Mastopexy (Breast Lift) Philadelphia & New Jersey
Over time, factors such as aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and gravity can cause the breasts to lose firmness and begin to sag. While these changes are natural, many women wish to restore a more youthful, lifted contour. At Becker Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons, including Dr. David W. Allison, perform mastopexy (breast lift) surgery for patients across Philadelphia and New Jersey to elevate and reshape the breasts, restoring confidence and proportion.
A breast lift repositions the breast tissue and nipple higher on the chest while tightening the surrounding skin. The procedure can rejuvenate the body’s silhouette without significantly changing breast size, though it may be combined with augmentation or reduction for more comprehensive results. Each surgery at Becker Plastic Surgery is tailored to the individual, focusing on natural, balanced contours that enhance your unique figure.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This restores firmness and improves the position of the breasts and nipples.
Mastopexy can address a range of age-related and post-pregnancy changes, including:
- Breasts that appear deflated or elongated
- Downward-pointing nipples or stretched areolas
- Uneven breast height or shape
- Loss of upper-breast fullness despite a stable weight
Dr. Allison uses advanced techniques to achieve a natural, rejuvenated look that aligns with each patient’s goals. The result is a more youthful breast contour that looks proportionate and feels comfortable.
Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery
A breast lift often provides more than cosmetic improvement—it can restore confidence and a renewed sense of balance.
Patients often notice:
- Higher, firmer breast position
- Improved projection and symmetry
- Reduction of stretched or enlarged areolas
- Better fit in bras and clothing
- Enhanced body proportions and self-image
For many women, mastopexy offers emotional as well as physical benefits. By restoring a more youthful silhouette, the procedure can renew confidence and help patients feel more like themselves again.
The Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lift surgery is performed in an accredited surgical facility under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes two to three hours, depending on complexity.
Dr. Allison begins by making carefully planned incisions following the chosen pattern. Through these incisions, he reshapes the underlying breast tissue, repositions the nipple and areola to a youthful height, and removes excess skin to tighten and refine the overall contour.
If desired, areola size can be reduced to achieve proportion with the new breast shape. Once the desired position and firmness are achieved, incisions are closed with layered sutures designed to minimize tension and promote smooth healing.
Patients return home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions and support garments to aid recovery.
Surgical Techniques
Breast lift surgery is highly individualized. The choice of technique depends on the amount of excess skin, degree of sagging, and overall breast shape. Common incision patterns include:
Dr. Allison determines the most suitable technique during consultation, explaining the incision placement and expected results in detail.
Although both procedures enhance the appearance of the breasts, they serve different purposes. A breast lift focuses on elevating and reshaping the existing tissue, improving firmness and nipple position. It is best for women who are satisfied with their breast volume but want a more lifted, youthful contour.
In contrast, breast augmentation increases size and projection using implants. When sagging and volume loss occur together, combining augmentation with a lift (augmentation-mastopexy) can achieve fuller, more elevated results.
During your consultation, Dr. Allison will evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine whether a lift alone—or in combination with augmentation—will best meet your expectations.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation
Ideal Candidates
Good candidates for a breast lift are women who are generally healthy and dissatisfied with sagging or loss of shape in their breasts. Candidates typically:
- Have breasts that have lost shape, firmness, or volume due to aging or pregnancy
- Experience nipple or areola descent below the breast crease
- Maintain a stable weight and do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations about improvement and recovery
- Do not plan major future weight loss or pregnancies that could affect results
Mastopexy is not designed to significantly change breast size. However, patients seeking both lift and volume enhancement may choose to combine the procedure with breast augmentation for a fuller contour.
Recovery and Results
Recovery after breast lift surgery is relatively straightforward. Mild swelling, bruising, and tightness are normal for the first several days. Support garments or a soft surgical bra should be worn to protect the healing tissue and reduce swelling.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to desk work or non-strenuous activity after about one week. Light walking is encouraged early to promote circulation, while heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks.
Over the next few months, the breasts settle into their new position and shape, and incision lines continue to fade. Final results appear gradually as swelling resolves, revealing a naturally uplifted, balanced appearance.
Results are long-lasting when supported by healthy habits and stable weight. Although the natural aging process continues, the improved position and shape remain significantly better than before surgery.
Potential Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, a breast lift involves some risks, including infection, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, delayed wound healing, or mild asymmetry. These risks are uncommon and minimized when surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility.
Dr. Allison and the Becker Plastic Surgery team prioritize safety at every stage of treatment. Pre-surgical planning, precise technique, and attentive aftercare help ensure smooth healing and the best possible outcome.
Longevity of Results
Mastopexy offers durable enhancement, but long-term results depend on maintaining skin health and weight stability. Gravity and aging can still cause some gradual changes, but most patients enjoy their rejuvenated contours for many years. Wearing supportive bras, following a consistent skincare routine, and maintaining steady body weight help preserve results over time.
Why Choose Becker Plastic Surgery and Dr. David W. Allison?
Dr. David W. Allison is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Known for his meticulous technique and patient-centered approach, he strives to achieve natural, balanced results that align with each patient’s individual goals.
At Becker Plastic Surgery, patients benefit from a collaborative team of surgeons serving Philadelphia and New Jersey. Our practice emphasizes education, trust, and artistry, ensuring every patient feels informed, confident, and cared for from consultation through recovery.
Pick one of our 6 convenient locationsfor Your Plastic Surgery Needs
If you are ready to restore a firmer, more youthful breast contour, schedule your consultation at Becker Plastic Surgery. Dr. David W. Allison and our experienced surgical team proudly serve patients throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey, providing advanced breast lift procedures tailored to each individual’s goals. Contact us today to take the next step toward renewed confidence and a naturally lifted silhouette.
Breast Lift Surgery FAQs
Will a breast lift change my cup size?
A lift primarily reshapes and repositions the breasts rather than significantly altering size. Some patients may appear slightly smaller due to the removal of stretched skin, but the overall shape is firmer and more youthful.
Can a breast lift be combined with implants?
Yes. Combining a breast lift with implants can restore both volume and position, creating fuller, uplifted contours. Dr. Allison discusses this option during consultation if appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
How long do results last?
Results can last many years, though aging and gravity naturally continue. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras help prolong results.
Will there be visible scars?
Scars are carefully placed and fade significantly with time. Their visibility depends on incision type and individual healing, but most patients find them easily concealed beneath bras or swimwear.
What is recovery like?
Most patients resume light activities within one week. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. Dr. Allison provides individualized recovery guidance at each visit.
Does a breast lift affect breastfeeding?
Many women retain the ability to breastfeed after a lift, although this can vary based on surgical technique and anatomy. Dr. Allison discusses this during consultation if future breastfeeding is a consideration.
How can I maintain my results?
Wearing supportive bras, maintaining stable weight, and avoiding large fluctuations in body mass all help preserve breast shape and firmness over time.