The ultimate guide to Breast Lift

Last fact-checked: 25 November 2021

Discover how you can save thousands on breast lift surgery at one of Medical Departures' verified clinics across the world, with top destinations for high-quality, affordable care including Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Philippines.

This guide contains everything you need to know about undergoing this popular type of cosmetic surgery abroad, including what the procedure entails, who it’s for, pre- and post-surgery considerations, verified global clinics, price comparisons and more handy information.

What’s more, you can book a free appointment at any of our partner facilities for free, which means no upfront charges and no cancellation fees up to 24 hours before your appointment.

What Is a Breast Lift?

Also known as mastopexy, this cosmetic surgery lifts the breasts, restoring a more youthful shape for patients.

With the removal of excess skin, light liposuction and subtle restructuring of the muscle, the breasts appear rounder and perkier, without the need to add volume.

It is, however, often performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation (silicone or saline implants) to increase size or a breast reduction for those wanting to shift weight instead of gain it.

Am I Suitable for a Breast Lift?

Pregnancy, weight fluctuation, aging and genetics all play a part in changing the shape of your breasts; if you are unhappy with yours and want to take action, then a breast lift may be the answer.

You may be a suitable candidate if:

• Your breasts lack firmness

• They are of a different size

• They are relatively small naturally

• You are not breastfeeding

• You don’t intend to become pregnant in the next few years

• You are recovering from any other surgery.

It is also important for you to be in generally good health, have realistic expectations and a positive attitude going into the surgery.

Note: To confirm your suitability for a breast lift (before flying potentially thousands of miles away from home), book a consultation with your local GP or contact Medical Departures; our team can put you in touch with global surgeons who can provide an initial e-consultation via Skype or Zoom. If the surgery is not right for you, you won’t pay a penny.

Credit: Bellaplast Clinic Turkey

How to Prepare for Breast Lift Surgery?

Your doctor will provide you with all the information you need to know but as a general rule, you will be asked to do the following in advance of your surgery:

• Avoid drugs such as aspirin (which may cause an increase in bleeding)

• Stop smoking, to avoid complications and promote healthy blood flow

• Maintain a healthy diet to boost your body’s nutrient levels to help the healing process

After your breast lift surgery you will need to make sure:

• Someone is available to pick you up as you won’t be able to drive; this can be private transportation if you are in a foreign country.

• If required, you'll want a support system at home to help look after the kids for a week and do cleaning, laundry and housework for around two weeks. This is where a recuperative stay abroad can really help.

• You get proper rest and sleep on your back in an inclined position as advised by your surgeon.

What Does the Breast Lift Procedure Entail?

The surgery for a breast lift can be performed in a number of ways. Typically, loose, excess skin and breast tissue are removed via a series of incisions together with liposuction, which can be applied to remove a minimal amount of fat.

The areola (the dark area around the nipple) may be moved to a position higher up on the breast for a more natural look.

As breast tissue is removed, it is often done in conjunction with a breast implant to enhance the shape and size of the breasts.

Types of incision and breast lift variations:

Depending on your particular breast size, shape and amount of lift needed, a number of different lift options are available:

• A full breast lift uses the “Anchor-Pattern” incision method, allowing for more dramatic modifications. As the most common method, this involves an incision made around the areola, another along a portion of the infra-mammary fold (IMF), and a final vertical incision connecting them. Once the excess skin is removed, the incisions are closed in a way to improve shape, fullness and elevation.

• A periareolar lift, also known as a crescent lift, uses a crescent-shaped incision to remove a small portion of the tissue.

• A circumareolar lift (Benelli breast lift, or donut lift) involves a donut-shaped incision being made around the perimeter of the areola.

• A circumvertical lift (lollipop lift, vertical scar) uses an incision around the areola, and then vertically down to the infra-mammary fold.

Every person’s body—and the results they seek—are different, so talk with your surgeon to determine which option in Turkey would work best for you.

