Breast Lift
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) at UNE Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kim Uigeon of UNE Plastic Surgery, a board-certified plastic surgeon practising at a clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea specializing in breast surgery, explains that breast lift (mastopexy) planning requires evaluation of the Regnault ptosis grade, nipple position relative to the inframammary fold, skin elasticity, tissue redundancy, and whether augmentation is combined. The lift pattern (periareolar, vertical, or inverted-T) is selected accordingly. Mastopexy uses careful tissue handling and bleeding control to minimize trauma; scarring and recovery vary by individual healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a breast lift or breast augmentation?
This depends on nipple position relative to the inframammary fold, degree of ptosis (Regnault classification), skin elasticity, and desired volume. Some patients may need a lift, while others may need augmentation, or a combination of both. Suitability is evaluated through in-person consultation.
Can a breast lift be combined with implants?
In selected cases, breast lift (mastopexy) can be combined with implant placement to address both ptosis and volume loss in one procedure. Suitability depends on tissue condition, skin elasticity, nipple position, and individual goals. Combined surgery is more complex than either procedure alone.
Are mastopexy scars permanent?
Mastopexy scars are typically present long-term and continue to mature for approximately 6 to 12 months after surgery. Final scar visibility varies by individual skin type, healing response, scar management, and the chosen lift pattern (periareolar, vertical, or inverted-T). Complete disappearance cannot be guaranteed.
How long is recovery after breast lift?
Recovery varies by lift pattern, tissue condition, and whether augmentation is combined. Many patients resume light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks; return to upper-body exercise and travel should be decided after follow-up evaluation by the surgeon.
Mastopexy: Re-positioning Breast Tissue and Nipple to Address Ptosis
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a procedure that may help improve breast ptosis (sagging) and nipple position after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight change, or aging. Excess skin is removed and the nipple-areolar complex is repositioned at a higher level, with or without simultaneous augmentation. The lift pattern (periareolar, vertical, inverted-T) is selected based on the Regnault ptosis grade, tissue redundancy, skin elasticity, and individual goals. The degree of improvement and scarring varies by individual condition.
Book ConsultationWho Can Benefit from a Breast Lift?
What Are the Incision Methods
and Recovery Process?
Incisions are made using one of the following three methods, depending on the degree of sagging.
Periareolar Incision — Applied for mild sagging. The incision follows the areola border to minimize scarring, and areola size reduction can be performed simultaneously.
Vertical Incision (Lollipop) — Applied for moderate sagging. A vertical incision extends from the areola to the inframammary fold, providing a significant lifting effect.
Inverted-T Incision (Anchor) — Applied for severe sagging. Incisions are made around the areola, vertically, and along the inframammary fold, providing the most powerful lifting effect.
Daily activities can be resumed within 1-2 weeks after surgery, and final results naturally stabilize over 3-6 months.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) — At a Glance
Mastopexy corrects sagging caused by pregnancy, aging, weight changes, and loss of skin elasticity by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple-areola complex. It can be performed alone, or combined with an implant to restore volume at the same time.
The incision pattern (peri-areolar, vertical, or anchor) is selected based on degree of ptosis (Regnault grade I–III), skin quality, gland volume, and the patient’s desired result. Outcomes and recovery vary by individual.
Regnault Ptosis Classification — Indication Criteria
Mild Ptosis
Nipple at the level of the inframammary fold. Implant alone is often enough to restore a natural contour.
Moderate Ptosis
Nipple sits below the fold. A combined lift with implant is commonly recommended.
Severe Ptosis
Nipple is well below the fold. Lift becomes the main operation and incision length is greater.
Pseudoptosis — in which the nipple is in normal position but the lower pole has descended — can sometimes be corrected with an implant alone, without a formal lift.
Lift Alone vs Lift + Implant — Selection Criteria
Mastopexy Alone
- Adequate gland and fat tissue
- Shape and position correction is the priority, not volume
- Patient wants to avoid an implant
- Cup size may decrease over the long term
Mastopexy + Implant
- Low gland volume and need for volume restoration
- Loss of upper and lower pole volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Nipple repositioning + upper pole volume restoration
- Shape and volume corrected in a single operation
Breast Lift FAQ
Are mastopexy scars permanent?
Incision scars fade over time but do not disappear completely. The length and pattern depend on the technique (peri-areolar, vertical, or anchor). Milder ptosis usually allows a shorter incision.
Can I have a mastopexy if I plan to have more children?
Pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation can change breast shape and size again, so most surgeons recommend waiting until family planning is complete. If the situation is pressing, decisions are made after detailed consultation.
Can sagging improve without surgery?
Strength training, weight management, and supportive bras can help, but there is a limit to what non-surgical methods can reverse once skin and gland tissue have stretched. Meaningful correction of true ptosis is typically surgical.
How long do mastopexy results last?
Results vary by individual but commonly last several years to a decade or more. Aging, weight change, pregnancy, and skin condition can lead to re-sagging over time. Regular follow-up and stable weight contribute to durable outcomes.