What is Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) recontours the breasts by trimming away excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue to produce a firmer, younger appearance. This life-changing procedure is performed for women who have lost breast firmness, size, and shape but are satisfied with their current volume. At Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon and breast lift specialist Dr. Arun Rao takes a comprehensive approach to this life-changing surgery. In addition to raising the breast tissue, we can reshape flat breasts to create a rounder and more supple appearance. Call now to book a one-on-one consultation in Tucson, AZ, and discover the many ways a breast lift can enhance your figure and self-confidence.
What Is A Breast AUGMENTATION with LIFT?
In some cases, mastopexy can be paired with breast augmentation surgery. This combination procedure involves placing a breast implant in addition to removing excess and sagging tissue. This creates a fuller and more youthful breast shape overall. Implants can also be used to enhance volume and symmetry when one breast is smaller than the other. During an assessment, we can discuss your desired outcomes and discuss whether your breast lift should be combined with augmentation.
Breast Lift Reviews
What are the benefits of a breast lift?
There are many reasons women in Tucson, AZ choose to undergo breast lift surgery. This procedure can address a wide range of issues caused by natural age, weight loss, or breastfeeding. Dr. Rao proudly employs the latest techniques and technologies to deliver beautiful, long-lasting results. Additional benefits of working with our team:
- Remove excess or sagging skin
- Enhance the shape and projection of the breasts
- Create more breast symmetry
- Form or rebuild the nipple-areolar complex
- Natural-looking results that last for years
We understand that sagging breast tissue and stretched-out skin can result in cosmetic and functional problems. Our goal is to help you get the best possible outcomes so you can feel confident again.
Who is a CANDIDATE FOR a Breast Lift?
A surgical breast lift is an excellent option for women who are happy with their breast volume, but their breasts sag as the result of genetics, age, weight loss, or breastfeeding. Mild to severe sagging can be remedied through mastopexy. Generally, women who pursue this procedure have breasts that exhibit any of the following characteristics:
- Nipples that point downward or rest below the breast crease
- One breast sits lower than the other
- Areolas that appear stretched or oversized
Dr. Rao can perform an examination and assess your health history to determine your candidacy for a breast lift in Tucson, AZ. We can also discuss the various options available and what kind of outcomes you may expect. Inform our team about any medical conditions that could affect your procedure. Once we have a better understanding of your goals, we can develop an individualized treatment plan that may or may not include breast augmentation.
What happens during a Breast Lift?
Breast lift surgery takes about two hours and is performed while patients are under general anesthesia. This timeframe depends on the amount of sagging tissue that needs to be addressed. The most widely used methods for mastopexy are the anchor technique (inverted-T) and the vertical incision technique. The technique used to complete your breast lift will depend on your unique surgical plan. Dr. Rao makes every effort to use the smallest incisions possible but keep in mind that more intensive procedures require longer incisions. We also reposition the nipple-areola complex so it appears more natural. Women in Tucson, AZ who want more volume or fullness can combine their mastopexy with medical-grade breast implants.
How Long is Recovery After a Breast Lift?
After breast lift surgery, you will be fitted with bandages or dressings to protect the incision sites. Patients will wear a special support garment for several days to promote healing and reduce swelling. Dr. Rao can book follow-up appointments to remove your dressings and help you transition to regular bras. You'll likely feel a bit tired and sore for a few days after surgery, and post-surgical swelling subsides within several weeks. It's important to give your body the rest it needs, so don't be afraid to ask for help with daily activities. Avoid tasks that would require you to reach or lift anything more than ten pounds. Most patients feel well enough to return to work after one week, although you should refrain from strenuous activities for up to six weeks. Dr. Rao can provide in-depth, at-home care instructions. Results begin to take shape after several months as your newly shaped breasts adjust to their new position.
Breast Lift FAQ
How much does a breast lift cost?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Rao will listen to your needs and goals before developing your unique treatment plan. After that, you will be provided with a quote. When done well, a breast lift can significantly improve your physical appearance, so it's important to focus on selecting an experienced surgeon with extensive training, like Dr. Rao, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. To help make your procedure easier to afford, Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery can work with you and help you find low-interest financing.
Do I need a breast lift or breast implants?
Whether you should get a breast lift, implants, or both will depend on your specific goals. For many patients, a breast lift can improve the shape and fullness of the breasts without implants. Dr. Rao will assess your physical condition and listen to your goals during your consultation. From there, we can decide if you should get a lift, implants, or a breast augmentation with a lift.
Will my nipples be moved?
The nipple-areola complex will be shifted up during the breast lift so it is centered over the breast. If your areolas are overly large or stretched, Dr. Rao will reduce the size of your areolas during your surgery. This can be discussed during your consultation so he can decide on the best incision pattern and technique to use during your breast lift.
How long will my results last?
With proper care after surgery, your results should last for many years. Your breasts will continue to age normally so you could begin to see sagging and loose skin over time. Factors, like significant weight gain or loss, can alter your results so it's best to maintain a stable weight after your breast lift. Pregnancy or breastfeeding after a breast lift can also affect your results, which is why Dr. Rao recommends patients wait until they are done having children to get a breast lift.
Can a breast lift fix asymmetry?
A lift can improve asymmetry in your breasts if they are different in size, firmness, or degree of sagging. Dr. Rao will assess the appearance and condition of your breasts during your consultation and discuss how a lift can help you. During your lift surgery, he will shape the tissue so your breasts are equal in size and position for symmetry.

lifted, Healthier-Looking Breasts
Your breasts are an important part of your image and how you feel about yourself. We understand the importance of achieving aesthetically pleasing outcomes and a high level of patient satisfaction. To learn more about breast lift surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao. Tucson, AZ patients can visit Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery to discuss their desired results and about breast lift or augmentation surgery. We look forward to helping you get the natural-looking breasts you deserve!