A breast lift or boob lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure, which lifts, tightens and shapes excess skin from breasts. The procedure can be performed on women of all ages and can be done in conjunction with breast implants and/or areola reduction. The surgical goal of breast lift surgery is to lift the shape and position of the breasts, resulting in a lifted, higher breast position. The procedure can be performed on women who are in good health. It’s suitable for women who have experienced changes in their breasts due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, weight gain or loss of skin elasticity.

During the breast lift consultation, Gold Coast Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Doyle will consider factors such as the patient’s skin elasticity, breast size and shape, and overall health to determine the best surgery technique for the procedure. It’s important for the patient to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery and to carefully consider the risks and surgical benefits before proceeding with the surgery. It’s also important to choose a qualified, specialist plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.

Dr Mark Doyle is a senior specialist plastic surgeon located on the Gold Coast in Queensland with over 30 years of experience. He offers breast lift surgery to patients from all around Brisbane, Gold Coast and Northern NSW. He commonly performs breast lift surgery at John Flynn Private Hospital on the Gold Coast near the Gold Coast International Airport.

A Good Candidate For Breast Lift Surgery

A good candidate for breast lift surgery is typically a woman who wishes to reduce the amount of loose, excess skin on her breasts. This can be due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations.

If you’re at a stable weight, a healthy non-smoker and prefer to change the position, shape and/or volume of your breasts, breast lift surgery may be a suitable option for you. You may consider surgery if you:

• Prefer fuller, higher breasts
• Are interested in lifting the nipple position and removing loose, excess skin from your breasts
• Satisfied with your current size of breasts, but prefer for them to be firmer

Benefits of Breast Lift Surgery

• Nipple lift to correct downward pointing nipples
• Excess, loose breast skin is reduced and removed
• Firmer and higher breasts
• Breast tissue volume is moved from the lower to upper breast, tightened and lifted
• Breast asymmetry correction (mammoplasty)

Download the Breast Lift Surgery Guide

Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery is a procedure that lifts the breast to a higher and firmer position on the chest. This surgery also reduces and repositions the nipples to a higher point on the breasts. The goal of this surgery is to lift the breasts and reduce the excess skin. Breast lift surgery can increase the volume and projection of the upper breast pole tissue, by moving the breast tissues from the lower breast pole and evenly distributing it to the areas of the breast that have lessor breast tissue. Furthermore, this allows for volume and projection without the need for breast implants.

Breast Lift Incisions

The breast lift procedure generally involves making incisions on the breast. Incisions will be used to remove excess skin and shape the breast tissue. The location of the incisions will depend on the type of breast lift being performed.

There are different types of incisions for the procedure:

• Crescent Lift: An incision is made at the top of the areola, used for minimal breast ptosis.
• Donut Lift or periareolar lift: An incision is made around the nipple and areola, it’s used for minimal breast ptosis or slight lift.
• Lollipop Lift or circumvertical lift: An incision is made around the areola and down the centre of the breast. This is the most common incision type for a standard breast lift procedure.
• Anchor Lift or traditional lift: The surgeon will make an incision around the areola, extending down the breast and along the crease of the breast. This incision is used for moderate to severe breast ptosis and is the most common incision type for a standard breast reduction (or a large breast lift).

“My preferred surgical technique is a lollipop incision for patients requiring a breast lift with or without breast augmentation,” says Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Doyle.

The most suitable incision for you will be determined at your initial consultation and consideration of your preferred surgery results.

Breast Lift Surgical Techniques

The selected breast lift techniques will depend on the type of breast lift being performed. The procedure involves removing excess skin and shaping the breast tissue to create an uplifted formation. The areola and nipple may also be repositioned, if necessary. After the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures. Breasts will be wrapped in a surgical bandage and a compression bra to aid in healing.
It’s important to know breast lift surgery does not increase the size of the breasts. Instead focuses on shaping and lifting the breasts. In some cases, patients may choose to combine the breast lift procedure with breast implants and/or areola reduction for optimal results.

Breast Lift Before and After

Disclaimer: All information on the Gold Coast Plastic Surgery website is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Results can vary significantly and depend on individual patient circumstances. Please be aware that the outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not necessarily reflect the results others may experience. Individual results can vary due to many factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise. All images on this website, unless specified as real patient images, are graphics used for illustrative purposes only. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your surgeon. Book a consult for details regarding your cosmetic surgery procedure.

