- Dr. Macias has performed + 5,000 breast surgeries
- Performed + 2,400 Breast Lift/ Reductions
- Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Introduction
Lift Sagging Breasts With Breast Lift Surgery
Whether your breasts are sagging due to childbirth, breastfeeding, significant weight loss or fluctuations, or the natural aging process, a breast lift by Dr. Luis Macias in Los Angeles can elevate sagging tissue and restore a firmer, more youthful chest contour.
If you are in the Los Angeles area and want a natural-looking result rather than simply more volume, this page explains who is a good candidate, which breast lift options are available, what benefits and recovery to expect, how the procedure cost is determined, when a lift can be combined with other procedures, and how to take the first step with Dr. Macias to achieve your desired results. Dr. Macias has performed over 5,000 breast procedures, including more than 2,400 surgeries focused on lifting or reducing the breasts.
Patients experiencing breast ptosis, the clinical term for breast sagging, often choose mastopexy because it is a safe, proven way to reshape sagging breasts, improve breast position and proportion, and address changes that can affect comfort, clothing fit, and confidence.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is one of our most popular surgical procedures. If sagging breasts make you uncomfortable and you would like to restore your youthful appearance, our breast lift may be the procedure for you!
Known for his natural results, Dr. Macias will tailor your mastopexy to your specific needs, allowing you to achieve new breasts you will love! During your breast lift surgery, Dr. Macias will:
- Address a drooping or sagging appearance
- Reshape the breast
- Correct asymmetry
- Restore a perky chest
- Reposition breast tissue for improved symmetry and natural shape
- Adjust nipple position for a more proportionate, youthful look
Breast Lift Incisions
Breast Lift Incisions
No single breast lift incision is right for every patient. Dr. Macias selects the incision pattern based on your degree of breast sagging, skin quality, breast size, nipple position, and overall aesthetic goals. Whether your procedure requires a donut, lollipop, or anchor lift, each technique is designed to remove excess skin, reshape the underlying breast tissue, and restore a more youthful breast contour while minimizing visible scarring whenever possible. During your consultation, Dr. Macias will explain which approach is best suited to your anatomy and why.
The anchor lift, also known as the traditional breast lift, is recommended for women with more significant breast sagging or excess skin. This technique uses an incision around the areola, vertically down the breast, and along the breast crease to allow for the greatest degree of reshaping. Dr. Macias carefully lifts and repositions the breast tissue while removing excess skin to restore a firmer, more youthful breast contour with long-lasting support.
The donut lift, also called a peri-areolar lift, is best suited for women with mild breast sagging and minimal excess skin. This technique uses a single-incision pattern around the edge of the areola, allowing Dr. Macias to elevate the breast while subtly minimizing visible scarring. It may also be used to reshape or reduce enlarged areolae for a more balanced appearance. This technique is an excellent option for appropriately selected patients with mild breast sagging who want subtle lifting with minimal scarring.
The lollipop lift, also known as the vertical breast lift, is ideal for women with moderate breast ptosis who require more reshaping than a donut lift can provide. Using an incision around the areola and vertically down the breast, Dr. Macias removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and elevates the nipple to create a youthful, natural-looking contour while limiting scarring compared with a traditional anchor lift.
Breast Lift Basic Facts
- Surgery Time: 2–3 hours, depending on the degree of lift required and whether the procedure is combined with breast augmentation or reduction.
- Anesthesia: Breast lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. When combined with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or a Mommy Makeover, the same anesthesia allows Dr. Macias to complete your customized surgical plan during a single operation.
- Price: Starting at $18,000 — final cost varies based on technique, anesthesia, and surgery center fees. Financing options are available.
- Recovery: Most patients return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Mild discomfort and swelling gradually resolve over the first month.
- Results: Breast lift surgery provides long-lasting improvements in breast shape, position, and symmetry. Results typically last 10–15 years and can be extended with a stable weight and supportive bras. Most patients notice a visible difference immediately, with final results taking 3–6 months to settle.
What Are the Benefits of a Breast Lift?
