Over time, breasts lose their youthful pertness, elasticity and fullness. The effects of pregnancy, breast feeding, or significant weight loss can leave breasts looking deflated. These changes leave some women unhappy with the shape, size and position of their breasts.
A breast lift can restore a round and perky breast shape, creating beautiful cleavage and a youthful appearance. A breast lift can also correct natural asymmetry, reduce the size of the areola, and address genetic variation such as tuberous shaped breasts. At the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute we use the latest techniques to beautifully rebuild breast tissue from the inside out; The result is a rejuvenated breast that has less scarring, sits more naturally, looks fuller, and lasts longer.
A Breast Lift is designed to leave your breasts rounder, firmer and uplifted, with the position of your areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipples) and nipples enhanced. When performing this surgery (with or without Breast Augmentation), SixSurgery understands the aesthetics of a beautiful, youthful breast and aims to carefully incorporate these features into your results (characteristics of youthful looking breasts click here).
A Breast Lift (otherwise known as a Mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that can be performed using a number of different techniques to correct sagging, deflated breasts (known as breast ptosis). When performed by the SixSurgery team at the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute, results are achieved by meticulously repositioning the nipple and/or breast tissue, and tightening the skin. SixSurgery is a highly experienced Cosmetic team with the surgical skill and cosmetic artistry to beautifully restore the appearance of youthful breasts.
Every woman will have her own unique goals and expectations for the outcome of a Breast Lift. Women who typically seek a Breast Lift surgery are those whose breasts have lost volume and are sagging due to weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding (or nursing) and/or aging. Women may also seek out a breast lift for reasons of a naturally droopy shape, or significant asymmetry. The surgery elevates and improves the appearance of breasts that exhibit one or more of the following issues:
If any of the above concerns affect you, you may be an ideal candidate for a Breast Lift surgery at the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute.
At the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute, our unique approach to Breast Lift surgery will ensure that your whole experience, from the moment of your first consultation with us, through to your recovery after surgery in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, is as positive and comfortable as it can be. Individualized planning, meticulous surgical technique, careful monitoring and post-surgical care all combine to ensure that we offer you the best possible long-term results for your Breast Lift.
Learn more about how to prepare for your breast lift.
All Breast Lift procedures involve the placement of incisions on the breasts using one of a number of different techniques. SixSurgery predominantly uses the Vertical and Anchor Lift techniques to perform Breast Lift surgeries, due to the enhanced results and ability to reshape the breasts. The technique that is chosen for your surgery will depend on:
A general anesthetic will be administered to you during your Breast Lift surgery, so that you will be asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure. The procedure will be performed in the Operating Room under absolute sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection. After the incisions on your breasts have been made, your surgeon will meticulously reposition the breast tissue and remove excess skin to give an uplifted appearance and fuller projection. When your surgery is completed, you will be taken into the Recovery Room where you will be closely monitored. Once our experienced nurses determine that you are safe to be released, you will either be able to go home under the supervision of an accompanying adult (you will not be able to drive yourself) or may choose to stay in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel for the first night after surgery. The new look to your breasts will take time to settle due to the swelling that occurs with Breast Lift surgery, but once the breasts are fully healed, the optimal result will be seen.
Depending on the degree of lift needed, patients will be left with either a circular scar around the areola (Periareolar Lift), a lollipop scar with a vertical component (Lollipop Lift) or an anchor scar with both a vertical and horizontal component (Anchor Lift).
A breast lift with an anchor incision is utilized to address moderate to severe breast ptosis (or ‘sagging’) and allows for the maximum amount of customized reshaping. The procedure is similar to a vertical lift with the addition of a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold, creating an anchor-shaped scar.
The advantages of this procedure are the most dramatic results possible and the maximum ability for the surgeon to reshape the breast. The cons of this procedure are the additional scars, but with proper post-op wound care, the incisions will often fade to barely-there lines and they are discreetly hidden within the breast fold.
A breast lift with a lollipop incision is performed on patients with moderate breast ptosis (or ‘sagging’) in order to remove a larger amount of skin. It is called a Lollipop Lift because the final scar shape will circle around the areola with a vertical component below, similar to the silhouette of a lollipop.
A Vertical lift (Lollipop lift) procedure starts similarly to a periareolar lift and then extends the incision below the areola in order to narrow and reshape the breast. This allows the surgeon to reshape or remove excess tissue in order to even-out the breast design. The advantages of this type of lift are the more dramatic results and improved shape of the breast that are not possible with a periareolar lift.
Though the thought of scars can be intimidating, with proper post-op wound care, the incisions will often fade to barely-there lines.
The Vertical Sling technique is the latest and most advanced Breast Lift surgery procedure. It is a variation of a Vertical Breast Lift (also known as a Keyhole Breast Lift), which elevates and reshapes the entire breast, and can therefore be considered a full Breast Lift. The novel Vertical Sling Breast Lift performed by SixSurgery not only elevates the breasts, but also reshapes them to give the following additional benefits:
In the Vertical Sling approach, the chest muscle (pectoralis major) is used to support part of the breast tissue by forming a Chest Muscle Sling, thereby giving an enhanced and longer-lasting Breast Lift. This is a much more extensive procedure than a Periareolar Breast Lift and is used by SixSurgeons only in women whose sagging breasts (breast ptosis) require more than 2 cm of elevation (moderate to severe ptosis).
