Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to address breast ptosis (sagging) by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to change breast shape and position the nipple–areola complex higher on the breast mound. Any surgical or invasive procedure, including mastopexy, carries risks, and individual results vary.

What Is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?

Mastopexy is a surgical intervention that addresses changes in breast shape that may be associated with factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight changes and the natural loss of skin elasticity over time. Unlike breast augmentation, a standard breast lift is not primarily intended to significantly change breast volume; it focuses mainly on internal structural support and the external skin envelope.

In cases of more significant breast ptosis, the procedure may involve one or more of the following steps, depending on individual clinical assessment and goals discussed with the surgeon:

Skin redraping: Removing stretched skin from selected areas of the breast to help tighten the breast envelope.
Areola reshaping: Modifying the size or shape of the areola where clinically appropriate.
Nipple repositioning: Moving the nipple to a higher position that is more proportional to the breast fold and breast mound.
Internal reshaping: Adjusting or reshaping the underlying breast tissue to alter breast projection and contour.

The exact surgical approach, scar pattern and changes to breast shape or position are individual and will be discussed during your consultation, including the potential risks, limitations and alternatives.

What Can Be Addressed?

The goals of a mastopexy are focused on modifying breast shape and position in a way that is clinically appropriate for the individual patient.

Addressing breast ptosis (sagging), including situations where the nipple sits at or below the inframammary fold.
Modifying the diameter and appearance of the areola where this is a concern for the patient.
Addressing breast asymmetry (differences in shape or height between the two breasts) where possible within anatomical limits.
Altering the breast contour to help improve fullness in the upper part of the breast where feasible.

It is important to understand that there are limitations to what any cosmetic surgery can achieve, and symmetry or contour cannot be guaranteed; these considerations, along with risks and possible need for revision, will be discussed as part of the informed consent process.

Ideal Candidate Profile

A suitable candidate for a breast lift is generally an adult with stable health who has realistic expectations and understands the potential benefits and risks of surgery, as well as the possibility of further procedures. This procedure is commonly considered by individuals who are comfortable with their current approximate breast volume but wish to address skin laxity or breast position.

Good Candidate Checklist

Has reached physical maturity with stable breast development.
Maintains a relatively stable weight, noting that significant weight fluctuations after surgery can change the surgical outcome.
Does not currently smoke or is willing to cease smoking as recommended before and after surgery to support wound healing.
Has nipples that point downward or sit at or below the breast crease and is concerned about this appearance.
Understands that visible and permanent surgical scars are an inevitable part of mastopexy and accepts this as part of the trade‑off for changing breast position and shape.

Who May Not Be a Suitable Candidate

Individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions that may impair healing or increase surgical risk (for example, poorly managed diabetes or significant cardiovascular disease).
Individuals who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Individuals planning pregnancy or breastfeeding in the near future, as these may change breast shape and affect the longevity of results.
Those with expectations that all scarring can be eliminated or that results will be identical to specific images or other individuals.
Individuals seeking a substantial increase in breast size alone; this may require discussion of combined breast augmentation–mastopexy or other options.

All patients considering cosmetic breast surgery must undergo an appropriate assessment, including screening for psychological conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, and may be referred for further evaluation if indicated, in line with current cosmetic surgery guidelines in Australia.

Surgical Techniques and Areola Reshaping

The incision pattern and technical approach used in mastopexy depend on factors such as the degree of breast sagging, skin quality and breast tissue characteristics, as assessed at consultation. Different techniques leave different scar patterns, which will be discussed with you, including their location and likely appearance over time.

Periareolar (donut) lift: A circular incision around the areola, generally considered for mild ptosis and for areola reshaping in selected patients.
Vertical (lollipop) lift: Incisions around the areola and vertically down toward the breast crease, commonly used for moderate sagging.
Inverted‑T (anchor) lift: Incisions around the areola, vertically down and along the inframammary fold, usually reserved for more significant ptosis and skin redundancy.

All of these approaches result in permanent scars, which vary between individuals; scar maturation typically occurs over many months, and scar management strategies can be discussed as part of postoperative care.

Anaesthesia Information

Mastopexy is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital setting to support patient safety and comfort throughout the procedure. During the operation, a qualified specialist anaesthetist monitors your vital signs and manages your anaesthesia and pain control.