A breast lift surgery can provide significant benefits for those who are unhappy with the position and shape of their breasts. The most common benefits of the surgery include:
- Lifts the breasts to a perkier, more youthful position
- Firmer breast appearance
- Improved nipple projection improved nipple sensation over time
- Creates a more pleasing shape and balanced breast contour
- Alleviates irritation underneath the breasts
- Increased self-confidence and self-image
- Increased wardrobe options
- Alleviates back pain
- Improved breast skin tone and skin quality following removal of excess skin
Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery
Our clinic often sees women from the Los Angeles area seeking breast lifts to address concerns such as flat, sagging, or drooping breasts, as well as enlarged areolae. These aesthetic concerns can arise from significant weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, the natural aging process, or inherent anatomical traits. During your consultation, Dr. Macias will determine whether a breast lift is the right procedure for your anatomy and goals.
- Women with Sagging or Drooping Breasts – Those who have experienced a loss of breast volume and elasticity, resulting in breasts that appear deflated or have descended lower on the chest. Pendulous breasts and low-hanging breasts are among the most common concerns we treat.
- Mothers – Women who have undergone pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can lead to changes in breast shape and skin laxity, contributing to sagging or drooping. Changes in glandular tissue and breast tissue composition are common after nursing.
- Weight Loss Patients – Individuals who have experienced significant weight loss may experience excess skin and tissue laxity, particularly in the breast area. Removing excess skin is a central component of the breast lift procedure.
- Aging Individuals — As women age, their skin loses elasticity, leading to breast sagging and drooping. Natural aging, along with weight changes, can affect both the skin of the breasts and the underlying breast tissue, making a breast lift an effective way to restore a more youthful appearance.
- Those with Enlarged Areolae – Some women may be unhappy with the size or shape of their areolae, which can be addressed during a breast lift by resizing or reshaping them.
- Women Unhappy with Breast Shape – Those dissatisfied with the shape of their breasts due to genetics or other factors may benefit from a breast lift to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing contour. In some cases, breast implants, including saline breast implants or silicone options, may be recommended alongside a lift to restore lost volume. During consultation, we also discuss realistic expectations so you understand what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
How Do I Prepare for My Breast Lift?
Preparation begins with carefully following Dr. Macias’s personalized pre-operative instructions. Before your procedure, you may be asked to:
- Complete any requested medical evaluations or laboratory testing.
- Avoid certain medications and supplements that may increase bleeding.
- Stop smoking or using nicotine products, as they can interfere with healing.
- Avoid alcohol before surgery as directed.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you during your first night of recovery.
- Prepare a comfortable recovery area with supportive pillows, medications, and any recommended supplies.
- Fill your prescriptions before surgery so they’re ready when you return home.
Following these instructions helps support a smoother recovery and optimal healing.
What to Expect on the Day of Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep throughout the entire experience. To begin, Dr. Macias will use the incision pattern best suited to your anatomy in one of the following locations:
- Donut Lift (Peri-areolar): A circular incision around the areola, ideal for patients with moderate sagging and minimal excess skin
- Lollipop Lift (Vertical Incision): A vertical incision around the areola and down the front of the breast, offering more significant reshaping
- Anchor Lift (Traditional): Around the areola, extending down the front of the breast and along the breast crease, best suited for patients with more pronounced breast ptosis or excess tissue
Breast lift incisions are selected based on the amount of lift required and the patient’s anatomy.
Incision placement is carefully selected based on your degree of breast sagging, breast tissue characteristics, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Macias will enhance your breast contour by elevating and reshaping the breast mound while supporting the surrounding tissue through that opening. If necessary, he will also reposition and resize the nipple and areola and remove excess skin.
In select cases, fat grafting or fat transfer may be incorporated to optimize shape and volume, particularly when there is excess fat elsewhere and lost breast volume in the breasts. Once your youthful chest has been restored, Dr. Macias will carefully close the incision lines to minimize scarring.
Internal Bra Technique
The internal bra technique involves the placement of a scaffold into the lower portion of your breasts to enhance and maintain the results of a breast lift procedure. The scaffold is made from P4HB, a biopolymer that the body absorbs over time. The internal bra is naturally broken down by your body over about two years and replaced with supportive natural collagen. Some of the many benefits include:
- Sustains your results after surgery
- Slows the aging of your breasts by stimulating natural collagen production
- Helps women with inelastic skin to enjoy the results of their breast lift for longer
- Particularly beneficial for patients who want to correct sagging tissue
Dr. Luis Macias, in Marina del Rey and serving the greater Los Angeles area, now offers the internal bra technique in combination with a breast lift surgery.
Combining Your Breast Lift With Other Procedures
Dr. Macias frequently combines breast lift surgery with other breast and body procedures to create balanced, natural-looking results. Addressing multiple concerns in a single surgical plan often yields more comprehensive rejuvenation while allowing a single recovery period.
