Sagging breasts are a fact of life for most women—especially when breastfeeding, weight loss, or gravity take their toll—but breast lift surgery (mastopexy) restores your breasts to a more youthful shape and position. But one of the most common concerns my breast lift patients have is what their breast lift scars will look life once they’ve healed.

If worries about breast lift scars are keeping you from seeking a breast lift for perkier breasts, this post is for you. Keep reading to learn more about the surgical techniques I use to minimize scarring and optimize your outcome.

Understanding Breast Lift Surgery Techniques

A breast lift removes excess skin to tighten and raise sagging breasts while restoring the areolas and nipples to a more elevated position. The surgery requires incisions on the breasts to achieve this. However, the extent of your incisions usually depends on the amount of correction needed. I use a variety of breast lift incision types tailored to your physical characteristics and goals. These include:

Crescent breast lift: A crescent moon-shaped incision is made around the top half of the areola to subtly lift the nipple. This is for women with very little sagging.

Vertical breast lift: Sometimes called a “lollipop” incision, this approach uses an incision around the areola and down the breast crease. It is for mild to moderate sagging and is very easily concealed by your natural breast contours.

Inverted T breast lift: Sometimes called an “anchor” lift, the incisions are made in the shape of an anchor around the areola, down the base of the breast, and along the crease. This is commonly used for moderate to severe sagging.

Horizontal breast lift: This is a variation of the inverted T lift without the vertical incision.

I also perform an advanced breast lift technique called the auto augmentation breast lift, which involves repositioning breast tissue to improve fullness and position. It’s also common to combine your breast lift with breast augmentation using breast implants to enhance breast volume, shape, and position.

During your personalized consultation, we’ll discuss the best surgical approach that safely accomplishes your aesthetic goals while minimizing scarring.

Breast Lift Before and After Photos

View our full gallery of breast lift before and after photos to see more images of the degree of scarring you can expect after surgery. Although keep in mind, “after” photos are usually taken within 6 months of surgery, so these women likely saw further improvement in their scars after the photos were taken.

How Long Does It Take for Scars To Fade?

Your scars will gradually fade over 1 to 2 years. Healed breast lift scars look like very thin, faint lines. Scar treatment regimens can also reduce visible scarring.

Taking Steps To Limit Scarring

While inevitable after any type of cosmetic surgery, I do everything possible to minimize scarring so that it is easily concealed by your bra or bathing suit. In addition to employing advanced surgical techniques that reduce your scarring after breast lift, you can proactively take these steps:

• Wear a soft, stretchy bra to support your breasts and minimize tension on your incisions
• Follow your post-op protocol closely
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure
• Promote blood circulation with light movement (i.e., taking gentle walks) during recovery
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Have patience—remember that proper healing is essential to your recovery and results

If you’re ready to explore the types of breast lift surgery available to you at Newman Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, I encourage you to request a one-on-one consultation using our online form or contact us by phone at (914) 423-9000.