Breast Lift
A breast lift rejuvenates your natural silhouette by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue.
A breast lift rejuvenates your natural silhouette by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue.
Over time, breasts change, sometimes dramatically. Whether from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, or simply aging, it's common for breasts to sag, stretch, or lose their former shape. While these changes are natural, they can leave many women feeling uncomfortable or disconnected from their bodies.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a cosmetic surgery that raises and reshapes the breast tissue to create a more youthful breast contour. This procedure can also reposition the nipple areola complex, reduce areola size, and remove excess skin to restore a firmer, shapelier, and more lifted appearance. At her Toronto clinic, female plastic surgeon Dr. Jacqueline Rose Makerewich provides a tailored, thoughtful approach to breast lift surgery that respects your goals, proportions, and long-term comfort. Learn more below, or schedule your consultation with Dr. Rose today!
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that corrects drooping breasts by removing excess skin, reshaping the breast mound, and lifting the nipple-areola complex to a more central and youthful position. Unlike breast augmentation, which increases the size of your breasts using implants, a breast lift enhances the shape and projection of your breasts without adding volume.
Some women choose to combine a breast lift procedure with breast implants or breast reduction, depending on their desired breast size and body goals. The goal of surgery is not only aesthetic. Many patients report improved posture, skin comfort, and overall confidence after undergoing a breast lift to reshape sagging breasts.
Breast lift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, allowing you to return home on the same day. During your consultation, Dr. Rose evaluates your skin elasticity, breast contour, and medical history to determine the most suitable surgical technique.
During surgery, Dr. Rose carefully removes excess skin, reshapes the surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipple-areola complex to a more proportionate height. If necessary, she can reduce the areola size to achieve better symmetry. Every step is designed to ensure a natural breast shape and well-concealed breast lift scars.
Common breast lift techniques include:
Periareolar Breast Lift
Also known as a “donut lift,” this breast lift technique involves a circular incision around the areola and is best suited for patients with mild sagging. It allows for a subtle elevation of the nipple-areola complex and reduction of areola size, resulting in minimal scarring.
Lollipop Lift
The lollipop lift involves an incision around the areola and a vertical line down to the breast crease. This approach is ideal for moderate breast sagging, offering more significant reshaping and nipple repositioning while keeping scars relatively limited.
Anchor Lift
An anchor lift includes three incisions: around the areola, vertically to the inframammary fold and along the inframammary fold. It’s best suited for patients with more advanced sagging or excess skin, allowing for the most dramatic reshaping of the breast tissue and contour.
Breast lift patients often seek surgery to address sagging breasts, known as breast ptosis, caused by significant weight fluctuations, aging, or pregnancy and breastfeeding. These factors stretch the breast skin, weaken internal support structures, and often cause the nipples to point downward or fall below the breast crease.
A breast lift can also improve the appearance of asymmetrical breasts, reduce discomfort caused by excess skin, and restore more youthful, uplifted breast contours without altering your overall breast size. It can be especially beneficial after weight loss or childbirth, when skin elasticity is reduced.
A breast lift restores a youthful breast contour without drastically altering your breast volume. By removing excess skin and refining the breast shape, the procedure brings a lifted, symmetrical, and more centered appearance to your chest.
Many patients experience physical relief from chafing or downward pull, improved fit in clothing and bras, and renewed comfort in their skin. Patients often describe a return to feeling "at home" in their bodies, where shape, support, and softness are better aligned.
You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if your breasts sag, your nipples point downward, or your breast skin feels stretched or loose. Ideal candidates are in good health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for the procedure and its results.
If you're looking to enhance your breast size, Dr. Rose may recommend combining a breast lift with breast augmentation. If your goal is to reduce the size or weight of your breasts, a breast reduction may be a more suitable option. During your consultation, Dr. Rose will learn about your goals and conduct a physical examination to guide you toward the most appropriate approach.
Following your breast lift procedure, you’ll wear a surgical bra to minimize swelling and support your healing breast tissues. Most patients take about two weeks off work, avoiding heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks. Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and can be well-managed with pain medication, rest, and gentle activity.
Dr. Rose provides personalized aftercare instructions, including how to care for your incisions and protect your breast lift incisions as they heal. Regular follow-ups help ensure your progress remains smooth and your breast shape continues to settle naturally.
Results from breast lift surgery become more visible in the first few weeks as swelling subsides and your breast contours become more refined. While some settling is expected, you will notice a noticeably lifted appearance with improved symmetry, nipple height, and projection. Breast lift scars fade over time and are strategically placed to be discreet under clothing and swimwear.
Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your results for many years. And while no surgical procedure can stop aging or gravity entirely, most patients find their new shape remains more youthful and supported than before.
As an experienced plastic surgeon and a mother herself, Dr. Rose understands the emotional and physical aspects of choosing breast surgery. Her approach to breast surgery is rooted in a deep understanding of anatomy, an eye for balance, and the trust she builds with her patients. She focuses on achieving results that look natural and feel like you.
Dr. Rose is recognized for her transparent communication, meticulous planning, and compassionate care throughout the healing process. She believes that cosmetic surgery should enhance your sense of self, not alter who you are.
Not significantly. The procedure reshapes and lifts the breasts but doesn’t remove much volume. If you'd like to increase or decrease your breast size, breast implants or breast reduction can be combined with the lift.
Scars depend on the technique used. Common incision patterns for a breast lift include a circular incision around the areola, a vertical incision from the nipple to the breast crease, a horizontal incision along the breast crease, or a combination of these patterns. Breast lift scars typically fade over time and are often well-hidden under bras or swimwear.
Some temporary numbness is common, but most patients regain normal sensation as healing progresses. Dr. Rose takes great care to preserve the nerves in the nipple-areola complex.
Possibly, but it depends on the surgical plan. If future breastfeeding is important to you, this will be discussed during your consultation.
Mild to moderate discomfort is expected for a few days after breast lift surgery. Most patients manage well with prescribed pain medication and rest.
Yes. Many patients pair a breast lift with breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, liposuction, or other cosmetic procedures as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover.
