5 Things to Know Before You Have a Breast Lift

A breast lift (mastopexy) from our St. Louis practice is a form of breast enhancement surgery designed to reposition and reshape deflated breasts for a more youthful contour. This cosmetic surgery can be transformative, but understanding the basics before your consultation helps you make informed choices and set realistic expectations.

1. It’s Highly Customizable

Breast lift surgery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our plastic surgeons evaluate breast shape, skin quality, and nipple position to choose the right approach. Lifts can be performed with or without implants—often called a breast lift without implants—depending on whether you want to restore position only or also add volume.

2. A Breast Lift Is Different from an Augmentation or Reduction, but They Can Be Combined

A lift focuses on repositioning tissue and the nipple-areola complex; it doesn’t add volume like breast augmentation or remove significant weight like breast reduction. If you want more fullness, a breast lift and augmentation may be recommended. If heaviness contributes to sagging, reduction can be performed at the same time as a breast lift.

3. Incisions and Scars Vary by Technique

Depending on your needs, your surgeon may use a periareolar (“donut”), vertical (“lollipop”), or inverted-T (“anchor”) pattern. Scars typically fade over time and are placed to be as discreet as possible. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast surgery helps optimize scar quality and overall outcome.

4. Recovery is a Process, and Results Improve Over Months

Most patients resume routine activities within one to two weeks, wearing a supportive bra and avoiding strenuous exercise for several weeks. Swelling gradually subsides, and breast lift results refine for three to six months. Longevity depends on factors like aging, gravity, weight changes, and pregnancy.

5. Good Candidates Have Clear Goals and Healthy Habits

Ideal candidates are in good health, at a stable weight, and non-smokers. A lift enhances shape and projection (breast enhancement) but won’t dramatically change cup size unless combined with augmentation or reduction.

Understanding breast lift benefits and limitations helps you decide if this cosmetic treatment aligns with your goals. Our West County Plastic Surgeons team provides evidence-based plastic surgery care for patients throughout St. Louis. A personalized plan can determine whether mastopexy alone or in combination with implants or reduction best meets your needs.

Planning a breast lift in St. Louis, MO? Connect with West County Plastic Surgeons to find out more about your options. Call us at (314) 996-8800 or send us a message to request your consultation.