During the procedure of this type of Breast Lift, a doughnut shaped piece of skin is removed following the Periareolar method above, but with additional skin removed by also placing a straight incision directly from under the areola to the breast fold (infra-mammary fold). The chest muscle (pectoralis major) is then dissected from the chest wall and part of the breast tissue is folded under and sutured to the muscle. The surrounding skin is pulled upward and/or inward towards the areola and sutured in place.
SixSurgery’s advanced and meticulous wound closure techniques minimize the appearance of the scars on the breast after the Breast Lift procedure.
In some select patients, it is possible to perform a Breast Lift where there is no vertical scar, only the areola and breast fold scar (which is well hidden). This is ideal for patients whose breasts hang significantly so that their entire areola is below the breast fold.
This Breast Lift technique uses an internal suspension technique to lift the breasts, and has no vertical scarring. It is applicable to ideal candidates only. To find out whether or not you would benefit from this procedure, you will need to have a consultation with us.
The Periareolar Breast Lift (also known as the Benelli or Doughnut Breast Lift) is a technique that re-positions the nipple and minimizes scarring by limiting it to the areola only. A periareolar breast lift is performed on patients who have minimal breast ptosis (or ‘sagging’) and only require the repositioning of the nipple to achieve their desired breast shape. This is recommended for women whose breasts have very mild sagging and require only 1 – 2 cm of elevation. ALTHOUGH MOST PATIENTS REQUEST THIS LIFT FOR ITS MINIMAL SCARRING, THIS LIFT IS NOT EFFECTIVE FOR MOST PEOPLE AND THUS ITS RECOMMENDED IN VERY FEW SPECIFIC INSTANCES.
During the procedure a doughnut shaped piece of skin is removed from around the areola border. The areola/nipple complex, surrounding skin and breast tissue are repositioned and sutured in place to give an uplifted and fuller appearance. An Areola Reduction can be performed by making the inner incision within the areolar border.
The advantage of this type of lift is the minimal scarring as the incision is carefully hidden around the areola. The resulting scar after this Breast Lift technique is partially disguised by the uneven surface of the areolar border and the colour contrast between the dark areola and lighter breast skin. Additional skin can also be removed from above the areola (a Crescent Breast Lift) to create a further lifting effect for the breast tissue and/or nipple. The downside of this procedure is that not everyone is a candidate and the breast tissue is not actually ‘lifted’.
Augmentation Mastopexy (or Breast Lift with implants) is the ultimate procedure to transform the appearance of deflated and sagging breasts and restore timeless beauty to a woman’s figure. The procedure is a combination of a Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift and can benefit women who, in addition to being suitable candidates for a Breast Lift, also:
With these combined procedures, your breasts will not only be restored to a youthful position, pertness and fullness, but will also be enlarged in volume, leaving your figure balanced and your femininity enhanced. Although a breast lift does not remove any volume from your breasts, removing loose skin can make the new lifted breast appear slightly smaller. A small breast implant can be an excellent option to add to a breast lift for women wishing to appear the same size as well. Breast implants are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and profiles to perfectly match the individual body type and goals of each woman. You can also choose to have your implants filled with a saline solution or a silicone gel formulation, both of which have been extensively safety tested and are Health Canada approved. Furthermore, with the advanced surgical techniques ably employed by SixSurgery, your recovery and healing will be straightforward.
This image shows the before and immediately after a Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift. In the after image, the patient is in an upright position on the operating room table. Her breasts are very perky. This will change over the next three months, as her implants settle with gravity. As you can see, despite her very droopy looking appearance in the before photo, a significant lift was possible to achieve using only the vertical (lollipop) incision technique. The additional fullness is the result of adding a small implant.
A Breast Lift can also be combined with a Breast Reduction. Click here to learn more about the combined Breast Reduction + Breast Lift surgery.
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that helps to reshape your breasts and changes the way they are positioned on your chest. It is NOT a cure for gravity and it is NOT permanent. Gravity and aging will continue to affect your breasts over time and your breast tissue will settle in a natural way after surgery. How long will a lift last? That depends on how heavy your breasts are, how physically active you are, and how strong/supportive your tissues are. Some women will drop significantly within months (but not to the same level as before) while others will take years before they notice significant sagging.
(depending on implant choice)
(additional liposuction: $ 1 500 – $ 6 000 per additional area to be liposuctioned)
per additional area to be liposuctioned – please note liposuction fees differ greatly depending on the area and and expected volume of liposuction)
Click here for more on: Breast Lift Scars
During recovery your body will heal and the final, optimal appearance of your breasts will be appreciated. Immediately after surgery you may feel a little tired from the effects of the anesthetic, and will initially experience some discomfort, swelling of your breasts, and bruising. All of our patients are therefore offered the convenience and comfort of one of the luxurious hotel rooms inside the Fairmont Royal York Hotel to spend their first night after surgery. You will then return to see us in the clinic the following morning, and again 2-3 weeks later to have your sutures removed.
