Mastopexy or a breast lift is a surgical procedure done by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast for a more youthful look.

You have probably already heard about, or tried the “pencil test” to determine if you need a breast lift. To do the “test”, place a pencil at the breast crease and if the pencil stays in place instead of falling down, the breasts may be droopy enough to need a breast lift. It’s not the approach we use but it is a useful little trick to start.

So. are you a good candidate for a breast lift?

Many things including aging, weight changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetics and even gravity, can cause the breast tissue to lose its elasticity and begin to droop. We call this ptosis. The degree of ptosis is classified according to the position of the nipple.

A nipple at/above the level of the breast fold is where you want it to be, nipple position below the fold where it points downwards is the highest degree of ptosis. But any degree of nipple drooping below the fold may require breast lift.

There are different type of incision for a breast lift: around the nipple, lollipop or anchor scar and the choice depends on how much of a lift is required.

Sscarring after a breast lift is a natural concern but the scar usually fades over time while the new shape remains.