How long will the surgery take?

Depending on the method used, the whole procedure can take between one and three hours to complete.

The entire process will take the best part of one day; before surgery, you will spend time with the surgeon to discuss the procedure. You will then meet with an accredited anesthesiologist who will formulate an appropriate anaesthesia plan (normally of the general variety, meaning patients are fully sedated for the entire procedure).

Following surgery, you will need to rest in the surgical facility (or hospital) for a few hours, with the team monitoring your condition before allowing you to leave later in the day.

Click here for more in-depth information about breast lift surgery.

How Long Is the Recovery Time After a Breast Lift?

Regarding this question, it is worth noting the following:

• You are likely to have some pain after the anesthetic has worn off, and you can expect to be bandaged and may have surgical drains.

• You will be encouraged to move around and get out of bed the day after surgery as this will help promote healing.

• It will take several days before you can get around comfortably and you will be told to avoid bending, lifting and straining.

• Most people are able to return to work after a week, depending on your job requirements. You will need to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least two weeks.

• Stitches may be removed gradually over three weeks, commencing the first week after surgery (which can be done once you are back home if necessary).

• After several weeks, you should be able to recommence most normal activities, although it could take up to six months before you are fully healed, inside and out.

What Does a Breast Lift Cost Abroad?

This depends on where you go and whether you have a breast augmentation or reduction at the same time.

Generally, most people save at least 50% when booking with Medical Departures at a clinic abroad, but in some cases, you can save up to 70%.

Take a look at the below table displaying average breast lift price estimates in four of our most popular destinations for cosmetic surgery. Price equivalents are given in US dollar, pounds sterling and euro.

Note: These prices are estimated at the time of writing; check our individual clinic listing pages for up-to-date figures or connect with a Medical Departures representative who can provide you with a personalized quote.

Best Breast Lift Clinics Listed with Medical Departures

 See below the top-rated clinics and hospitals that have been handpicked from our network of over 300 breast lift providers around the world:

Mexico

• Panama Plastic Surgery (Cancun)

• Marroquin and Sandoval - Los Cabos

• Juan Gordillo (Guadalajara)

>> All beast lift clinics in Mexico

Turkey

• Istanbul Aesthetic Center (Istanbul)

• Estetik International (Istanbul)

• Estherian Clinic (Istanbul)

>> All beast lift clinics in Turkey

Thailand

• Asia Cosmetic Hospital (Bangkok)

• Milada Cosmetic Surgery Hospital (Bangkok)

• Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute (Phuket)

>> All breast lift clinics in Thailand

Other useful links:

• Breast lift surgeons in Malaysia

• Breast lift surgeons in Costa Rica

• Breast lift surgeons in South Korea

• Breast lift surgeons in Colombia

Getting Started with Medical Departures

Browse through our top-rated clinics around the world for your breast lift surgery and book your free appointment directly through our site.

You can also connect with the Medical Departures Customer Care Team if you have any questions or need help with your booking. Get in touch via phone, email, online chat or ping us a message on social media.

When booking with us, you can take advantage of our Best Price Guarantee, with no upfront charges when you book any type of surgery—anywhere in the world.

Sources:

Breast Lift Surgery. WebMD. 20 January 2020. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/mastopexy-breast-lifting-procedures#1

Breast Lift. Mayo Clinic. 21 July 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-lift/about/pac-20393218

Craven, Cameron MD, The five factors of breast augmentation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 29 July 2016. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/the-five-factors-of-breast-augmentation

Why you should quit smoking before having surgery. The Truth Initiative. 6 March 2017. https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/harmful-effects-tobacco/why-you-should-quit-smoking-having-surgery

Breast Lift. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed 20 November 2021. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/procedure

Whitlock, Jennifer, RN, MSN, FN. 10 Ways To Improve Your Recovery After Surgery. Very Well Health. February 2021. https://www.verywellhealth.com/post-surgery-recovery-tips-and-guide-3156833