What is it and how is it done?
A breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes breasts that have dropped and lost their shape over time. Sagging most often follows pregnancy and breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or the gradual loss of skin elasticity that comes with age; inherited skin quality and breast size also play a part. During the operation, excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped so that it sits higher and more compactly on the chest, and the nipple and areola (the darker skin around the nipple) are moved upwards. An enlarged areola can be reduced in the same operation if needed.
The degree of sagging is judged mainly by where the nipple sits: it may lie level with the fold beneath the breast, below that fold, or at the lowest point of the breast. In some women the nipple stays in place while the breast tissue itself slides below the fold. A breast lift corrects shape and position but does not noticeably add volume. If pregnancy or weight loss has also emptied the breasts, and especially if more fullness in the upper breast is wanted, the lift can be combined with silicone breast implants in the same operation; in some cases two separate stages are advised. In other patients, the breast's own tissue is repositioned upwards to try to create fullness in the upper breast.
The incisions, and therefore the scars, are chosen according to how far the breast has dropped and how much skin needs to be removed. With mild sagging, the only scar runs around the areola. With moderate sagging, a vertical line from the areola down to the breast fold is added, a pattern often called a lollipop scar because of its shape. When sagging is marked and there is a lot of excess skin, a horizontal scar along the fold beneath the breast is added as well, giving an inverted-T (anchor) pattern. The scars are permanent; they usually fade and flatten over about a year and can mostly be hidden by a bra or bikini.
Timing matters if you plan to have children. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can make the breasts sag again, so surgery is preferably planned once your family is complete, a few months after breastfeeding has ended and when your weight is stable. At the consultation with Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı at his practice in Nişantaşı, nipple position, skin quality, breast volume and any asymmetry are assessed; 3D imaging and simulation help when discussing the goal, particularly when implants are part of the plan. A breast ultrasound or mammogram is requested depending on age, and the type of scar to expect is explained clearly before surgery.
What are the aims?
- To reshape the breast tissue so that it sits higher and more compactly on the chest.
- To move the nipple and areola to a higher position on the chest.
- To reduce an enlarged areola where needed.
- To lessen differences in shape and position between the two breasts.
- To add fullness to the upper breast with implants where volume has been lost.
Who is it suitable for?
- People whose breasts have sagged and whose nipples have dropped after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or with age.
- Those who are happy with the size of their breasts but bothered by their shape and position.
- Those whose weight has been stable for at least a few months and who have finished breastfeeding.
- Those with no plans for pregnancy in the near future, or whose family is complete.
- Non-smokers, or smokers who can stop before and after surgery.
- Those who accept that the scars will be permanent and whose expectations are realistic.
When is it postponed or not recommended?
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or a pregnancy planned in the near future; in these cases postponing surgery is advised.
- Ongoing or planned significant weight loss; surgery is scheduled once weight has stabilised.
- Smoking that cannot be stopped, as it can impair blood supply to the nipple and wound healing.
- Uncontrolled diabetes, a bleeding disorder or another health condition that rules out surgery.
- A finding on breast examination or imaging that has not yet been clarified.
Alternatives
- Breast augmentation with implants alone
- With very mild sagging and a well-positioned nipple, an implant can fill the breast and reduce the look of sagging, but it does not correct marked sagging.
- Fat transfer to the breast
- With mild volume loss, injecting your own fat can add some fullness to the upper breast, but it does not lift the breast.
- Non-surgical approach
- A well-fitting supportive bra changes how the breasts look; exercise and creams do not lift sagging breast tissue.
- Postponing surgery
- If a pregnancy is planned, waiting until your family is complete is often the more sensible choice for keeping the result.
The process step by step
- 1
First contact
You can send photos of your breasts and a short description of your concerns by WhatsApp or e-mail, or call the practice. This information gives you a general idea of the options and helps plan the examination; the medical assessment and the decision take place at the examination in Nişantaşı.
- 2
Examination and planning
At the practice in Nişantaşı, Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı assesses nipple position, skin quality and breast volume; whether implants are needed, the scar pattern and, where useful, a 3D simulation are discussed together.
- 3
Preparation for surgery
Blood tests, an age-appropriate breast ultrasound or mammogram and an anaesthesia assessment are carried out; you are told when to stop smoking and certain medications.
- 4
Surgery
Under general anaesthesia, excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped and the nipple is moved upwards; if planned, implants are placed in the same session.
- 5
Early follow-up
Dressings and wounds are checked during the first week; advice on wearing the support bra and on activity limits is updated at each visit.
- 6
Long-term follow-up
Scars and breast shape are checked after a few months and again at one year, with scar-care advice if needed.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
Tightness, swelling and pain in the breasts are at their most noticeable and are controlled with prescribed pain relief. The support bra is worn at all times and you sleep on your back.
Week 1
The first check and dressing change take place. Light daily activities resume; heavy lifting with the arms is avoided.
Week 2
Stitches are removed or dissolve on their own, depending on the method used. Most people return to desk work around this time.
Weeks 4–6
After a check, exercise and heavy lifting are resumed gradually; the support bra may be recommended for a while longer.
Months 3–6
Swelling has largely settled and the breasts soften; breasts that sat high in the first weeks drop slightly into their final position.
Month 12 onwards
Scars continue to fade and flatten, and the breast shape has largely settled.
Risks and possible complications
Every surgical procedure carries risks. Your personal risk is assessed in detail at the consultation.
- Permanent scars; in some people scars may thicken, widen or differ in colour from the surrounding skin.
- Changes in nipple and breast skin sensation; these usually improve over months but can occasionally be permanent.
