Mastopexy Surgery
Over time, the breasts naturally change due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, gravity, and genetics. These changes can lead to loss of skin elasticity, downward nipple position, and a breast shape that no longer feels youthful or supported.
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, reshapes and elevates the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to support a new, more youthful breast contour.
At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery in Lincoln, Nebraska, Dr. Jacobson performs breast lift surgery with the goal of restoring natural breast shape, improved support, and balanced proportions that complement each patient’s body frame.
While mastopexy can be performed as a standalone procedure, it is also frequently combined with breast augmentation when patients desire both improved breast position and increased volume.
The result is a more youthful, lifted breast profile with natural contours and improved symmetry.
What Does a Breast Lift Treat?
A breast lift addresses changes in breast shape and position that occur over time. Rather than increasing breast size, a breast lift focuses on restoring breast shape, structure, and position. For patients seeking additional fullness (especially in the upper portion of the breast) a breast lift may be combined with breast augmentation.
Mastopexy can improve
- Breast sagging (ptosis)
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Loss of breast firmness
- Excess or stretched skin
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Breast asymmetry related to sagging
Dr. Jacobson’s Anatomy-Based Approach to Breast Rejuvenation
At Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery, breast surgery is approached with careful attention to proportion, breast anatomy, and long-term aesthetic balance. These elements help determine the most appropriate surgical technique and incision pattern needed to achieve natural, proportionate results.
01
Breast tissue volume
02
Skin elasticity
03
Nipple position
04
Degree of breast sagging
05
Chest wall anatomy
06
Patient goals for shape and fullness
Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. During the procedure, Dr. Jacobson reshapes the breast tissue, removes excess skin, and repositions the nipple to a more youthful position on the breast. The goal is to create a lifted, natural breast contour with improved support and symmetry.
Combined with Augmentation
Mastopexy + Implants
~3 Hours
When combined with breast augmentation, surgery generally takes around three hours for both lifting and volume enhancement.
Standalone Breast Lift
Mastopexy Alone
~90 min – 2 hrs
When performed as a standalone procedure, a breast lift typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours.
Breast Lift Incision Techniques
The incision pattern required depends on the degree of breast sagging and how far the nipple must be repositioned.
Limited Sagging
Vertical Lift
“Lollipop” Lift
This technique uses:
- A circular incision around the areola
- A vertical incision extending downward from the areola
This approach is useful when there is horizontal excess skin but limited vertical redundancy. It allows for improved reshaping while limiting the extent of the scar.
Moderate to Significant Sagging
Anchor Lift
Traditional Mastopexy — Most Versatile
The anchor incision is the most versatile and commonly used technique. This approach includes:
- A circumareolar incision
- A vertical incision
- A small incision along the breast crease
This technique allows Dr. Jacobson to remove both vertical and horizontal excess skin, making it ideal for patients with moderate to significant breast sagging.
Breast Lift vs Breast Lift with Implants
A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breast but does not significantly increase breast volume. Understanding the difference helps patients choose the approach that best matches their goals.
Shape & Position
Breast Lift Alone
Mastopexy reshapes and elevates the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. Ideal for patients who are satisfied with their breast volume but want improved position and contour.
- Reshapes and elevates the breast
- Removes excess skin
- Repositions the nipple
- Improves symmetry and support
Shape & Volume
Breast Lift with Implants
Patients who desire both improved position and increased fullness may benefit from combining mastopexy with breast augmentation. This addresses:
- Fuller upper breast contour
- Larger breast size
- More upper pole fullness
- Lifted position + volume in one surgery
Dr. Jacobson will help determine whether a lift alone or a lift with implants will best achieve your aesthetic goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
A consultation with Dr. Jacobson will determine the most appropriate approach based on your anatomy and goals.
- Are a non-smoker
- Are between 18–65 years old and in good health
- Have sagging or downward-positioned breasts
- Notice breast changes after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
- Have realistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes
- Desire improved breast shape and support
Breast Lift Recovery & Downtime
Recovery from mastopexy is generally well tolerated, and most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the healing process is. Most patients describe the sensation as tightness rather than significant pain.
7–10 Days
Initial Downtime
Swelling, mild bruising, tightness
Next Day
Daily Activities
Normal daily activities begin day after surgery
~2 Weeks
Light Cardio
Light cardiovascular activity resumes
~6 Weeks
Full Activity
All activities with underwire bras
~3 Months
Final Contour
Final breast shape visible
Early Recovery
During the early recovery period you may experience:
- Swelling
- Mild bruising
- Tightness of the breast skin
Activity Restrictions
- Normal daily activities beginning the day after surgery
- Avoid driving if taking narcotic pain medications
- Avoid strenuous exercise for approximately two weeks
Light cardiovascular activity may resume after two weeks, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for about six weeks. After six weeks, most patients are cleared to return to all normal activities, including wearing underwire bras.
