For women with sufficient breast tissue but significant ptosis after breastfeeding. Mastopexy restores shape and nipple position; abdominoplasty addresses the abdomen. No implants. Operative time 4–5 hours. Recovery 6–8 weeks.
What this combination includes
- Breast lift (mastopexy): Vertical or anchor pattern depending on degree of ptosis. Skin de-epithelialisation, nipple-areolar complex elevation, parenchyma reshaping. Operative time 90–120 minutes within the combined operation.
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Same technique as in other combinations. Skin and fat excision below umbilicus, diastasis repair, umbilical relocation.
- Diastasis recti repair: Continuous internal sutures, integrated with the tummy tuck.
- Liposuction (optional): Often added to the flanks for improved waist contour.
Who is this combination for?
This combination is appropriate for women who:
- Have sufficient breast tissue volume but the breasts have descended after breastfeeding — the nipple now sits at or below the inframammary fold.
- Are happy with their breast volume — they want shape and position restored, not implants.
- Have abdominal skin laxity, often with diastasis recti.
- Want to avoid implants but address their post-pregnancy body changes.
Mastopexy technique selection
Three breast lift techniques are used depending on the degree of ptosis (sagging):
- Vertical (lollipop) mastopexy: Most common for moderate ptosis. Scar around the areola plus a vertical line from areola to inframammary fold. Excellent shape and good scar quality.
- Anchor (Wise pattern) mastopexy: For severe ptosis or significant skin excess. Adds a horizontal scar in the inframammary fold. The most powerful lift technique.
- Periareolar (Benelli): Limited application — only for very mild ptosis. Often inadequate for post-breastfeeding ptosis.
The choice depends on nipple position, skin elasticity, and breast tissue volume. Most post-pregnancy patients require either vertical or anchor.
How the procedure is performed
Total operative time 4–5 hours. The sequence is structured similarly to other mommy makeover combinations:
Tummy tuck with diastasis repair
Performed first while patient is supine. Skin and fat excision, diastasis repair, umbilical relocation. Drains placed.
Breast lift (mastopexy)
Patient repositioned semi-upright. Skin de-epithelialisation according to chosen pattern. Nipple-areolar complex elevated on dermoglandular pedicle. Breast parenchyma reshaped. Skin closure under appropriate tension.
Closure and dressings
Compression abdominal binder and supportive surgical bra applied.
Should I add an implant?
If lift alone produces sufficient volume to fill clothing comfortably, no implant is needed — and the long-term result is significantly more stable without the additional weight of an implant pulling on the lifted tissue. If the breast remains noticeably empty after lifting, a small implant (typically 200–280cc subfascial) restores upper pole fullness — this is the augmentation-mastopexy + tummy tuck combination.
The decision is made during consultation based on volume after lift simulation.
Scars
Lift scars are more extensive than augmentation alone. The trade-off is that lift produces a result that augmentation alone cannot achieve in a ptotic breast. Scars fade over 12–18 months and are well-hidden by clothing, including most swimwear.
Long-term stability
Lifted breasts can re-descend over time, particularly with weight fluctuations or future pregnancy. Maintaining stable weight and avoiding pregnancy after the operation are the two most important factors for long-term result preservation. The structural breast support sutures (internal pillar sutures) help, but skin elasticity is the main long-term determinant.
Recovery
Hospital 1–2 nights. Drains 3–5 days for the abdomen. Compression garment 6 weeks (abdomen), surgical bra 6 weeks (breasts). Walking from day 1, no lifting >5kg for 8 weeks. Lift scars require careful management — silicone tape from week 2, sun avoidance for 12 months. Final shape settles 6–12 months.
For the complete week-by-week protocol see the recovery page.
What's the difference between a breast lift and an augmentation?
A breast lift (mastopexy) repositions and reshapes the existing breast tissue without adding volume. A breast augmentation adds volume with implants without significantly repositioning the breast. They address different problems — sagging vs. emptiness — and are sometimes performed together (augmentation-mastopexy).
Will my breasts be smaller after a lift?
A breast lift does not remove breast tissue (unless reduction is requested separately). The lifted breast may appear smaller because tissue is concentrated higher and tighter, but cup size is generally similar or unchanged.
Do I need an implant?
Not necessarily. Many patients have sufficient breast tissue and only need repositioning. The decision is based on volume assessment during consultation. If volume is acceptable after lift simulation, no implant is added — and long-term stability is better without the additional weight.
Will breastfeeding be possible after a lift?
Most lift techniques preserve the dermoglandular pedicle and do not disconnect the nipple from the underlying tissue. Breastfeeding is generally possible afterwards, although individual outcomes vary. However, mommy makeover is generally recommended after family completion.
How long do lift results last?
Lifted breasts can re-descend over time, particularly with weight fluctuations or future pregnancy. Maintaining stable weight and avoiding pregnancy after the operation are the two most important factors for long-term result preservation. Most patients see well-maintained results 5–10 years post-op.
