Written by Dr Gerard Ee. Reviewed by Dr Shenthilkumar Naidu and A/Prof Vincent Yeow. Last medically reviewed 7 November 2026.
A breast lift, called mastopexy, raises breasts that have dropped and moves the nipple back to the front of the breast. It removes loose skin and reshapes the breast tissue into a firmer, higher shape. At The Clifford Surgery it is done by plastic surgeons Dr Shenthilkumar Naidu and A/Prof Vincent Yeow as day surgery. A lift on its own does not make the breasts bigger. Adding an implant at the same time does.
Lift With or Without Implants
Day Surgery With a Plastic Surgeon
Three Breast Lift Patterns
Your surgeon chooses the pattern by how far the nipple has dropped. The lower the nipple sits, the more skin needs to be removed and the longer the scar.
Scars are red at first and fade over a year or more. The ones under the breast are hidden in the fold.
| Breast lift pattern | Scar | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Around the areola (periareolar) | A circle around the areola | A small drop, often with a smaller areola wanted |
| Lollipop (vertical) | Around the areola and down to the breast fold | A moderate drop, the most common pattern |
| Anchor (inverted T) | Around the areola, down, and along the fold | A large drop or a lot of loose skin |
Breast lift key points
Lifts the nipple and firms the breast shape
Lift and implants can be done in one operation
- Lifts the nipple and firms the breast shape
- The scar pattern depends on how far the breast has dropped
- A lift does not add size, an implant does
- Lift and implants can be done in one operation
Breast Lift With Implants
Many women who need a lift have also lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss, especially at the top of the breast. Placing a Motiva implant during the lift restores that fullness. This is called augmentation mastopexy.
It is usually done in one operation. When the drop is large, your surgeon may advise doing the lift first and the implant some months later for a more predictable result.
Book a breast lift consultation
Call (65) 6532 2400 or WhatsApp (65) 8318 6332. You do not need a referral.
Recovery After a Breast Lift
A breast lift lasts for years, but pregnancy, weight changes and age will still affect the breasts. Many women wait until they have finished having children.
You go home the same day in a support bra
Soreness and swelling settle over one to two weeks
Most women return to desk work in one to two weeks
Avoid lifting, chest exercise and sleeping on your front for about six weeks
The shape settles over three to six months
Breast Lift Questions
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Many women can, because the nipple usually stays attached to the tissue underneath. Tell your surgeon if you plan to breastfeed.
Will I lose nipple feeling?
Feeling often changes for a few months and usually returns. A lasting change is possible and is explained at consultation.
Should I have a lift, implants or both?
A low nipple needs a lift. Lost volume needs an implant or fat. Many women need both. Your surgeon checks where your nipple sits against the breast fold to decide.
How much does a breast lift cost?
It depends on the pattern and whether an implant is added, so the fee is quoted at consultation.
References
- US Food and Drug Administration. Risks and complications of breast implants. fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants
Compare breast implants, fat transfer and a breast lift, or read the complete breast augmentation guide on The Clifford Clinic site.