Surgical Bra & Support
After surgery you will be placed in a supportive non-underwire surgical bra, which should be worn for approximately 4–6 weeks.
This bra supports the breast tissue while healing and helps maintain the newly shaped breast contour.
Surgical bra: A supportive non-underwire bra worn for approximately 4–6 weeks provides essential support while the breast tissue heals and settles into its new position.
Post-Operative Care
You will need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Patients traveling from outside the Lincoln area may be asked to stay locally overnight.
Next-day follow-up: All patients are seen the day after surgery to ensure proper healing and comfort.
Breast Lift Results
You will notice an immediate improvement in breast shape and position after surgery. However, the final breast shape continues to evolve as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Most patients see their final breast contour around three months after surgery.
Initially, there may be more fullness in the upper portion of the breast. As healing progresses, some of this volume redistributes to the lower breast for a more natural contour.
Patients seeking additional upper pole fullness may benefit from combining mastopexy with breast implants.
“Natural Results —
Never Overdone.”
Dr. Jacobson’s philosophy is to restore a youthful breast contour that feels natural and proportionate to your body. The goal is to achieve:
- A lifted breast position
- Improved breast shape and support
- Balanced proportions
- Natural contours that complement your body
Why Choose Dr. Jacobson for Breast Lift Surgery?
- Extensive experience in aesthetic breast surgery
- Customized surgical planning based on breast anatomy
- Natural-looking results that prioritize proportion and balance
- Advanced surgical techniques focused on safety and longevity
- Concierge-level patient care from consultation through recovery
Breast Lift FAQs
What is the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?
A breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes and repositions the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. It addresses sagging, downward-pointing nipples, and loss of firmness without significantly changing breast size. Breast augmentation, by contrast, uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast volume. Patients who want both improved position and increased fullness may benefit from combining the two procedures — mastopexy with breast augmentation — which is a common approach at Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery.
Which incision technique will I need for my breast lift?
The incision pattern depends on the degree of breast sagging and how far the nipple must be repositioned. The vertical “lollipop” lift uses a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision downward; it is appropriate when there is horizontal excess skin but limited vertical redundancy. The anchor lift adds a small incision along the breast crease and is the most versatile technique, ideal for moderate to significant sagging. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobson will evaluate your breast anatomy to determine which incision pattern will produce the best outcome for your body.
Will a breast lift make my breasts larger?
A breast lift alone does not significantly increase breast volume. Rather, it focuses on restoring breast shape, structure, and position. For patients who desire additional fullness — especially in the upper portion of the breast — a breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation using implants. Dr. Jacobson will help determine whether a lift alone or a lift with implants will best achieve your aesthetic goals during your consultation.
How long do breast lift results last?
Breast lift results are long-lasting, though the breasts will continue to age naturally over time. Factors such as gravity, future pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and normal aging may gradually affect breast shape and position. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras can help preserve your results. Many patients enjoy their improved breast contour for years to come and find the improvement well worth the investment.
What does recovery feel like after a breast lift?
Most patients experience approximately 7–10 days of initial downtime, with swelling, mild bruising, and tightness of the breast skin. The sensation is typically described as tightness rather than significant pain. Normal daily activities can begin the day after surgery. Light cardiovascular activity may resume around two weeks, with all normal activities — including wearing underwire bras — cleared at approximately six weeks. A supportive surgical bra is worn for 4–6 weeks. Most patients see their final breast contour around three months after surgery.
Can I combine a breast lift with breast implants?
Yes. Combining mastopexy with breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed combination procedures. Patients who desire both improved position and increased volume benefit from addressing both goals in a single surgery. When combined, the procedure generally takes around three hours. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobson will evaluate whether a combined approach is appropriate for your anatomy and desired outcome.
Serving Lincoln and Surrounding Nebraska Communities
If you are experiencing changes in breast shape or position due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations, a breast lift may restore a more youthful breast contour and improved support. A personalized consultation with Dr. Jacobson at Jacobson Cosmetic Surgery in Lincoln, NE will help determine the best surgical plan for your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Schedule your consultation today. Serving patients throughout Lincoln, Omaha, and greater Nebraska.
Related Procedures
Patients considering a breast lift may also be interested in these complementary procedures:
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