Breast Lift

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift (mastopexy) corrects sagging (ptosis) by reshaping breast tissue and repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful position. Excess skin is removed to create a firmer, more lifted appearance. The areola can also be reduced in size as needed.

Breast ptosis is medically classified by the relationship between the nipple position and the inframammary fold: mild (Grade 1), moderate (Grade 2), and severe (Grade 3). Pseudoptosis (apparent sagging where the nipple is high but breast tissue has descended) is a separate category. Treatment is personalized based on ptosis grade and the patient's volume goals.

Who is a candidate?

Candidates include women with postpartum breast sagging and volume redistribution, those with breast laxity after weight fluctuations, age-related skin elasticity loss, and downward repositioning of the nipple.

Evaluation includes nipple position, breast tissue volume, skin elasticity, ptosis grade, and future pregnancy plans. Patients planning pregnancy should typically defer surgery — pregnancy and breastfeeding can produce additional changes in breast tissue and may affect lift outcomes.

Can it be combined with implants?

In mild sagging, implants alone may provide adequate fullness and lift. When the nipple sits lower or there is significant skin excess, a lift is added. The decision depends entirely on breast anatomy and patient goals.

Lift alone: Sufficient when breast tissue volume is adequate and no volume increase is desired. Sagging tissue is reshaped and repositioned.

Lift + implant (mastopexy-augmentation): Combined surgery when both sagging and volume loss are present. Performed in a single stage; technically more complex with slightly higher revision rate compared to mastopexy alone. In some cases, a two-stage approach (lift first, then implant 6-12 months later) is the safer choice.

Incision types

Based on the degree of sagging, periareolar (around the nipple), lollipop (vertical), or inverted-T (anchor) incisions may be planned. Selection is determined during the consultation.

Periareolar (donut/Benelli): Circular incision around the areola only. Used for mild ptosis or pseudoptosis. Minimal scarring but limited reshaping power. Effective for areola size reduction.

Lollipop (vertical): Around the areola plus a vertical line down to the inframammary fold. The most commonly preferred technique for moderate ptosis. No horizontal scar, preserves the breast crease.

Anchor (inverted-T): Around the areola plus vertical line plus horizontal line along the inframammary fold. Provides the strongest reshaping power for advanced ptosis. Allows greater skin removal but produces wider scars.

Preoperative preparation

Smoking must be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery. Smoking severely impairs blood supply to the areola and breast skin; the most feared complication of mastopexy — areolar necrosis — is significantly more likely in smokers. Even passive smoke should be minimized.

Blood-thinning medications are stopped 10 days before surgery. Standard preoperative tests are performed. Breast ultrasound (over age 35) or mammography (over 40) is performed for preoperative breast tissue evaluation.

The surgery

Mastopexy is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited hospital. Surgery time depends on technique: lift alone takes 2-3 hours, lift with implants 3-4 hours. Hospital stay is typically 1 night.

A surgical bra is applied postoperatively. Drains may be placed in some cases and removed in 1-2 days. Pain is generally mild-to-moderate and well-controlled with analgesics.

Recovery timeline

First week: Surgical bra worn continuously. Showering possible from day 2. No heavy lifting, no raising arms above shoulder. Office workers return in 5-7 days.

Weeks 2-4: Surgical bra worn 24/7. Swelling subsides. Light walking begins.

Weeks 4-6: Sports bra with gradual return to daily activities. Light cardio can begin.

Weeks 6-8: Vigorous exercise and upper-body workouts can resume. Final breast shape settles over 3-6 months.

Months 3-6: Scar maturation begins. Scars become pale white lines over 12 months.

Risks and complications

Mastopexy is a safe procedure in experienced hands. Potential risks:

Early-period: Hematoma, infection, seroma, wound healing problems. Smokers and diabetics see significantly elevated risk.

Areolar necrosis: The most feared complication of mastopexy. Insufficient blood supply to the nipple-areola complex causes tissue loss. Risk is higher in smokers, diabetics, and very advanced ptosis cases. With modern technique and proper patient selection, risk is below 1%.

Sensory changes: Temporary nipple and breast skin sensitivity changes. Most return to normal within months; rarely permanent.

Aesthetic risks: Asymmetry, wider-than-expected scars, slight nipple position changes, fullness distribution irregularities.

Breastfeeding: Most techniques preserve milk ducts but no guarantee can be given. Pregnancy planning should be discussed preoperatively.

Scar management

Mastopexy scars fade over time but optimal results require active scar care during the first 6-12 months. After full wound closure, silicone gel or silicone tape is recommended for 6 months. Sun protection — particularly during the first 6 months — is essential.

Breast lift in Istanbul — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal's practice

Dr. Erdal's private clinic is located in central Istanbul, in the Nisantasi district. Address: Teşvikiye Cad. No:9/12, Istanbul. The clinic is easily accessible from major Istanbul hotels and from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).

Mastopexy requires careful surgical planning, particularly when combined with implants. Istanbul has become a leading destination for breast surgery internationally, attracting patients from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia for the combination of board-certified plastic surgeons, modern accredited hospitals, competitive pricing, and structured medical tourism support.

Dr. Erdal's Istanbul practice provides international patients with seamless coordination: video consultation prior to travel, airport-hotel transfer, English-speaking medical team, accommodation at partner hotels, and full postoperative follow-up. Hospital partners are accredited facilities in central Istanbul. Patients typically stay in Istanbul for 7-10 days following mastopexy. WhatsApp consultations are available at +90 544 850 72 32 for international inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions