If you're considering a breast lift...

Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts--at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.)

Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola.

If your breasts are small or have lost volume--for example, after pregnancy--breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.

If you want to know more about the procedure

The procedure at the glance

Breast lift (Mastopexy)

Procedure : Raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue and nipples. The scar is around the nipple and vertical

Length : 1 to 2 hours.

Anesthesia : general.

In/Outpatient : One night stay in the hospital

Side Effects : Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, Permanent scars.

Risks : Thick, wide scars; skin loss; infection. Unevenly positioned nipples.

Recovery : Back to work: 1 week or more. Strenuous activities: 1 month. Fading of scars: several months to a year.

Duration of Results : Variable; gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause new sagging.