In short: A mastopexy (breast lift) repositions and reshapes the breast by removing excess skin and adjusting the underlying tissue, without adding an implant. It is commonly considered after weight loss or pregnancy, where the breast has lost volume and position. Medicare item 45558 may apply in limited circumstances.
- What it is
- Types of ptosis
- Am I a candidate?
- Risks
- Recovery
- Long-term outcomes
- Cost
- Before and after
- Questions
What is Mastopexy (Breast Lift) Surgery?
Mastopexy, commonly referred to as breast lift surgery, is a procedure that may reposition and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and adjusting the underlying tissue. In some cases, breast tissue may also be reduced or reshaped depending on individual anatomy and surgical goals.
Changes in breast position can occur over time due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, ageing, and skin elasticity. Mastopexy may be considered for patients with breast ptosis (sagging) who are seeking information on surgical options.
In some cases, mastopexy may be combined with breast augmentation or breast reduction, depending on volume, shape, and overall suitability.
Dr Rohit Kumar is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon offering mastopexy consultations in Sydney, Penrith, and Orange. Your suitability, surgical plan, and potential risks and limitations are discussed during consultation.
Are there different types of breast ptosis?
Before considering the types of mastopexy options available, it is useful to understand the conditions that require a breast lift (mastopexy):
Ptosis
This is the medical term for breasts descend far enough that the nipple and areola are out of position relative to your breast crease.
Volume Loss
This refers to a breast that has lost fullness due to age, genetics, breastfeeding, etc. The nipple and areola have not fallen in relation to your breast crease.
Pseudoptosis
Like breast volume loss, Pseudoptosis is a condition where your breasts lack fullness. In this case, your breasts may appear full below the nipple but lack fullness above the nipple.
There are several degrees of ptosis related to the crease beneath your breast tissue, e.g. along the rib cage under your breast (the inframammary crease or fold – IMF).
Am I Suitable for a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
Suitability for mastopexy varies and is assessed during consultation. You may wish to discuss breast lift surgery with Dr Kumar if you are experiencing one or more of the following:
- Concerns about breast position, shape, or symmetry
- Nipples sitting below the breast crease or pointing downward (breast ptosis)
- Changes in breast shape, including flattening or elongation over time
- One breast sitting lower than the other (breast asymmetry)
- Stretched breast tissue or changes to the areolae
- Changes following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss that affect breast position or volume
- Skin irritation or discomfort beneath the breasts, including rashes in the breast crease
Risks and complications
All surgical procedures carry risks. A breast lift (mastopexy) is no exception, and individual outcomes can vary.
Possible risks and complications may include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing or wound separation
- Scarring, including thickened or widened scars
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Seroma (fluid accumulation)Fat necrosis
- Partial or complete loss of nipple or areola tissue (rare)
- Inability to breastfeed
- Risks associated with general anaesthesia
- Blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
A thorough consultation is required to discuss individual risk factors, recovery expectations, and whether breast lift surgery is appropriate for you. All potential risks and complications will be explained as part of the informed consent process.
Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery
Recovery after mastopexy varies depending on the individual, the extent of surgery, and the technique used. Your surgeon will provide personalised advice based on your surgical plan and medical history.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| In hospital | Usually a day case. A compression garment or support bra is fitted before you go home. |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Time off work. Soreness and swelling across the chest. Walk daily, and avoid lifting or reaching overhead. Drains, where used, are removed by Dr Kumar’s nurses once the drainage has settled. First review with Dr Kumar and his nurses at about one week. |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Most patients return to work from about two weeks, then gradually resume most everyday activities over the next four weeks. How quickly depends on how physical the activity is and the area operated on. No heavy lifting or straining, and drive only once you can do so comfortably and safely. The Prineo and Micropore dressings come off at six weeks, and the compression garment is worn for six weeks. |
| Weeks 6 to 12 | After your six-week review, exercise and more physical work are built up progressively. Most patients are cleared for full activity at the 12-week review. |
| 3 to 12 months | Swelling settles and the scars mature. Reviews at 6 months and 12 months. |
- In the early post-operative period, discomfort can vary and is managed with medications prescribed by your treating team. Some patients may have drains placed temporarily, depending on the surgical approach. Sutures are often dissolvable, however this can differ between patients and techniques.
- You may be advised to wear a supportive post-operative garment for a period recommended by your surgeon. Your return to activities such as driving, work, lifting, and exercise should follow specific guidance provided during your post-operative appointments.
- Scars are expected after surgery and will change over time as healing progresses. The rate and appearance of scar maturation vary between individuals and may take many months.
- Ongoing follow-up appointments are an important part of post-operative care, allowing your recovery to be monitored and your questions to be addressed throughout the healing process.
Factors That May Influence Long-Term Outcomes
Long-term outcomes following mastopexy can vary between individuals. Changes in weight, skin quality, and the natural ageing process may influence breast shape and position over time. Pregnancy and breastfeeding may also affect breast tissue and may alter outcomes after surgery.
Following your post-operative instructions and attending scheduled follow-up appointments helps support safe recovery and allows your treating team to monitor healing and provide guidance throughout the process.
