Breast Lift — restore shape and position, with lasting support
Breast lift surgery is planned to restore breast position, reshape the lower pole, and improve nipple level in relation to the breast mound. The scar pattern and surgical design are chosen according to anatomy, skin excess, and the degree of ptosis.
Anesthesia
General
Duration
2–4 hours
Hospital
1 night
Work
2 weeks
Sport
6 weeks
Bra
6 weeks
"The goal is not simply to elevate the breast, but to restore shape, balance, and proportion."
Dr. Serkan Kaya · Breast Lift Planning
Vertical / Wise Pattern
What is a breast lift?
Restoring position and shape
Mastopexy addresses ptosis — the descent of breast tissue relative to the inframammary fold and the nipple-areola complex. It can result from pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or simply time. The size of the breast is not the issue; the position and shape are. A lift does not primarily add volume; it restores position and reshapes the breast envelope.
Some patients benefit from mastopexy alone, while others combine it with augmentation when volume loss is also part of the problem. The right plan depends on anatomy, skin quality, degree of ptosis, and whether the main concern is position alone or both position and fullness.
Scar pattern and durability
The scar pattern is determined by the degree of ptosis and the amount of skin to be removed — not by preference. Periareolar (round the areola only) works for mild ptosis with minimal skin excess. Vertical (lollipop) is often appropriate for moderate ptosis — less scarring than the full anchor with excellent long-term shape. Wise pattern (anchor/inverted-T) is reserved for significant ptosis or large volume reductions where maximal skin removal is needed. I choose the minimum pattern that can still achieve a durable result. A shorter scar is not automatically the better operation if it compromises shape support or long-term balance. In selected cases, I use a muscle sling technique to provide additional internal support. This can help maintain upper pole shape more reliably during long-term settling.
Surgical approach
How the procedure works
01
Consultation & planning
Assessment of ptosis grade, skin quality, nipple position, and breast volume. We discuss whether augmentation should be combined. Markings are made pre-operatively in the standing position — one of the most important steps for symmetry and overall planning.
02
Anesthesia
General anaesthesia. Procedure duration is usually 3–5 hours for mastopexy alone. If augmentation is combined, operative time may extend by a further 1–2 hours depending on the plan.
03
Tissue reshaping
The nipple-areola complex is repositioned to the correct anatomical height. Breast parenchyma is reshaped and internally sutured to create a more stable and anatomically balanced breast shape. Excess skin is removed precisely — conservative skin removal preserves long-term shape better than aggressive excision.
04
Closure
Layered closure with deep dermal sutures is used to minimise tension on the skin surface. Scar quality is closely related to closure tension, so the aim is to reduce stress across the skin and support better scar healing.
Are you a good candidate?
Who is mastopexy right for?
Mastopexy is suitable for patients who are unhappy with breast position or shape, are at a stable weight, and are in good general health. Ideally, pregnancy is not being planned in the near term. It is not a weight-loss procedure and does not substitute for implants if the primary goal is volume increase.
Nipple sitting at or below the inframammary fold
Loss of upper pole fullness and breast shape
Stretched or enlarged areolae
Breast changes following pregnancy or breastfeeding
Asymmetry in nipple height or breast shape
Weight-loss related breast deflation and descent
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Swelling and tenderness are expected in the first week and usually improve over the following weeks. A supportive bra is worn continuously for 6 weeks. Most patients return to desk work within about 2 weeks. The breast settles progressively over the following months, and scar maturation continues over a longer period. Final assessment is usually made only after the tissues and scars have matured sufficiently. A more reliable assessment of shape is usually made from around 6 months onward.
1 night
Hospital stay
2 wk
Return to work
6 wk
Sport / bra
12–18 mo
Scar maturation
FAQ
Common questions
This depends entirely on your anatomy and goals. If you are satisfied with your cup size and want only repositioning, a lift alone is the right operation. If you have lost significant volume — particularly upper pole fullness — and want to restore it, augmentation combined with the lift is often the better single-stage solution. I discuss both options at consultation and do not have a default recommendation.
All mastopexy scars are permanent, but their visibility varies. Periareolar scars usually blend into the areola border and often become less noticeable over time. Vertical scars typically mature into finer lines, while anchor scars are more extensive but are positioned to be concealed by underwear and swimwear. Scar quality is also influenced by genetics, skin tone, and post-operative care.
In most cases, yes. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned on a dermal pedicle that preserves the ductal connections. However, no surgeon can guarantee breastfeeding capacity after mastopexy — it depends on individual anatomy and the extent of the procedure. If future breastfeeding is a priority, this should be discussed at consultation and the timing of surgery reconsidered accordingly.
A well-executed mastopexy can remain stable for many years, although ageing, gravity, weight fluctuation, and pregnancy continue to affect the tissues over time. Patients who maintain a stable weight and use appropriate support during exercise generally preserve the result better over the long term.
Most international mastopexy patients stay in Istanbul for 5–7 days. Consultation, pre-operative tests, surgery, and first follow-up all take place here. A supportive bra is provided before departure. After returning home, follow-up continues with planned remote review.
Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed, because the body is not naturally perfectly symmetrical. The aim is to reduce visible asymmetry as much as possible while keeping the result natural.