Key Points
- Corrects breast sagging (ptosis) with or without volume changes
- Option to add implants or reduce breast volume for enhanced shape
- Commonly recommended after significant weight loss or pregnancy
- Can be combined with fat grafting (lipofilling) for natural enhancement
What Is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to elevate the areola and restore a more youthful and harmonious breast contour.
Breast ptosis, or sagging, often develops after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations. Various techniques are available to reshape the breast depending on your anatomy and goals. In some cases, implants or fat grafting may be recommended to restore volume.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
- For moderate sagging, a small volume increase using implants or fat can provide a lifting effect without additional scarring.
- If no volume enhancement is desired, the breast can be reshaped with a scar around the areola (round-block technique).
- For moderate to severe sagging, additional incisions may be necessary:
- Vertical scar: for moderate ptosis
- Inverted T scar: for more significant sagging
How the Procedure Works
- If there’s a family history of breast cancer, a mammogram and ultrasound may be required.
- If fat transfer (lipofilling) is planned, a pre-op breast MRI is mandatory.
- The surgery is performed under general anesthesia after a required pre-anesthetic consultation (min. 48 hours prior).
- Usually involves one overnight stay (admission at 1 PM, discharge at 11 AM the next day).
- The surgery is not very painful, but a recovery period of 5 to 7 days off work is advised.
🔍 Note: This procedure is distinct from tuberous breast correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential complications?
- Changes in areola or nipple sensitivity are the most common post-op issue
- Hematomas (bleeding) are rare but may require prompt intervention
- In cases where an implant is also placed, there’s a very small risk of infection
I only want to enhance my cleavage—what are my options?
If your goal is simply to add upper breast fullness without a major lift:
- Round implants may not be ideal, as they can exaggerate ptosis by tilting the nipple downward
- Ergonomic implants with more lower projection can lift the breast naturally
- Fat grafting to the upper pole is a great option for a more discreet, natural enhancement—especially when avoiding foreign materials or major scarring
What is the cost of a breast lift?
- Without implants: €6,500–€8,000
- With silicone implants: €7,500–€9,000
- With fat transfer (including liposuction): €7,500–€9,000
Is a breast lift reimbursed by health insurance?
In most cases, no. Breast lifts are considered cosmetic procedures.
However, partial coverage is possible when combined with:
- A breast reduction (≥300g removed per breast)
- A malformation (e.g., tuberous breasts or severe asymmetry)
In these cases, your surgeon must submit a prior authorization request to the French Assurance Maladie.
Will my mutual insurance cover the remaining costs?
If your breast lift is partially reimbursed by Assurance Maladie, any additional fees may be covered by your mutuelle (supplementary health insurance) depending on your plan.
It’s highly recommended to speak with both your surgeon and insurance provider in advance to understand your financial responsibilities.
Before and After: Breast Lift Results
View real patient results from breast lift surgeries performed by Dr. Benjoar and Dr. Berdah, expert plastic surgeons in Paris.
