Breast lift is a procedure performed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Breast sagging is a common problem following weight loss, pregnancy or aging. With aging, the breast skin is stretched, and there is a loss of breast volume. Due to the loss of volume, the location of the nipple to the areolar complex sag downward and there is a loss of cleavage.

If breast sagging is minimal, sagging and loss of volume may be corrected with the placement of breast implants alone. In many cases, this is advantageous, as the scarring is less. Mastopexy involves making skin incisions around the areola, vertically downward then under the breast, at the inframammary crease. Once the skin incisions are made, the nipple and areola are moved to a more normal position and excess skin from beneath the breast is removed. Closing the skin incisions then recontours the breast to a higher position, with a more youthful appearance. If the breast tissue available is made adequate to fill the desired size, breast implants may be placed at the same time depending upon the patient's desired goal. Breast lift usually takes one to two hours, and is usually performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. General anesthesia may also be used. Most mastopexy's are performed as outpatient procedures, allowing the patient to go home the same day.

Most plastic surgeons recommend minimal activity for the first week following the procedure. Usual activities are allowed by four weeks postoperatively. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, and minor differences in position of the nipples and/or minor difference in the size of the breasts. The possible side effects may be decreased sensation to the nipple and areola and there may be an inability to breast-feed. In some patients, healing problems may lead to thickened or widened scars, and loss of tissue. Breast lift is enjoyed by many women, and in the proper patient, is a very gratifying procedure.