2-3 hours
$9,650+ no implants
$11,500+ with saline implants
$12,850+ with silicone implants
2 weeks Basic
2-4 weeks Full
Our Approach to Breast Lift Surgery
Medically reviewed by Christopher J. Ewart, MD and Michael S. Tarakji, MD, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons — Updated August 2026
The most important breast lift decision happens before surgery: lift alone, implants alone, or both together. Sagging and volume loss are different problems — a lift repositions, an implant restores fullness — and choosing correctly is what separates a natural result from a disappointing one. Both of our board-certified plastic surgeons perform breast lifts with and without implants, and both use 3D imaging at your consultation so you can preview your result with different options before deciding — Dr. Ewart uses Crisalix, which even lets you upload your own photos from home before your visit, and Dr. Tarakji uses Vectra. We will give you an honest recommendation — including when a lift alone is enough and an implant would be overkill.
Risks and How We Minimize Them
Every surgery carries risk, and honest surgeons talk about it. For breast lift, the main trade-off is scarring — the lollipop or anchor pattern is the price of repositioning, and we minimize it with meticulous closure technique and a proactive scar-care protocol (silicone therapy from 3-4 weeks, sun protection for a year). Other risks include temporary nipple or breast numbness, minor asymmetry, and wound-healing problems — the biggest controllable factor being nicotine, which is why we recommend stopping smoking as early as possible (ideally 4-6 weeks before) and require a minimum of 2 weeks nicotine-free. If future breastfeeding matters to you, tell your surgeon — technique choice can preserve the best odds. All procedures are performed in our QUAD A accredited surgical facility.
Common Concerns
- My breast are too small
- I want more fullness
- I’ve lost weight and my breasts have no shape
- My breasts sag and my nipples point downward
- My breasts aren’t symmetrical
- I don’t have enough cleavage
- I want a more appealing figure
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?
A breast lift (mastopexy) raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Breast ptosis (sagging): Nipples that point downward or sit at or below the breast crease
- Lost volume and shape from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging
- Satisfied with breast size: If you want more volume too, a lift with augmentation is common
- Stable weight for 6+ months and done breastfeeding for 3-6 months
- Non-smoker: Smoking dramatically increases risk of wound complications
The “Pencil Test”
Place a pencil under your breast crease. If your breast holds the pencil in place, some ptosis is present. If the nipple drops below the pencil level, a lift would likely benefit you. This is a rough guide — a proper evaluation happens at your consultation.
Lift vs. Augmentation vs. Both
- Lift only: Good volume, sagging position
- Augmentation only: Good position, want more volume
- Lift + augmentation: Sagging AND volume loss — the most common combination for post-pregnancy patients
Breastfeeding After a Lift
Most techniques preserve the ability to breastfeed, though there’s no guarantee. Discuss future plans with your surgeon.
The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.
Do I need a breast lift or just an augmentation… or both?
This is the most common question we receive and also the most important decision to address during your consultation. Let’s make it simple by looking at the flow chart below.
What is breast lift recovery like?
Breast lift recovery is similar to breast augmentation but involves more incisions and tissue rearrangement, so healing takes slightly longer.
Days 1-3: Immediate Post-Op
Moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the breasts. Surgical bra or bandages applied. Pain managed with prescribed medication.
- Sleep propped up at 30-45 degrees on your back
- Avoid raising arms above shoulder height
- Surgical bra worn 24/7 for support
- Short gentle walks encouraged
Week 1: Early Recovery
First follow-up at days 5-7 for incision check. Bruising begins to fade. Most patients transition to OTC pain relief by day 4-5. Return to light desk work by day 5-7 for many patients.
Weeks 2-4: Progressive Healing
Breasts begin settling into their new shape. Swelling decreases noticeably week by week. Light activity increases. No lifting over 10 pounds. Sensation changes (numbness, tingling) are common and expected.
Weeks 5-8: Return to Activity
Most restrictions lifted by week 6. Light exercise resumes. Full exercise including upper body work typically allowed at week 6-8.
Months 3-12: Final Results
Breast shape finalizes by month 3-6. Scars transition from red/pink to lighter tones over 6-18 months. Proactive scar care makes a real difference: begin silicone strips or gel at 3-4 weeks, protect scars from sun for 12 months, and consider scar massage at 6 weeks.
Every patient heals differently — your surgeon will give you personalized guidance at your consultation. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 724-5611.
What types of incisions are made for a Mastopexy?
- Crescent Incision — The least common incision since very little lift can be obtained. It does slightly lift the nipple position and the implants can be placed through the same location if needed.
- Periareolar (Donut) Incision — This incision is hidden along the color change of the areola. The scar can be very discreet in some patients. It can provide several centimeters of lifting to the nipple and also reduce the excess skin of the breast with a small scar. Implants can be placed through this incision as well.
- Vertical (Lollipop) Incision — Probably the most common incision since more lifting can be performed with this incision and more sagging breast skin can be removed. Commonly performed with implant placement for more upper pole fullness.
- Anchor Incision — The most traditional scar that can remove the maximum amount of skin and provide the most lifting if needed. Implants can also be used and placed through the same incisions.
Surgery Details
- Anesthesia:
- General
- Location:
- Augusta Plastic Surgery Center located in Martinez, GA
- ASC Certification:
- AAAASF
- Surgeons:
- Dr. Christopher Ewart and Dr. Michael Tarakji