Breast Augmentation
Many women choose to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation when they want to restore both breast position and lost volume. While a breast lift elevates and reshapes the breasts, implants enhance fullness and upper-pole projection. Together, these procedures create a fuller, more youthful breast contour without sacrificing natural-looking proportions.
Breast Reduction
For women with heavy, overly large breasts, combining a breast lift with breast reduction can improve both comfort and appearance. Removing excess breast tissue while lifting and reshaping the breasts creates a lighter, more proportional silhouette and often relieves discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover frequently includes a breast lift, along with procedures such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or breast augmentation, to address the physical changes that occur after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Combining procedures allows Dr. Macias to restore multiple areas during a single surgical plan while requiring only one recovery period.
How to Begin Your Breast Lift Journey
To begin your cosmetic journey, you will meet with Dr. Macias for a private breast lift consultation and a comprehensive review of your medical history and physical assessment. During this initial meeting, he will answer your questions, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine whether a breast lift is the most appropriate procedure for you.
Using cutting-edge 3D Vectra imaging in our state-of-the-art Marina del Rey office, Dr. Macias will provide you with a clear and accurate representation of your outcome. This system creates a three-dimensional image of your breast, allowing Dr. Macias to make digital alterations. By making these adjustments to the virtual image of your breast, you can more clearly discuss the look you want and the desired outcome.
What to Expect on the Day of Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep throughout the entire experience. To begin, Dr. Macias will create an incision in one of the following locations:
Donut Lift (Peri-areolar) — A circular incision around the areola, ideal for patients with moderate sagging and minimal excess skin
Lollipop Lift (Vertical Incision) — A vertical incision around the areola and down the front of the breast, offering more significant reshaping
Anchor Lift (Traditional) — Around the areola, extending down the front of the breast and along the breast crease, best suited for patients with more pronounced breast ptosis or excess tissue
Incision placement is carefully selected based on your degree of breast sagging, breast tissue characteristics, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Macias will enhance your breast contour by elevating and reshaping the drooping tissue through that opening. If necessary, he will also reposition and resize the nipple and areola and remove excess skin. In select cases, fat grafting or fat transfer may be incorporated to optimize shape and volume. Once your youthful chest has been restored, Dr. Macias will carefully close the incision lines to minimize scarring.
Breast Lift Recovery
Recovery following breast lift surgery typically takes four to six weeks, although every patient’s healing timeline is unique. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected during the first several weeks and gradually improve as your body heals. Dissolvable sutures are commonly used, eliminating the need for suture removal.
Most patients return to light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks, while avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Wearing your supportive surgical bra, maintaining a stable weight, following a healthy lifestyle, and adhering to Dr. Macias’s post-operative instructions all contribute to a smooth recovery and long-lasting results.
As swelling continues to resolve, your breasts will gradually settle into their new position and shape over the following several months. While an improvement is immediately visible after surgery, your final results will continue to refine as healing progresses. During your follow-up visits, Dr. Macias will monitor your recovery and guide you safely through each stage of healing.
6 Tips for a Smooth Breast Lift Recovery
Recovering well after a mastopexy is just as important as the surgery itself. Whether you’re preparing for a breast lift or just finished your breast lift procedure with Dr. Macias, these expert-backed tips will help you heal safely and get the best possible results.
- Wear Your Surgical Bra as Directed
Dr. Macias will provide a supportive surgical bra to wear during the first weeks of recovery. This reduces swelling, minimizes movement, and helps your breasts settle into their new position. Skipping it, even at night, can compromise your results and increase discomfort. This is especially important for patients who have had breast implants placed in combination with their lift. - Sleep on Your Back
For the first 4–6 weeks, sleeping on your back with your upper body slightly elevated is the safest position after a breast lift. It reduces swelling, protects your incisions, and prevents unnecessary pressure on healing breast tissue. Side sleeping should be avoided until your surgeon gives the all-clear. - Avoid Strenuous Activity and Heavy Lifting
Light walking is encouraged in the first few days to promote circulation, but intense cardio, upper-body workouts, and lifting anything over 10 pounds should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Pushing your activity level too soon is one of the most common reasons breast lift patients experience delayed healing or complications. This guidance also applies to patients who have combined their lift with body-contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck. - Keep Incisions Clean and Out of the Sun
Follow Dr. Macias’s wound care instructions carefully, typically keeping incisions clean, dry, and covered in the early weeks. Once healed, protect scars from direct sun exposure for at least a year. UV exposure can permanently darken scars, making them far more visible. SPF 50+ is strongly recommended. Proper care of the breast crease incision area is particularly important for the anchor lift technique. - Stay Hydrated and Eat for Healing
Nutrition plays a bigger role in surgical recovery than most patients expect. Prioritize protein-rich foods (chicken, eggs, legumes), vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers), and zinc (nuts, seeds) to support tissue repair. Avoid alcohol and smoking entirely; both restrict blood flow and dramatically slow healing. Patients recovering from breast reduction surgery or combined procedures should be especially mindful of nutrition during the extended healing process. Weight gain during recovery can also affect your final breast lift results, so maintaining a balanced, stable diet is encouraged. - Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Your post-operative appointments with the Aesthetic MDR team are not optional; they’re where complications are caught early and where your recovery is assessed and guided. Most breast lift patients have check-ins at 1, 3, and 6 weeks post-surgery. These visits also give you the opportunity to ask questions about scar care, activity timelines, loose skin concerns, and long-term results.
