Mastopexy, or a breast lift, corrects changes to breast position caused by aging, gravity, pregnancy, or weight loss. The surgery lifts the breasts to a more natural position, removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissue, and repositioning the nipple. This creates a lifted, well-shaped breast without changing its overall size.
At The Collins Center, Dr. Beth Collins, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and breast cancer survivor, combines expert skill with a personal understanding to deliver excellent care and natural-looking results that complement your body.
Treatable Areas
- Breast position and elevation on the chest wall
- Nipple and areola placement and orientation
- Areola size and proportion (reduction if enlarged or stretched)
- Breast symmetry and balance between sides
- Skin envelope tightness and tissue firmness
- Downward-pointing or drooping nipples
How Mastopexy Works
Think of your breast tissue like fabric that has stretched over time. Mastopexy carefully reshapes this fabric to restore its natural form, lifting and repositioning everything for a higher, more forward look. Dr. Collins chooses from several incision types depending on the amount of sagging and breast size: a small incision around the nipple for mild cases, a “lollipop” shape extending downward for moderate lift, or an “anchor” shape following the natural crease for more significant reshaping.
With careful incisions, the breast tissue layers are lifted to create internal support. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a more desirable placement, often centered on the upper arm, and their size may be reduced if necessary. The reshaped breast is then secured, excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining tissue is stitched closed to minimize scarring. The procedure typically lasts 90 to 120 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited facility.
Whether you need surgical precision, metabolic wellness, or non-surgical refinement, we look at the big picture. Let’s design a unified treatment plan that addresses your health and beauty under one roof.
Results You’ll Love
- Breasts positioned higher on your chest with improved projection
- A perkier, more youthful breast contour that fills out tops and swimwear beautifully
- Enhanced upper breast fullness and cleavage definition
- Improved symmetry if one breast was lower or differently shaped than the other
- More proportionate, aesthetically balanced areolas
- Renewed confidence in intimate settings and fitted clothing
- A refreshed appearance that reflects how vibrant you feel inside
Are You a Candidate for Mastopexy?
- Your breasts sag, droop, or have lost their youthful shape due to aging or life changes
- Your nipples point downward or rest below your natural breast fold when unsupported
- You’ve completed breastfeeding and your breasts haven’t regained their former position
- Weight loss has left you with deflated-looking breasts despite maintaining a healthy weight
- You’re bothered by breast asymmetry, with one breast noticeably lower than the other
- Your areolas have stretched or become disproportionately large
- You’re done having children, as future pregnancies may affect your results
- You desire natural enhancement without implants or significant size change
Why Choose The Collins Center
- Fellowship-trained breast surgery specialist with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Collins performs breast procedures weekly, developing the refined eye and steady technique that complex breast reshaping demands.
- Double board-certified plastic surgeon who has walked in your shoes. As a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Collins understands the emotional significance of breast surgery from a deeply personal perspective, bringing unparalleled empathy to every consultation.
- Nationally recognized educator and thought leader. Dr. Collins teaches surgical techniques at the American Society of Plastic Surgery and serves as a clinical instructor at Yale, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field.
- Platinum-level Allergan injector for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. While your breast lift may be your primary focus, Dr. Collins offers complementary treatments to harmonize your overall appearance when desired.
- Comprehensive care philosophy that puts your health first. Every surgical plan considers not just aesthetic goals but your overall wellness, ensuring transformations that support your long-term vitality.
FAQs about Mastopexy
Will a breast lift change my breast size?
No, mastopexy primarily addresses position and shape rather than volume. While removing skin may make breasts appear slightly smaller initially, your actual breast tissue volume remains unchanged. If you desire fuller breasts, Dr. Collins can discuss combining your lift with augmentation during your consultation.
How long do breast lift results last?
Your results are long-lasting, though not entirely immune to future aging and gravity. Maintaining stable weight, wearing supportive bras, and avoiding smoking help preserve your outcome for many years. Future pregnancies and significant weight changes will impact your results.
What type of incision will I have?
Dr. Collins selects your incision pattern based on your breast size, degree of sagging, and skin quality. Options range from a discreet periareolar (around the areola only) incision to more extensive patterns that allow greater lifting capability. She’ll review which approach best serves your goals during your consultation.
When can I return to normal activities after mastopexy?
Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks and resume light exercise around three to four weeks post-surgery. Strenuous upper body workouts and heavy lifting should wait approximately six weeks. You’ll wear a surgical bra for several weeks to support healing.
Can I still breastfeed after a breast lift?
Many women breastfeed successfully after breast surgery. However, the surgery can sometimes affect milk ducts and nipple feeling. If breastfeeding is important to you, talk to Dr. Collins. She might suggest waiting until after you’ve finished having children.
Will my scars be noticeable?
All surgical procedures create scars, but Dr. Collins uses advanced closure techniques to minimize their appearance. Scars are strategically placed to be concealed by bras and swimwear, and they fade significantly over 12 to 18 months. Following post-operative scar care instructions helps optimize healing.
Can mastopexy be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. Many patients combine breast lift with augmentation for both elevation and added volume, or with other body contouring procedures during a mommy makeover. Dr. Collins will help you understand which combinations align with your aesthetic vision and surgical safety.
from Within
Discover what’s possible when surgical precision meets genuine understanding. Contact The Collins Center in Guilford or Mystic to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Collins.
