary numbness and bruising.

Breast lift surgery maintains a similar volume and size while improving symmetry and aesthetic repositioning of both breasts leading to satisfied patients with renewed confidence and self esteem.