Further follow-up visits at the clinic will be arranged to allow us to continue to monitor the progress of your healing after your Breast Lift, as the tissue settles into place.
The length of time it may take for you to recover from your Breast Lift surgery will depend on several factors and varies between women. Most women who have a breast lift procedure at the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute go back to regular activities within 1 week. Post operative care will require you to sleep on your back during the recovery period and wear a surgical support bra at all times for 6 weeks after surgery. Thereafter, in order to maintain the new, beautiful appearance of your breasts, long-term proper bra support is also important.
Learn more about how your breasts will look and feel after your lift.
In order to remove enough skin to create a meaningful change, breast lift surgery leaves scars on the breasts that are permanent and cannot be avoided. In most patients they are minimal and will fade noticeably over time. The incisions are also placed in locations that are easily concealed by the natural breast fold and in colour changes around the areola. In clothing, even bikini tops and dresses with plunging necklines can be worn without visible scars.
Well healed mastopexy scar seen 1.5 years after surgery. It is a thin line and the surrounding skin is normally colored. The scar itself is a thin white line
In some patients (darker skin or asian background) there is an increased risk of hypertrophic scar. These scars are raised, widened, and darker colored
Breast lift (lollipop) scar seen at 5 weeks after augmentation and lift.
Video showing the progression of breast lift scars over time
Some patients can develop hypertrophic scars – scars which become more red, thicker, and wider over time. These will then require various treatments in order to obtain a good result. Who’s at risk? Patients who have experienced thicker scarring with previous surgeries or skin injuries, patients with a family history of keloid scarring, and patients with darker skin tones are at an increased risk of abnormal scar development.
Demonstration of how a hypertrophic breast lift scar can develop after surgery, despite initially looking perfect.
Demonstration of how a hypertrophic breast lift scar can develop after surgery, despite initially looking perfect.
Although complications following Mastopexy are infrequent; the following may occur:
Bleeding or Hematoma, which in rare instances could require a second surgery to remove the blood clot, hospitalization and blood transfusion.
Skin irregularities, lumpiness, hardness, and dimpling may result; some problems disappear with time and from massage, other problems may persist and additional treatments may be necessary.
Infection is rare but may occur and treatment with antibiotics and /or drainage may be required. In rare instances surgery may be required for severe infection
Wound dehiscence (wound opening) may occur and is generally allowed to heal on its own.
Outpatient nursing may be required to assist with the wound care. You may be required to travel to a local clinic for daily wound care.
Infection or loss of blood supply can lead to partial or complete nipple/areola loss, requiring potential reconstruction.
Numbness of the skin over treated areas is common and persists for months. In rare cases numbness or hypersensitivity of the nipple areolar complex may be permanent.
Abnormal scarring or scar position is rare but is possible.
Dizziness may occur during the first week following Mastopexy surgery particularly upon rising from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, extreme caution may need to be exercised while walking. Do not drive a car if dizziness is present.
Deep Venous Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism and Fat Embolism may occur. If left untreated they may be fatal.
If you are in good health, and are experiencing significant drooping and deflation of your breast tissue then you may be a good candidate for a breast lift surgery.
The best candidates are patients who have all the information, fully understand what the surgery involves and its limitations, and who have realistic expectations. Common reasons for a Breast Lift alone are:
As long as the patient is 18+, health is the important factor, not age. Any patient may be a good candidate for a Breast Lift provided that they are healthy, in good physical shape, and understand the risks associated with a Breast Lift procedure.
After pregnancy and breastfeeding, a patient’s breasts may change in shape and appearance. We ask that patients wait at least 3 months after they have finished breastfeeding or 3 months after their weight has stabilized before coming in for a consultation.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) surgery can be performed by either simply repositioning the nipple (the Periareolar technique) or reshaping and lifting the entire breast using a lollipop or anchor incision. In both cases, incisions will be made on the breasts to remove excess skin and reshape and/or raise the breast tissue where necessary. Permanent scars will be left where each incision was made, but for most patients these will fade with time.
Depending on the degree of lift needed, patients will be left with either a circular scar around the areola (Periareolar Incision), a lollipop scar with a vertical component (Lollipop Incision) or an anchor scar with both a vertical and horizontal component (Anchor Incision). You can learn more about incisions and scars related to Mastopexy surgery here.
The Periareolar technique is a surgical procedure designed to raise the nipple and minimize scarring by limiting it to the areola only. This procedure is ideal for women whose breasts have very mild sagging (breast ptosis) and where only repositioning of the nipple is required.
Vertical Breast Lift surgery is a full Breast Lift procedure where the entire breast is reshaped and lifted. This is a more extensive procedure than a Periareolar Breast Lift and is used in women who require more than 2 cm of lift to correct their sagging breasts (breast ptosis).
