Breast Lift – ADV Plastic Surgery

Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Treatment for Breast Ptosis

The breast lift, or mastopexy, is the reference surgical treatment for breast ptosis — sagging of the breast. It repositions the breast, elevates the areola and restores a harmonious shape, without necessarily changing volume.

Why Do Breasts Sag?

Breast ptosis is the downward position of the breast and a low areola relative to the inframammary fold. It most often follows pregnancies, breastfeeding, significant weight loss or simply ageing; it can also be constitutional. Distended skin no longer supports the gland, and the nipple-areola complex drops below the level of the fold.

Grades of Ptosis

Several grades of ptosis are described based on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold and on the projection of the breast. This classification directly guides the choice of surgical technique: the greater the ptosis, the longer the required scar.

Techniques by Grade of Ptosis

Periareolar mastopexy (round-block): mild ptosis, scar around the areola.
Vertical mastopexy: moderate ptosis, lollipop scar (periareolar + vertical).
Inverted-T mastopexy: significant ptosis, additional horizontal scar in the fold.
Mastopexy + augmentation with implant: a frequent combination when ptosis coexists with volume loss — restores both shape and projection in a single procedure.

Mastopexy Alone or Mastopexy + Implant?

The choice between mastopexy alone and mastopexy combined with an implant depends on the residual breast volume after ptosis, skin quality and the patient’s preferences. Ptosis with a still-voluminous breast usually calls for mastopexy alone; ptosis with an emptied upper pole (“deflated breast”) typically benefits from adding an implant. This discussion is an integral part of the consultation and may be supported by Crisalix 3D simulation.

Surgery lasts 2 to 3 hours under general anaesthesia. Wearing a medical bra day and night for 4 to 6 weeks optimises healing and result stability. Scars, initially pink, fade gradually over 12 to 18 months.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Treatment for Breast Ptosis

Why Do Breasts Sag?

Grades of Ptosis

Techniques by Grade of Ptosis

Mastopexy Alone or Mastopexy + Implant?

The Skin Practice

Delta Hospital

Centre Médical Edith Cavell