Anaesthesia itself carries specific risks, which will be explained by the anaesthetist before surgery, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the process, monitoring and recovery from anaesthesia.

Pricing and Cost Information

The cost of a breast lift varies for each person and depends on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, anaesthesia requirements, the hospital or day‑surgery facility and whether the mastopexy is combined with other procedures.

Initial long consultation (1 hour): $400.
Surgical quotes: After your consultation with Dr. Mohammad Hassan Mohaghegh (MD, MPhil, FRACS Plast, AHPRA MED0001627149), you will receive a personalised written quote outlining estimated fees, including the surgeon’s fee, hospital or facility fees and anaesthetist’s fees.

Cosmetic mastopexy is generally not covered by Medicare or private health insurance unless strict reconstructive criteria are met (for example, following mastectomy or certain congenital deformities); eligibility and any applicable item numbers will be assessed and discussed on an individual basis according to current Medicare rules.

Recovery Timeline and Milestones

Recovery experiences and timelines vary between individuals, and return to usual activities depends on factors such as the exact procedure performed, your general health and the nature of your work and lifestyle. The following is a general outline only and does not replace personalised medical advice.

Days 1–3: You can expect discomfort, swelling and bruising; oral pain relief is usually prescribed. A surgical support bra is typically worn continuously, as advised by your surgeon.
Week 1: Many patients feel able to return to light, sedentary work, but this depends on individual recovery and the type of work. Driving is usually restricted until you can comfortably and safely control a vehicle and are no longer taking sedating pain medications.
Weeks 2–6: Light walking is generally encouraged to support circulation, but heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and activities that strain the chest or arms are usually avoided until medically cleared.
Months 3–6: Swelling typically continues to settle, and the breast shape gradually changes as tissues soften and drop into a more settled position.
Around 1 year: Scars often fade and flatten over time, but remain permanent; their final appearance varies from person to person. Scar management (such as silicone gel or tape) may be recommended during the maturation phase as part of your post‑operative plan.

You will receive specific postoperative instructions, including wound care, activity restrictions, follow‑up schedule and signs of potential complications that require prompt review.

Safety, Risks and Credentials

Who Performs the Surgery?

All mastopexy procedures described on this page are performed by Dr. Mohammad Hassan Mohaghegh, MD, MPhil, FRACS (Plast), who is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery and is registered with AHPRA (MED0001627149). His training and qualifications, including FRACS (Plast), indicate completion of accredited specialist surgical training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

What Are the Risks?

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and these will be discussed in detail during your consultation so that you can make an informed decision. Potential risks and complications of breast lift surgery may include (but are not limited to) bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, unfavourable or thickened scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation (which may be temporary or permanent), partial or total loss of nipple or areola tissue, breast asymmetry, contour irregularities, fluid collections, need for revision surgery, anaesthetic complications and dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcome.

There are also general surgical and anaesthetic risks, as well as the possibility that future pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change or ageing may alter the result over time. A comprehensive, personalised discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives and the required cooling‑off period is part of the mandatory pre‑operative process for cosmetic surgery in Australia.

Related Procedures

Depending on your goals and clinical assessment, you may also wish to read about the following procedures:

What May Be Achieved

The aims of a breast lift procedure, where clinically appropriate and within the limits of an individual’s anatomy and healing, may include:

Removing areas of excess or stretched skin from the lower or central portions of the breast.
Elevating the nipple–areola complex and reshaping the areola.
Improving balance between the breasts, acknowledging that perfect symmetry is not achievable.
Enhancing breast firmness and support by reshaping and repositioning breast tissue.
Restoring a more uplifted breast shape that may be perceived as more youthful in contour.

The specific changes, longevity of results, potential need for further procedures and limitations will be discussed with you individually, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Important Information

The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It does not constitute a recommendation that any individual should undergo surgery.

A consultation with Dr. Mohaghegh is required to determine suitability for mastopexy or any other cosmetic or reconstructive breast procedure, to discuss risks and benefits and to comply with current Australian regulations for cosmetic surgery, including mandatory consultations, cooling‑off periods and psychological screening where required.