A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts for a firmer, more youthful contour. Over time, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and natural aging can cause the breasts to lose elasticity and volume. A breast lift can restore perkiness and improve breast shape without necessarily changing breast size—though it can be combined with implants or reduction for optimal results. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim performs breast lift for patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.
Why Breast Lift Technique Matters
The right breast lift technique depends on your anatomy, the amount of excess skin, nipple position, and whether you want to combine the lift with implants. Choosing the correct approach ensures balanced, natural-looking results and minimizes scarring.
Crescent Lift
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Incision: A small crescent-shaped incision along the upper half of the areola
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Best For: Mild sagging and subtle nipple repositioning
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Benefits: Minimal scarring, often combined with breast augmentation
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Limitations: Not effective for moderate or severe sagging
Periareolar or “Donut” Lift
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Incision: A circular incision around the entire areola
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Best For: Mild to moderate sagging, areola resizing
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Benefits: Scar blends into the edge of the areola, moderate lifting ability
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Limitations: Less effective for significant excess skin or drooping
Vertical or “Lollipop” Lift
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Incision: Around the areola with a vertical line down to the breast crease
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Best For: Moderate sagging, reshaping the breast, enhancing projection
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Benefits: More lift than donut technique, less scarring than anchor lift
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Limitations: Not suitable for extreme sagging with excess skin
Anchor or “Inverted T” Lift
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Incision: Around the areola, vertically down to the crease, and horizontally along the breast fold
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Best For: Significant sagging, major reshaping needs, large amounts of excess skin
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Benefits: Allows maximum lift, skin removal, and reshaping
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Limitations: Most scarring, though it fades over time with proper care
Combining a Lift with Implants
Some women choose to add implants during their breast lift to restore lost volume, especially in the upper pole of the breast. This combination is ideal for:
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Correcting both sagging and volume loss
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Creating more cleavage and fullness
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Balancing proportions after pregnancy or weight loss
Recovery Expectations
Recovery times vary depending on the technique and whether implants are placed. Generally:
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First Week: Rest and limited activity; swelling and soreness are normal
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Weeks 2–4: Gradual return to normal activities; avoid heavy lifting
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Months 2–3: Most swelling resolved, final shape begins to emerge
Choosing the Right Technique for You
Your surgeon will evaluate:
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Degree of sagging (ptosis)
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Skin elasticity and quality
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Areola size and position
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Desired volume and fullness
Selecting the proper technique is crucial for long-lasting, natural results that align with your body’s proportions.
Schedule a Consultation with Beverly Hills California Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kim
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim. Click here to contact us today.
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Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.