- Impaired blood supply to the nipple and areola, which can rarely lead to partial or complete tissue loss; smoking increases this risk.
- Delayed wound healing or wound separation, especially where the scars meet.
- Bleeding (haematoma), infection, or firm areas in the breast caused by fat necrosis.
- Asymmetry in shape, size or nipple position between the two breasts.
- Sagging that returns over time, especially with pregnancy or weight change.
- A possible effect on the ability to breastfeed; if implants are used, implant-related risks such as capsular contracture, implant rupture and the very rare BIA-ALCL.
- Risks related to general anaesthesia, and blood clots in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis).
What determines the cost?
The fee for a breast lift depends on the degree of sagging and the technique chosen, whether implants are used, whether the operation is combined with another procedure such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, the length of surgery, the type of anaesthesia and the length of the hospital stay.
Once Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı has examined you, the surgical plan is finalised and you receive a written, itemised quote that states what is included. Photos you send beforehand give a general idea; the medical assessment, the plan and the quote follow the examination.
If you are coming to Istanbul
Patients coming from abroad are advised to plan on staying in Istanbul for about 5–7 days after surgery, during which the first check and dressing change take place. The practice is authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism (certificate no. ST-2365); help with accommodation near the clinic and airport transfer can be arranged through authorised partners. Back home, you stay in touch with the practice by sending photos and messages; if something needs to be examined, a check-up in Istanbul or a visit to a local doctor is arranged. In-person checks are generally advised at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year; the exact dates are set at the first check.
Frequently asked questions
Is a breast lift painful?
A breast lift is performed under general anaesthesia, so you feel no pain during the operation. For the first few days the breasts feel tight, swollen and sore; for most people this is controlled with prescribed pain relief and eases towards the end of the first week. When the lift is combined with implants, particularly implants placed under the muscle, the tightness in the early days can be more pronounced.
How long is the recovery after a breast lift?
Most people return to desk work within 1–2 weeks of a breast lift. Heavy lifting and exercise usually wait for 4–6 weeks, and a support bra is worn throughout this period. Swelling goes down noticeably over the first weeks, while the breasts soften and settle over a few months. The final shape and mature scars usually take 6–12 months, and people with physically demanding jobs may need longer before going back to work.
Does a breast lift leave scars?
A breast lift leaves permanent scars, and their pattern depends on how much the breasts have sagged. Mild sagging leaves a scar only around the areola; moderate sagging adds a vertical line from the areola down to the breast fold; marked sagging adds a further horizontal scar in the fold beneath the breast. Scars may look pink and prominent in the first months, usually fade and flatten within a year, and can mostly be hidden by a bra or bikini.
How long do breast lift results last?
A breast lift reshapes the breasts and raises the nipple, but ageing, gravity, weight changes, pregnancy and breastfeeding continue to affect the breasts over the years. The result can therefore last a long time, but it should not be expected to stay unchanged. Keeping a stable weight, wearing a supportive bra and not smoking all help to preserve it. If the lift was done with implants, the implants also need long-term follow-up.
What is the right age for a breast lift, and how long after giving birth can I have one?
There is no fixed upper age limit for a breast lift; it is planned for healthy adults whose breasts have finished developing. After childbirth, a few months (most often 3–6 months) are usually allowed after breastfeeding ends so that the breasts settle, and weight should be stable. Smoking impairs blood supply to the nipple and wound healing, so it must be stopped before and after surgery. Blood thinners and herbal products must always be mentioned at the consultation.
Can I get pregnant and breastfeed after a breast lift?
Pregnancy is possible after a breast lift, and the operation does not prevent it. However, pregnancy and breastfeeding can enlarge the breasts and make them sag again, which may reduce the effect of the surgery. With most techniques the nipple stays connected to the tissue beneath it, so many people are able to breastfeed, but milk supply and breastfeeding success cannot be predicted with certainty. Those planning a pregnancy soon are usually advised to postpone surgery.
Should a breast lift be combined with implants?
A breast lift does not always need implants; if breast volume is sufficient, a lift alone is performed. If volume has decreased after pregnancy or weight loss, and particularly if more upper-breast fullness is wanted, the lift can be combined with silicone breast implants in the same operation; in some cases a two-stage approach is advised. After childbirth, planning it together with a tummy tuck and liposuction is also possible, although combined surgery means a longer operation and a more demanding recovery. The decision is made at the examination.
Is a non-surgical breast lift possible?
There is no non-surgical method proven to raise markedly sagging breasts and lift the nipple. Chest exercises can support posture but do not lift breast tissue, and creams do not correct sagging. A well-fitting supportive bra changes how the breasts look. For very mild sagging, smaller interventions such as breast augmentation with implants alone or fat transfer for added fullness can be assessed at the examination.
What does the cost of a breast lift depend on?
The cost of a breast lift depends on the degree of sagging and the technique used, whether implants are needed, whether the operation is combined with another procedure, the length of surgery, the type of anaesthesia and the length of the hospital stay. A fixed price before the examination would therefore be misleading. After the consultation with Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı, the plan is finalised and you receive a written, itemised quote that sets out what is included.
I am coming from abroad. How many days should I stay in Istanbul?
Patients who come to Istanbul from abroad for a breast lift are usually advised to stay for 5–7 days after surgery. During this time the first check and dressing change take place, and you are assessed to confirm you are ready to travel. One or two extra days before surgery may be needed for the examination and tests. Follow-up visits are usually advised at 1 month and 6 months, with exact dates set at the first check. In between, you stay in touch with the practice by sending photos and messages; if something needs to be examined, a check-up in Istanbul or a visit to a local doctor is arranged.
Last updated: · Responsible for content: Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı · info@ilkeryazici.com