MastopexyBreast Lift Surgery
Surgical reshaping and repositioning of breast tissue to address drooping (ptosis) following pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or ageing — from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
What is mastopexy?
Mastopexy — commonly called a breast lift — reshapes and repositions the breast tissue and nipple-areola complex to address ptosis (drooping or sagging) of the breast. It does not significantly change breast volume; rather, it addresses the shape and position of existing breast tissue.
Ptosis is commonly caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding, significant weight loss, ageing, or gravitational changes over time. The degree of ptosis — from mild to severe — influences which surgical technique is most appropriate.
Mastopexy can be combined with augmentation (to add volume) or reduction (to reduce volume) depending on the patient's goals and anatomy. This is discussed fully at consultation.
Timing after pregnancy
It is generally recommended to wait at least 6–12 months after breastfeeding has ceased before mastopexy, as hormonal changes can continue to affect breast tissue during this period. Surgery is also generally recommended once the patient has completed their family.
Technique options
Surgical approaches
Periareolar (donut) mastopexy
A circular incision around the areola only. Suited to patients with mild ptosis and minimal excess skin. Produces a single scar around the areola edge that fades to near-invisible over time.
- Scar limited to areola border
- Suited to mild drooping only
- Limited degree of lifting
Vertical (lollipop) mastopexy
Incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. Suited to moderate ptosis. Provides more significant reshaping than periareolar technique with a well-concealed scar.
- Areolar and vertical scar
- More effective lift than periareolar
- Good for moderate drooping
Anchor (Wise pattern) mastopexy
Incisions around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease. Provides the most significant reshaping and lift. Suited to moderate-to-severe ptosis with significant excess skin.
- Maximum reshaping and lift
- Suited to significant drooping
- Scar follows natural breast crease positions
Mastopexy with augmentation or reduction
Where patients also wish to change breast volume, mastopexy can be combined with implants (augmentation mastopexy) or tissue removal (reduction mastopexy). Combining procedures in a single operation requires careful surgical planning.
- Augmentation mastopexy — lifts and adds volume
- Reduction mastopexy — lifts and reduces volume
- Single operation or staged depending on assessment
Step by step
The procedure
- 1
Consultation and planning
Your surgeon assesses the degree of ptosis, breast volume, skin quality, and nipple-areola position. The most appropriate technique — and whether augmentation or reduction should be combined — is discussed and a personalised plan developed.
- 2
Pre-operative preparation
Stop blood-thinning medications 2 weeks prior. Fast from midnight the night before. Arrange transport home and practical support for the first night. Ensure breastfeeding has ceased for at least 6 months.
- 3
General anaesthesia
Mastopexy is performed under general anaesthesia as a day procedure or with one overnight stay. Surgery takes approximately 2–3 hours depending on the technique and whether combined procedures are included.
- 4
Tissue reshaping and repositioning
Excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned. The nipple-areola complex is elevated to a more natural position while maintaining its blood supply and nerve connections.
- 5
Closure and dressing
Incisions are closed with layered absorbable sutures. A supportive surgical bra is fitted before you leave theatre. Most patients go home the same day.
- 6
Follow-up care
Reviews at 1 week, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months with detailed wound care and scar management guidance at each stage.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Days 1 – 5
Rest and surgical bra
Wear surgical bra continuously. Limit arm movement and avoid lifting. Swelling and bruising are normal and expected. Rest at home with a support person available.
Week 1 – 2
Wound review and return to light work
Dressings and wounds reviewed. Most patients can return to light desk work within 7–14 days. Continue wearing surgical bra as directed.
Weeks 3 – 6
Gradual increase in activity
Light lower body exercise permitted. Upper body and chest exercise restricted until cleared at 6 weeks. Swelling continues to reduce and breast shape becomes more apparent.
3 – 6 months
Intended result apparent
Swelling has resolved. Scars are maturing and softening with ongoing scar care. The intended breast shape and position are generally apparent by this stage.
Fees
Cost of mastopexy in NSW
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthetist's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Hospital / facility fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Total | To be confirmed at consultation |
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Scarring
Mastopexy involves incisions that result in permanent scars. The extent and location depend on the technique used. Scars are positioned in natural breast contour locations and managed with detailed aftercare guidance.
Changes in nipple sensation
Temporary changes in breast and nipple sensation are common following mastopexy and generally resolve over weeks to months as nerves recover.
Breastfeeding ability
Modern pedicle techniques aim to preserve nipple-areola blood supply and nerve connections. However, breastfeeding ability after mastopexy cannot be guaranteed. Discuss your breastfeeding priorities at consultation.
Ptosis recurrence
The breast will continue to age naturally after mastopexy. Significant weight changes or future pregnancies can affect the breast shape and degree of ptosis over time.
Asymmetry
Minor asymmetries in shape or position are common during healing as swelling resolves unevenly. Your surgeon discusses pre-existing asymmetry at consultation so expectations are realistic.
Combining with augmentation
Augmentation mastopexy — combining implants with a lift — is a technically complex procedure with a higher risk profile than either procedure alone. Your surgeon will advise whether a staged or combined approach is more appropriate.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions our patients ask most — including what people search when looking for this procedure on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionMastopexy costs in NSW vary depending on the technique used and whether it is combined with augmentation or reduction. A full transparent written quote is provided at consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina. Mastopexy is generally considered cosmetic and Medicare rebates do not typically apply.
A breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes and repositions existing breast tissue to address drooping — it does not significantly change breast volume. Breast augmentation adds volume using implants or fat transfer but does not lift the breast. Many patients who have experienced volume loss after pregnancy benefit from a combination of both.
Mastopexy results in scarring, as incisions are required to remove excess skin and reshape the breast. The extent and location depend on the technique used — from a scar around the areola only (periareolar) to scars around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease (anchor). Scars are positioned in natural breast contour locations and fade over 12–18 months with proper aftercare.
The breast continues to age naturally after mastopexy. The longevity of results varies between individuals depending on skin quality, weight stability, and whether future pregnancies occur. Maintaining a stable weight and completing your family before surgery helps preserve the outcome over time.
Yes — augmentation mastopexy combines implants with a breast lift in a single operation for patients who wish to both lift and add volume. This is a technically complex procedure. Your surgeon will assess whether combined or staged surgery is more appropriate for your specific anatomy and goals.
It is generally recommended to wait at least 6–12 months after breastfeeding has fully ceased and until weight has stabilised before mastopexy. Hormonal changes during and after breastfeeding continue to affect breast tissue, and waiting allows the breast to reach its post-breastfeeding state before surgery.
Mastopexy at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW, serving patients from the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Sydney.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in mastopexy and combined breast procedures, providing thorough assessment and carefully considered surgical planning.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh is a specialist plastic surgeon experienced in breast lift procedures, working with patients to develop appropriate surgical plans based on their individual anatomy and goals.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi brings a patient-centred and considered approach to mastopexy, taking time to assess each patient's anatomy and discuss realistic expectations before proceeding.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and provide a personalised written quote — with no obligation.