Breast lift

Breast Lift – Restoring Shape, Position and Proportion

The shape of the breasts can change over time. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, ageing and changes in skin elasticity may cause the breast tissue to descend, the nipple position to become lower, and the upper part of the breast to lose fullness.

A breast lift is designed to raise and reshape the breast, reposition the nipple, remove excess skin and restore more harmonious proportions.

At AGATA, a breast lift is not about creating a fixed ideal. The aim is to restore a shape that suits your body, your breast tissue and your natural proportions.

The Consultation – Shape, Position and Proportion

During the consultation, we assess the size and shape of the breasts, the degree of sagging, the position of the nipples, the quality and elasticity of the skin, and the amount and distribution of your own breast tissue.

We then determine how extensive the lift needs to be and which scar pattern is most appropriate for your starting point.

We also consider whether a breast lift alone can create the desired result, or whether additional volume with breast implants or fat transfer may be beneficial.

A Smaller or More Extensive Breast Lift

In cases of mild sagging, a smaller breast lift may be sufficient. The nipple is typically raised by a few centimetres, and the scar is placed around the areola. This technique is particularly suitable for smaller breasts with limited excess skin.

With more pronounced sagging, a more extensive breast lift is required. The deeper breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned higher on the chest, while excess skin is removed. The nipple is lifted into a more suitable position.

The scar is placed around the areola and may continue vertically down towards the breast fold, creating a lollipop-shaped scar. Where there is greater skin excess, an additional scar in the fold beneath the breast may be needed, creating an anchor-shaped scar.

How is the Procedure Performed?

A more extensive breast lift is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes around 2–3 hours.

The new nipple position is carefully marked before surgery. Excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped and gathered higher on the chest to create a firmer and more harmonious breast shape.

In some women, it may be beneficial to remove a small amount of heavier tissue from the lower part of the breast in order to reduce weight and improve the durability of the lift.

If additional volume is desired, the breast lift can be combined with an implant or fat transfer.

Breast Lift with an Implant or Your Own Fat

A breast lift primarily changes the position and shape of the breast. It does not necessarily add more volume.

If additional fullness is desired, particularly in the upper part of the breast, the lift can be combined with a suitable implant.

In other women, fat transfer may be used to add more modest volume or to refine the contour.

The choice depends on the starting point of the breast, skin quality, the amount of natural breast tissue and the desired result.

Recovery

After a more extensive breast lift, you will usually stay overnight in the hospital so the first postoperative period can take place calmly and under observation. Any drains are typically removed the following day.

A supportive, non-wired bra is worn day and night during the initial healing period, typically for 4–8 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Swelling, tenderness and bruising are expected during the first weeks. Swelling can persist for several weeks, and the final breast shape can therefore only be assessed after a few months.

Physical activity is resumed gradually according to your surgeon’s advice.

What Happens to the Scars?

A breast lift requires scars because excess skin needs to be removed.

The length of the scars depends on the amount of excess skin and how much the breast needs to be lifted. With smaller lifts, the scar may be limited to the area around the areola. With more extensive lifts, there may also be a vertical scar and, in some cases, a scar in the breast fold.

The scars may initially appear red and noticeable but gradually mature over many months. They should be protected from sun exposure during the healing period.

The aim is always to place the scars as discreetly as possible while achieving a stable and well-shaped breast.

Are There Risks?

As with all surgery, there are risks.

These may include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, delayed wound healing and changes in sensation in the breast or nipple. In some women, changes in sensation are temporary, while in rare cases they may persist.

Following a more extensive breast lift, the ability to breastfeed may be reduced or lost.

There is also a small risk of thicker or more noticeable scars.

What Can You Expect from the Result?

The aim of a breast lift is to create a breast that appears higher, firmer and more harmoniously shaped, with the nipple in a more natural position.

A breast lift does not stop the natural ageing process. Skin quality, changes in weight, pregnancy and gravity will continue to influence the breasts over time.

The result generally lasts best with stable weight and good skin elasticity. Some degree of recurrent sagging may occur over time, and in some women a minor correction may later become appropriate.