View All Breast Lift Before and After photos

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Consultation with a Surgeon

Before the surgery, patients will have a consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to discuss their surgery goals, any medical conditions or allergies, and previous surgeries. Dr Doyle will also review the patient’s medical history, medications, and current health status. He will explain the different types of breast lift procedures and incisions, as well as the risks and benefits of the surgery. Patients will have the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns they may have.

Instructions for Preparing for Surgery

Once the patient has decided to proceed with the surgery and the date is scheduled, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Doyle will provide instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. These instructions may include:

• Stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Avoiding smoking or alcohol consumption.
• Losing weight if required.
• Obtaining lab tests or a medical clearance from a primary care physician.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for 1 – 2 days.
• Discussing the need for post-operative care and arranging for help if required
• Following the surgeon’s specific surgery care instructions regarding diet, exercise, and other activities in the weeks leading up to the surgery.

The patient needs to follow these instructions precisely, to ensure the most suitable surgery outcome and for optimal surgery recovery.

Breast Lift Procedure

Dr Doyle performs the breast lift surgical procedure by carefully trimming away excess skin and tissue. He then skillfully tightens and lifts the remaining skin around the newly shaped breast. He also takes great care in repositioning the nipples to construct the preferred result. After the surgery, patients will be moved to a recovery room under Dr Doyle’s care and will be able to go home after a few hours.

A surgeon can perform a mastopexy (boob lift) in combination with breast augmentation, using implants to add volume to the breasts. Breast lift surgery with implants allows patients to achieve both lift and volume in one surgery, creating a more rounded overall breast shape.

Breast Lift Recovery

The recovery period following a mastopexy (boob lift) typically involves some swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Although most patients can return to work and normal activities within 1 – 3 weeks. Dr Doyle will provide instructions on how to manage pain and swelling, and will usually prescribe medication to help with these symptoms. The breasts will be wrapped in a surgical bandage immediately following the surgery. Patients are required to wear a compression bra for a period of time post-surgery. The bandages and sutures will be removed after 7 days, and the surgeon will provide instructions for post-surgery care and follow-up appointments. It’s vital that the instructions are followed. This includes:

• Keeping the incision site clean and dry.
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
• Wearing a supportive bra.
• Following a healthy diet and exercise routine.
• Avoiding smoking.
• Avoiding sun exposure.
• Attending post-surgery appointments with the surgeon.

Risks and Complications

Breast lift surgery, like any other surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. These can include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Asymmetry
• Changes in nipple sensation or loss of sensation
• Possible complications breastfeeding

It’s important to discuss these potential risks and complications with your surgeon and how to minimise risks during the consultation.

It is important to note that breastfeeding after a breast lift is not an issue for most women, although some women may experience challenges with breastfeeding after breast lift surgery. It is best to discuss this possibility with your surgeon and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

Breast Lift Costs Australia

Understanding the cost factors and potential insurance coverage for breast lift surgery is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects to consider:

Breast Lift Medicare

Breast lift Medicare rebate may not typically be available since it can be considered a cosmetic procedure. Medicare rebates are usually reserved for surgeries deemed medically necessary to address specific health conditions. However, it is recommended to contact Medicare directly to inquire about any potential rebates or coverage options that may be available in exceptional cases.

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast lift surgery can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Type of Procedure:

Breast Implant Removal and Lift: Starting from $23,480.

Breast Lift and Augmentation: Starting from $22,550.

• Surgeon’s Experience: Experienced senior specialist plastic surgeons may charge higher fees.
• Hospital Fees: These fees cover the use of the operating room, nursing staff, and related services.
• Anesthesia Fees: The cost of anesthesia services provided by an anaesthetist.
• Additional Services or Tests: Any required pre-operative tests, post-operative garments, or follow-up consultations.

To receive an accurate cost estimate for your breast lift surgery, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your unique case and provide a personalised cost breakdown based on your specific needs and the required procedures.

Book a Consultation

To learn more about breast lift surgery, or to book a consultation, please contact our clinic today. Dr Doyle is an experienced specialist plastic surgeon who specialises in breast lift surgery on the Gold Coast. He offers breast lift surgery to all patients in Gold Coast and Brisbane and will work closely with you to help you achieve your surgery goals.