Download our complete Breast Lift Guide
This complete guide to Mastopexy (Breast Lift) Surgery covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:
- Mastopexy (Breast Lift) surgery explained
- How to assess if you are a good candidate
- The surgical procedure
- Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions
- Before and after gallery
Breast lift alone or with volume?
A breast lift reshapes and lifts. Whether you also need volume depends on how much breast tissue remains.
| Breast reduction | Breast lift | Breast lift with implants | Breast lift with fat grafting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main aim | Smaller, lighter, lifted breasts | Lift and reshape without changing size much | Lift and add volume | Lift and add modest volume |
| Volume | Reduced | Little change | Added with an implant | Added with your own fat |
| Implant to maintain | No | No | Yes | No |
| Usual hospital stay | Day case | Day case | Day case | Day case |
More detail: breast reduction, breast lift, breast lift with implants and breast lift with fat grafting.
Breast Lift Surgery Cost
Fee guide: A breast lift (mastopexy) has a surgical and aftercare fee from $14,000. If you are self-funded, the anaesthetist is $3,000 and the hospital $2,000–$7,000, for an indicative total from $19,000. Fees include GST where it applies, and a Medicare item and your health fund can reduce what you pay. Your written, itemised quote after consultation confirms the figure. See all fees.
After your consultation with Dr Kumar, you will receive a detailed, itemised quotation. This typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, surgical assistant fee, and hospital fees. Total costs vary depending on the surgical approach and individual circumstances.
Can Private Health Insurance Be Used?
In some circumstances, private health insurance and Medicare rebates may apply where specific clinical criteria are met. Eligibility depends on your individual presentation, the Medicare requirements, and your level of private health cover.
If relevant, Dr Kumar can discuss whether an item number such as MBS 45558 may apply and what documentation may be required. You can also contact your health fund directly to confirm your cover and any applicable hospital or theatre fees.
Before and after photographs
Photographs of Dr Kumar’s own breast lift patients are in the breast lift gallery. The outcomes shown are specific to those patients, and individual results will vary.
Common questions about breast lift surgery
What type of anaesthesia is used for a breast lift?
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is commonly performed under general anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist will review your medical history and discuss the anaesthesia plan with you prior to surgery, including potential risks and recovery considerations.
Where are the incisions and what types are used?
Incision location depends on your anatomy, the degree of breast ptosis (sagging), and the technique used. Common incision patterns may include an incision around the areola, a vertical incision, and in some cases an incision along the breast crease. Dr Kumar will explain which approach may be appropriate for you during consultation.
What is fat grafting, and how is it used with breast surgery?
How are the incisions closed?
Incisions are typically closed using layered suturing techniques. Depending on the approach used, dissolvable sutures may be used and surgical dressings are applied to support early healing. Your surgeon will provide wound care guidance and follow-up instructions as part of your postoperative plan.
What are the risks and potential complications of breast lift surgery?
All surgical procedures carry risks. Potential risks of mastopexy may include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, asymmetry, changes in nipple or breast sensation, fluid collection, and complications related to anaesthesia. Dr Kumar will discuss risks, limitations, and suitability with you in detail during consultation.
Do I need implants with my breast lift?
Not always. A breast lift focuses on repositioning and reshaping breast tissue and may not significantly increase overall breast volume. Implants may be discussed if additional volume is desired. Your surgeon will explain the options, including risks and limitations, based on your individual circumstances.
Can a breast lift correct asymmetry?
A breast lift may help address certain types of asymmetry, such as differences in nipple height or breast position. However, natural asymmetry is common, and perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed. In some cases, additional procedures such as breast reduction, augmentation, or fat grafting may be discussed.
Will I have visible scars?
All breast lift procedures involve incisions, so scarring is expected. Scar location depends on the technique used. Scars typically change over time as healing progresses, however scar appearance varies between individuals and is influenced by skin type, healing response, and aftercare.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Some patients are able to breastfeed after mastopexy, however this cannot be guaranteed. Breastfeeding ability may depend on the surgical technique and how breast tissue is altered. If future breastfeeding is important to you, raise this during your consultation.
Does breast lift surgery affect breast screening and the risk of breast cancer?
Breast lift surgery does not prevent you from having breast screening, but it may change breast anatomy and how imaging is interpreted. It is important to inform your GP and imaging provider about any prior breast surgery before having a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI. If you have specific risk factors or a family history of breast cancer, this should also be discussed with your treating doctor.
Is a breast lift the same as breast reshaping?
“Breast reshaping” is a general term rather than a single operation. Depending on whether volume needs to be removed, kept or added, it usually means a breast lift (mastopexy), a breast reduction, a breast lift with implants or a breast lift with fat grafting. Where the two sides differ, asymmetry correction is planned in the same way. Dr Kumar will advise which suits you at consultation.
When is a breast lift appropriate after pregnancy?
In general, surgery is considered once breast tissue has stabilised following pregnancy and breastfeeding, typically several months after breastfeeding has concluded. Body weight should also be reasonably stable. Dr Kumar will discuss timing with you during the consultation.
