A breast lift—clinically referred to as mastopexy—is designed to restore a youthful, elevated breast position by reshaping breast tissue and repositioning the nipple–areola complex. Unlike breast augmentation, a lift does not primarily add volume. Instead, it corrects sagging, improves contour, and re-centers the breast on the chest wall.

Breast lift surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic breast procedures in the U.S., with well over 100,000 mastopexies performed annually. When the correct lift technique is matched to the degree of breast sagging (ptosis), patient satisfaction rates are exceptionally high. The key to success lies in choosing the right lift—not the smallest scar.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?

Breast lift candidates often include women who:
• Have loose or stretched breast skin
• Experience age-related breast descent
• Have had pregnancies or breastfed
• Have lost significant weight (including post–GLP-1 weight loss)
• Are happy with breast size but unhappy with shape or nipple position

A breast lift restores nipple position, improves breast shape, and corrects asymmetry caused by gravity, skin laxity, and tissue deflation.

How Surgeons Decide If You Need a Breast Lift

The need for a breast lift is based on breast ptosis, which is measured by the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold (the natural breast crease).

The Breast Ptosis Classification
Pseudoptosis
• Nipple is at or above the breast crease
• Lower breast tissue hangs below the crease

Grade I (Mild) Ptosis
• Nipple is at or just below the breast creaseGrade II (Moderate) Ptosis
• Nipple sits 1–3 cm below the breast crease

Grade III (Severe) Ptosis
• Nipple is more than 3–4 cm below the crease and points downward

 • Pseudoptosis or Grade I ptosis
→ May be corrected with augmentation alone or a short-scar lift

• Grade II or Grade III ptosis
→ Requires a formal breast lift, with or without implants

Trying to “hide” moderate or severe sagging with implants alone almost always leads to poor shape, early drooping, and revision surgery.⸻

The Three Main Types of Breast Lifts

1. Periareolar (Benelli) Breast Lift

This technique uses a circular incision around the areola only.

Best suited for:
• Grade I ptosis
• 1–2 cm of nipple descent
• Mild asymmetry

Important limitations:
• Primarily removes skin—not breast tissue
• Offers limited lifting power
• Overuse can cause areolar widening, flattening, and scar stretching

When used conservatively and for the right patient, it can be effective—but it is not a powerful lift.

2. Vertical (Lollipop / LeJour) Breast Lift

This approach includes an incision around the areola and a vertical incision down to the breast crease.

Best suited for:
• Grade I to mild Grade II ptosis
• 3–4 cm of nipple descent
• Patients needing better shaping and longevity

Modern refinements:
Dr. Burns often incorporates a short horizontal component hidden in the breast crease, which helps:
• Remove excess lower breast skin
• Prevent bottoming out
• Maintain a youthful nipple-to-fold distance
• Improve long-term shape stability

This technique offers excellent contour with minimal scarring when properly designed.

3. Wise Pattern (Anchor) Breast Lift

This technique uses three incisions:
• Around the areola
• Vertically down the breast
• Horizontally within the breast crease

Best suited for:
• Moderate to severe ptosis
• More than 4 cm of nipple descent
• Significant skin excess or deflation

Advantages:
• Most powerful reshaping technique
• Best long-term control of breast shape
• Most reliable correction for advanced sagging

While it involves more scarring, the scars are strategically placed and well hidden. For severe ptosis, this technique delivers the most durable and natural-looking result.

If you’re wondering what kind of breast lift you need, the most important step is a personalized consultation. Dr. Burns will evaluate your breast anatomy, degree of ptosis, skin quality, and goals to design the safest and most effective surgical plan.

📍 Dallas, Texas
📞 Call or text to schedule
🌐 Request your complimentary consultation online

A thoughtfully planned breast lift doesn’t just elevate the breast—it restores balance, confidence, and timeless shape.