A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts without substantially changing their volume. According to plastic surgeon Tomm Bjærke at Cosmo Clinic in Oslo, the aim is to restore a more elevated breast position and improve breast contour while taking the patient's individual anatomy and preferences into account.
About Breast Lift Surgery
Pregnancy, weight fluctuations and aging can affect the skin and supporting structures of the breasts. Over time, the breast tissue may gradually descend, sometimes together with the nipple and areola. This condition is known medically as breast ptosis.
Some patients also experience skin irritation beneath the breasts, particularly where skin surfaces remain in contact. This can contribute to discomfort, itching, inflammation and, occasionally, skin infections. A breast lift may help address these concerns by removing excess skin and reshaping the breasts.
Some patients seek breast lift surgery in connection with the removal of existing breast implants. Reasons for implant removal may include changes in breast size or shape, personal preferences or complications such as capsular contracture, a condition in which the scar tissue surrounding an implant tightens.
In selected patients, breast implant removal and a breast lift can be performed during the same operation. Whether a combined procedure is appropriate depends on factors such as breast anatomy, tissue quality, implant condition and the patient's overall health.
Read about breast implant removal on Cosmoclinic.no (in Norwegian)
How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?
One of the challenges of breast lift surgery is achieving a result that remains satisfactory over time.
Several surgical techniques are available. Some primarily involve removing excess skin and tightening the breast envelope, while others also reshape or reposition the underlying breast tissue. Techniques that reshape the breast tissue may be used to improve breast contour and upper breast fullness.
However, no surgical technique can permanently prevent the effects of aging, gravity or changes in body weight.
The longevity of breast lift results varies considerably between patients. Factors such as skin elasticity, breast size, tissue characteristics, weight fluctuations and future pregnancies may influence how the breasts change after surgery.
Patients with thin skin, extensive stretch marks or substantial loss of tissue elasticity may be more susceptible to recurrent sagging. Larger and heavier breasts may also be more affected by gravity over time.
In selected cases, a breast lift may be combined with a modest breast reduction, particularly when excess tissue in the lower part of the breast contributes to its weight.
Although the results of a breast lift can be long-lasting, some degree of change in breast shape should be expected over time.
Further information is available from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): Breast Lift Results.
Upper Breast Fullness
Many women considering a breast lift are concerned about a loss of fullness in the upper part of the breasts, sometimes referred to as the upper pole.
A breast lift can improve breast shape and reposition existing tissue. However, the amount of upper pole fullness that can be achieved depends on the patient's anatomy, tissue volume and the surgical technique used.
Following a breast lift without implants, the upper breast contour may retain a gentle inward curve when viewed from the side.
Patients who prefer a fuller or more rounded upper breast contour, similar to the appearance created by a push-up bra, may benefit from combining a breast lift with breast augmentation.
According to plastic surgeon Tomm Bjærke at Cosmo Clinic in Oslo, a relatively small breast implant may be considered when additional upper pole fullness is desired.
Implants are not always necessary, and the decision should be based on individual preferences, anatomical considerations and a discussion of the additional risks associated with breast implants.
Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation
Patients who have experienced significant weight loss may have both reduced breast volume and substantial excess skin.
In these circumstances, combining a breast lift with breast augmentation may help achieve a more balanced breast shape.
Many patients attending a consultation are uncertain whether they would benefit most from breast augmentation, a breast lift or a combination of the two.
A breast lift primarily changes the position and shape of the breasts, while breast augmentation increases volume. Combining the procedures may address both concerns, although it also introduces additional surgical considerations and potential complications.
During the consultation, the surgeon assesses breast volume, skin elasticity, nipple position and the patient's desired outcome. Photographs and clinical examples may be used to explain the available options.
The suitability of a combined procedure is determined individually. In some cases, performing the procedures separately may be preferable.
Further information: ASPS – Breast Lift.
Scars After Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery leaves permanent scars. Their location and extent depend on the surgical technique and the degree of correction required.
Scars are usually red or pink during the early healing period. They generally become less noticeable over time, although the rate and extent of fading vary between individuals.
Scar maturation may take 12–18 months or longer. Some scars remain more visible, wider, darker or thicker than others.
The skin in the fold beneath the breast has different characteristics from the skin elsewhere on the breast, and scar appearance may therefore vary between incision sites.
In some patients, the areola is reduced in diameter during the breast lift to achieve a more balanced appearance.
Modern surgical techniques and appropriate postoperative scar care may help improve scar quality, but completely invisible scars cannot be guaranteed.
Patients should follow their surgeon's advice regarding wound care, sun protection and, where appropriate, scar management using silicone-based products or surgical tape.
Weight, BMI and Breast Lift Surgery
Breast shape and volume are influenced by changes in body weight, hormonal factors and pregnancy.
For patients planning significant weight loss, it is generally advisable to reach a relatively stable weight before undergoing breast lift surgery.
At Cosmo Clinic, maintaining a stable weight for approximately six months before surgery has traditionally been recommended.
Future pregnancies may also affect the results, as the breasts can change in size and shape during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Patients planning further pregnancies should discuss the timing of surgery with their surgeon.
Sick Leave and Returning to Work
Most breast lifts performed solely for cosmetic reasons do not automatically qualify for statutory sick pay in Norway.
However, medically indicated procedures or unforeseen postoperative complications that cause an inability to work may qualify under applicable regulations.
Patients should therefore plan their recovery and any necessary leave from work before surgery.
Depending on the nature of their occupation and the extent of surgery, approximately one to two weeks away from work may be appropriate. A longer period may be necessary for physically demanding jobs or if complications occur.
Breast Lift Combined With Breast Implants
Patients considering a combined breast lift and breast augmentation should also review information about the specific risks and long-term considerations associated with breast implants.
These include capsular contracture, implant rupture, possible changes in sensation and the potential need for implant replacement or removal in the future.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and further surgery may eventually be necessary.
The surgeon should explain how the risks and recovery requirements of combined surgery may differ from those of a breast lift alone.
Medical References and Further Reading
The following professional and medical sources provide further information about breast lift surgery, its potential benefits, limitations and complications.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – Breast Lift: Procedure Overview. An overview of mastopexy, indications and surgical principles.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – Breast Lift: Risks and Safety. Information about recognized surgical complications and considerations before surgery.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – Breast Lift: Results. Information about recovery, scarring, expected results and their longevity.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – Breast Lifts and Pregnancy. Discussion of pregnancy, breastfeeding and breast changes after surgery.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Surgical Site Infection Basics. Medical guidance on recognizing and preventing infections after surgery.
- Ramanadham, S. R. et al. (2020) – Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. A clinical review of breast lift surgery and combined breast lift and augmentation techniques.
Medical information notice: This article provides general information about surgery and does not replace an individual consultation or medical assessment. Surgical techniques, risks, recovery instructions and expected results vary between patients. Patients should follow the advice of their treating surgeon and surgical team.