PRMA-breast-lift-and-breast-reduction-banner

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Reduction

What Is a Breast Lift and Breast Reduction?

For many women, life’s milestones—pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or simply the passage of time—can leave breasts feeling deflated, sagging, or uncomfortably heavy. 

A breast lift (mastopexy) is often sought when a woman desires to restore youthful shape and lift to her breasts. This procedure removes excess skin, tightens surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipples to create a naturally elevated contour.

A breast reduction, on the other hand, becomes a priority when overly large or heavy breasts cause chronic neck and back pain, skin irritation, or limit physical activity. By removing excess breast tissue, this procedure not only alleviates discomfort but also enhances body proportions, helping women reclaim comfort and confidence.

Schedule Your Consultation
PRMA-what-is-a-breast-lift-and-breast-reduction

Key Information

checkmark-23x23

Breast lifts reshape sagging breasts, remove excess skin, and reposition the nipples.

checkmark-23x23

Breast reductions reduce breast size, alleviate discomfort from heavy breasts, and improve overall body proportion.

checkmark-23x23

Procedure duration is typically 2-4 hours.

checkmark-23x23

General anesthesia is commonly used.

checkmark-23x23

Initial recovery in 1-2 weeks; full results settle over several months.

checkmark-23x23

Return to light activities after 1-2 weeks; avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.

checkmark-23x23

Results can last many years, though natural aging and gravity will continue to affect breast shape.

Learn More

What to Expect During Surgery

During a breast lift, your surgeon will carefully remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to create a natural, uplifted contour. The nipples are repositioned to a higher, more youthful location, and if needed, are resized for balance. While you are comfortably asleep under general anesthesia, precise incisions are made, typically around the areola and possibly down the breast, depending on your unique needs.

The process for breast reduction is similar, but with the additional removal of breast tissue and fat to reduce volume. The remaining tissue is reshaped, and the nipples are repositioned to achieve a natural look that matches your body’s proportions.

Learn More
PRMA-breast-lift-and-breast-reduction-what-to-expect-during-surgery
real prma transformations

Before & After

See real results from women who’ve trusted PRMA with their reconstruction journey.
browse our gallery
Before img-1
Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before img-1
Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before img-1
Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Before img-1
Before img-1
Procedure: Bilateral Mastectomy with Immediate High Definition DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
browse our gallery

Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1:
    During the first week, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. You’ll need to rest and limit physical activity, wearing a surgical bra for support.
  • Week 2:
    Swelling and bruising begin to subside. Many patients feel well enough to return to light activities or work that doesn’t involve lifting or strenuous movement.
  • Week 3:
    Continued improvement in swelling and discomfort. Light walking and gentle movement can help with circulation, but you should still avoid any vigorous exercise or lifting.
  • Week 4:
    By week 4, swelling has significantly reduced, and the breast shape has begun to settle. Most patients can resume more normal activities but should still avoid high-impact exercise or heavy lifting.
surgical-experts2

The Nation’s Destination for
Sensation Restoration

PRMA has transformed breast reconstruction with their revolutionary TruSense® procedure, a proprietary technique that restores breast sensation in qualified patients—giving back not just form, but feeling.
About TruSense®

Am I a Candidate for a Breast Lift or Reduction?

Like any procedure, not everyone is a good fit for a breast lift or breast reduction. Your overall health, goals, and anatomy will all influence whether this surgery is right for you. 

You may be a strong candidate for a breast lift or breast reduction surgery if:

  • You are in good overall health and do not smoke.
  • You experience physical discomfort (e.g., back, neck, or shoulder pain) from large or heavy breasts.
  • You feel self-conscious or dissatisfied with sagging, stretched, or asymmetrical breasts.
  • You have realistic expectations and a positive outlook about the surgery’s outcomes.
  • Your breasts have lost shape or volume due to pregnancy, weight changes, or aging.
  • You are not planning to have more children, as a future pregnancy may affect results.
  • You maintain a stable weight.
  • You do not have underlying medical conditions that could impair healing.
Learn More

Find Your Surgeon

PRMA’s board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons perform over 1,000 DIEP flap procedures every year, making us one of the most experienced breast reconstruction centers in the world. Every surgery is performed by two microsurgeons, enhancing safety, precision, and outcomes—with a flap success rate of over 99%. With more than 15,000 reconstructions performed to date, our team delivers world-class expertise you can trust.
minas-chrysopoulo
Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
Championing Advanced Breast Reconstruction Access Nationwide
gary-arishita
Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
oscar-ochoa
Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
gary-arishita
Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
oscar-ochoa
Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Will Insurance Cover a Breast Lift or Reduction?

A breast lift is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, not covered by insurance. However, coverage may be possible in rare cases if the surgery is combined with other medically necessary procedures.

On the other hand, a breast reduction is often deemed medically necessary when the size of the breasts causes physical symptoms like chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or posture issues. 

PRMA’s team can help guide you through the insurance process and provide the necessary paperwork if breast reduction surgery is deemed medically necessary.

For more information, visit [Insurance FAQs] in the patient resource center.

latissimus-dorsi-preapring-for-surgery

Preparing for Surgery

Many of our patients travel from out of town for a breast lift or breast reduction procedure. Our team will walk you through every step, from pre-op planning to travel arrangements, to ensure a smooth and supported experience.

Learn more about:
Preparing for Surgery
Travel Accomodations

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose nipple sensation after surgery?
While changes in nipple or breast sensation can occur after a breast lift or reduction, complete loss of sensation is rare. Most women notice temporary numbness or tingling, which often improves as nerves heal.
Can I combine a breast lift or reduction with another procedure?
Yes, many women choose to combine a breast lift or reduction with other procedures, such as breast augmentation (implants) or body contouring surgeries. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and achieve a more comprehensive result.
How long do the results of a breast lift or reduction last?
Results are long-lasting, but aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect them over time. By maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras, you can help prolong your results.
Will I need drains after my surgery?
Not always. Drains are sometimes used after breast reduction procedures to help prevent fluid buildup, but they are typically removed within a few days. For breast lifts, drains are less commonly needed.

Take the First Step Toward a New You—Schedule a Consultation

Schedule Your Consultation