The Internal Bra Technique
The internal bra technique involves the placement of a scaffold into the lower portion of your breasts to enhance and maintain the results of a breast lift procedure. The scaffold is made from P4HB, a biopolymer that the body absorbs over time. The internal bra is naturally broken down by your body over about two years and replaced with supportive natural collagen. Some of the many benefits include:
- Sustains your results after surgery
- Slows the aging of your breasts by stimulating natural collagen production
- Helps women with inelastic skin to enjoy the results of their breast lift for longer
- Particularly beneficial for patients who want to correct sagging tissue
Dr. Luis Macias, in Marina del Rey and serving the greater Los Angeles area, now offers the internal bra technique in combination with a breast lift surgery.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in Los Angeles, CA?
The cost of a breast lift in Marina del Rey and Los Angeles can vary depending on the extent of your concerns, the specific techniques Dr. Macias selects, and whether your breast lift surgery is combined with another procedure. The average starting cost for this surgery is $18,000. After completing your physical and medical evaluation, one of Dr. Macias’ expert patient care coordinators will provide personalized pricing at the end of your breast lift consultation.
Our Ethos
Why Choose Dr. Macias?
Dr. Luis Macias is an internationally acclaimed, double-board-certified plastic surgeon celebrated for his consistently natural-looking results in aesthetic plastic surgery. Every breast lift is carefully customized to your anatomy, degree of breast ptosis, and aesthetic goals. By combining meticulous surgical technique with a personalized approach, Dr. Macias helps patients achieve balanced, youthful breast contours that complement their natural proportions.
Furthermore, Dr. Macias holds esteemed memberships in several reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery associations, including the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the California Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS), , and The Rhinoplasty Society. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
Why Patients in Los Angeles Choose Dr. Macias for a Breast Lift
- Dr. Luis Macias has extensive experience treating patients seeking breast rejuvenation, having performed more than 5,000 breast procedures, including over 2,400 breast lifts and breast reductions. His personalized approach to mastopexy focuses on restoring youthful breast shape while preserving natural-looking proportions and long-lasting results.
- He is an active member of prestigious organizations including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Rhinoplasty Society, reflecting his commitment to ongoing education, innovation, and excellence in aesthetic surgery.
- Dr. Macias combines advanced surgical training with meticulous technique to tailor every breast lift to each patient’s anatomy, breast size, skin quality, and desired outcome. Whether performing a donut, lollipop, or anchor lift, he carefully selects the approach that will provide the most balanced outcome while preserving the underlying tissue whenever possible.
- As a double-board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Macias maintains the highest standards of patient safety, ethics, and surgical excellence. His experience spans the full spectrum of breast surgery, from straightforward lifts to complex breast rejuvenation procedures.
- Most importantly, Dr. Macias believes a successful breast lift should restore youthful shape without creating an overdone appearance. Every surgical plan is individualized to deliver elegant, natural-looking results that complement each patient’s body and lifestyle.
Related Articles:
As a leader in the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Macias has written extensively on the topic of breast lifts. Below are a few resources for patients to learn more about the procedure:
Breast Lift FAQ’S
Start your journey with trusted, personalized care.
Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation
If you’re considering a breast lift, Dr. Macias invites you to schedule a private consultation at Aesthetic MdR in Marina del Rey. Patients travel from throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding communities for his personalized approach to breast surgery.