Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

The problem of sagging, deflated breasts can arise due to time, gravity, and transformative physical changes such as pregnancy, nursing, and weight gain (or loss). Any combination or single one of these factors contributes to the loss of skin elasticity around the breasts. And as the collagen breaks down in the skin, it can no longer support the firm, perky, high-on-the-chest breast profile you may have had when you were younger. To address these changes and meet your goals for your breast shape and size, Philadelphia board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor offers breast lift surgery.

What is a breast lift?

Mastopexy, or breast lift, is a surgical procedure for lifting and reshaping sagging breasts. By trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissue, breasts can be made to sit higher on the chest and be firmer to the touch. In addition, the nipple and areola can be repositioned or resized to further enhance breast appearance. This procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a breast augmentation, which can safely be combined in one operation to help to restore fullness for women who also desire more volume or shape added to their natural breast tissues. Breast lift surgery is also often included in a full mommy makeover—a customized set of procedures, such as breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction—that restores your pre-pregnancy shape.

Dr. R. Brannon Claytor

Dr. Claytor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds over 20 years of experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon. An innovator and teacher in the field of plastic surgery, he uses advanced techniques like the drain-free tummy tuck and deep plane facelift to streamline recovery and provide natural-looking, durable results.

Meet Dr. Claytor

Am I a good candidate for breast lift surgery, or mastopexy?

An eligible breast lift candidate is in good overall health, maintains a stable weight they are happy with, and has realistic expectations about what a breast lift can do for their individual anatomy. Women who choose to undergo this procedure tend to have one or more of the following cosmetic concerns about their breasts:

• Sagging breasts
• Breasts that have lost shape or volume
• Breasts that are flat or elongated
• Nipples which are descended on the chest wall
• Asymmetry

Breast lift procedures are considered to be a safe and effective, but it is critical to consult with a board certification plastic surgeon to know with certainty that you are a good candidate. The best way to determine if you are a good is to schedule your personal consultation at our Main Line office with Dr. Claytor. During this meeting, Dr. Claytor will review your medical history and you will discuss your goals for your breasts. He will examine you and explain what you can expect if you decide to undergo a breast lift with us; his goal is to help set reasonable goals and expectation for the post-operative appearance. You will also have the chance to look at extensive before and after photos of Dr. Claytor’s previous patients to get a sense of what results are possible through this surgery, as well as of Dr. Claytor’s artfulness as a surgeon.

Should women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant wait before undergoing a breast lift?

Women planning to have children are advised to postpone breast lift surgery since pregnancy and nursing can counteract its effects by stretching the skin. However, the procedure should not affect your ability to breastfeed.

Why choose Dr. Claytor for your plastic surgeon?

Double Board-Certified for a high level of safety and precision

Chief of Plastic Surgery at Main Line Health, a top health system

Board Member of The Aesthetic Society, shaping the future of aesthetics

8x Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctor for exceptional patient care

Recognized as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek

Drain-free recovery expert for faster, more comfortable healing

Deep plane facelift innovator and global educator

Active researcher in surgical and non-surgical aesthetic advancements

Highly regarded for his surgical expertise and outcomes, as well as his dedicated follow-up care

What happens during the breast lift procedure?

Mastopexy is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you will be released and go home with a trusted adult the same day as your surgical procedure. Breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep for the entirety of your procedure. Breast lifts usually take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the details of your procedure and whether or not related procedures are also performed at the same time.

For patients who choose to combine breast lift with breast augmentation, we use Crisalix 3D breast implant imaging to help you visualize how different breast implants will look on your frame. Crisalix uses a 3D image of your body to take volumetric measurements. Like a virtual fitting room, it then allows you to “try on” different volumes—and see how they look in different types of clothing—while discussing your goals and options with Dr. Claytor. See how it works »

Will I have breast lift scars?

Breast lift patients will have scars from their procedure, but with proper care these can fade over time during the natural healing process. Breast lift scars will likely be around the nipple-areola area where the breast lift incision is located. In cases where more excess skin is needed to be removed, the scar may need to extend vertically down to the inframammary fold and in some cases for an inverted “T” with incisions along the underside of the breast in the inframammary fold.

Where are breast lift incisions located?

Dr. Clayor will use different breast lift techniques that use different incision placements depending on the size and shape of the breasts, as well as the degree of sagging and amount of excess skin. These are three types of incisions commonly used during a breast lift surgery:

• Periareolar incisions: If you have small enough breasts, you may be able to have a single incision around the circumference of the nipple-areolar complex, called a periareolar incision.
• Lollipop incisions: For many patients, in addition to the periareolar incision, another incision is made from the based of the areola extending down to the bottom breast fold.
• Anchor incisions (inverted T incisons): Finally, patients who have a significant amount of ptosis (the clinical term for sagging) will likely require an incision pattern called inverted “T” incisions, or “anchor”-shaped incisions, which extend around the areola, down to the inframammary fold (or the crease along the base of your breasts), and then across the inframammary fold, as well. This incision pattern allows Dr. Claytor to address more ptosis (or drooping) and to remove more soft tissues in order to shape the breast into a firmer, more youthful shape raised higher on the chest wall.

How long is recovery from mastopexy?

For a few days following your mastopexy procedure, you are likely to have bruising, soreness, and swelling. Your breasts will likely be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra. You will be able to shower within a few days following surgery. Stitches are usually absorbable, but in some cases you will have sutures that need to be removed during one of your follow-up appointments. Most patients return to work within a week. Exercise and other strenuous activity should be limited for about a month.

Listen to this patient’s experience during her breast lift recovery

Listen to more patent stories »

When will I see breast lift results?

Breast lifts produce immediate results. The new nipple position redefines the shape and aesthetics of the breast with a more youthful appearance.

Before & After Gallery

Dr. Brannon Claytor uses advanced techniques to provide natural-looking outcomes. See the results for yourself in our patient gallery.

Visit our patient gallery

Listen to Stories From Dr. Claytor’s Breast Lift Patients

In the following audio stories, Dr. Brannon Claytor engages in conversations with his breast lift patients, providing an authentic exploration of their experiences. From their encounters with anesthesia to the exceptional results, these stories offer insights into what it truly feels like to navigate recovery and results of a breast lift procedure.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor has over 20 years of experience offering cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, and serves patients from Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Main Line, and the surrounding areas here at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery. A member of The Aesthetic Society’s Board of Trustees, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Claytor is dedicated to continuously advancing his surgical techniques and teaching his methods to colleagues at national meetings. In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Claytor the Chief of Plastic Surgery for Main Line Health Systems, and is a Clinical Associate Professor at Lankenau Institute of Medical Research.

To learn if a breast lift may be right for you, or to get answers to your questions, please call our Bryn Mawr office near Philadelphia at (610) 527-4833 or contact us online to schedule a personal breast lift consultation with Dr. Claytor. We look forward to helping you reach your goals!

Areas Served:

• Bryn Mawr
• Philadelphia
• Main Line

Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Oct 28, 2024