What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure designed to improve breast shape and position when the breasts have descended or lost firmness over time. Changes in the breasts can occur after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation, ageing, or natural tissue laxity.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers breast lift consultations in Melbourne for patients seeking an assessment of breast shape, skin quality, nipple position, and overall breast balance. The aim is to achieve a natural result that is lifted rejuvenated an aligned with your goals

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A mastopexy is a surgical procedure used to reshape and elevate the breasts when there is ptosis, skin laxity, or loss of upper pole fullness. The procedure is designed to improve breast position and contour rather than increase size.

    To achieve the new position and shape involves:

    • removal of excess skin

    • reshaping of breast tissue

    • repositioning of the nipple-areolar complex

    • improvement in overall breast symmetry and contour

    The most appropriate technique depends on breast size, skin quality, the degree of descent, nipple position, and the patient’s goals.

  • Patients may consider a breast lift if they are concerned by:

    • breasts that have dropped or lost shape

    • nipples sitting lower on the breast

    • stretched or lax breast skin

    • loss of firmness after pregnancy or weight loss

    • asymmetry in breast position or shape

    • dissatisfaction with breast contour despite adequate breast volume

    A consultation is important because some patients are best suited to a breast lift alone, while others may benefit from a lift paired with volume replacement with implants or fat grafting.

  • During a mastopexy consultation we cover:

    • breast size and shape

    • degree of breast ptosis

    • nipple position

    • skin quality and elasticity

    • breast symmetry

    • chest wall proportions

    • previous breast surgery

    • general medical history

    • medications and smoking status

    • healing factors and recovery planning

    Treatment planning is individualised. The goal is to understand both the anatomy and the patient’s priorities before deciding whether a breast lift is appropriate and what approach is most suitable.

  • A mastopexy improves shape and position, but it does not necessarily increase breast volume. Some patients are mainly concerned with descent and are well suited to a breast lift alone.

    Other patients may also wish to increase upper pole fullness or overall breast size. In these cases, a breast lift may be discussed with or without implants or fat grafting depending on anatomy, tissue quality, and the desired outcome.

    This is an important part of consultation, because the best plan depends on whether the main issue is:

    • breast descent

    • loss of shape

    • loss of volume

    • asymmetry

    • a combination of these factors

  • As with any operation, breast lift surgery has risks and limitations. These vary depending on the exact procedure performed and patient factors,

    Risks and considerations discussed during consultation may include:

    • bruising and swelling

    • scarring

    • asymmetry

    • altered nipple sensation

    • healing issues

    • recurrent laxity over time

    • contour irregularity

    • fat necrosis

    • need for further treatment in selected cases

    A consultation is important to determine whether surgery is appropriate and what result can realistically be expected.

  • The best breast lift results are usually those that improve shape, position, and balance without looking unnatural. The aim is to create a breast shape that is proportionate to the body and consistent with the patient’s goals.

    To achieve this the mastopexy planning will take into consideration:

    • breast proportions

    • tissue quality

    • skin laxity

    • nipple position

    • scar pattern

    • realistic expectations