What is a breast lift?
At a breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure in which excess skin affected by loss of elasticity is removed and the nipple is then lifted. In contrast to breast augmentation or breast reduction the volume of the breast is not changed.
What are the reasons for a breast lift?
As with any cosmetic procedure, the main aim of a breast lift is to optimise the patient's appearance and increase their sense of well-being.
It is normal for breast tissue and skin to lose elasticity over the course of a woman's life, causing the breasts to become saggy and more likely to droop, and this affects every woman to varying degrees. However, there are factors that can accelerate or intensify this process.
Genetics & connective tissue: Genes determine how skin and connective tissue are composed and how much they change due to natural ageing mechanisms. We often talk about „good“ or „bad“ connective tissue - this refers to elasticity and the efficiency of regeneration.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations caused by medication, pregnancy or natural cycles have a significant influence on connective tissue - especially in the breast area. Individual sensitivity to this varies greatly depending on genetics and metabolism.
Size & weight of the breast: The larger and heavier the breasts, the greater the strain on the tissue - which increases the tendency to sag.
Weight fluctuations: Larger or frequent gains and losses put additional strain on the tissue. Women with a „yo-yo“ weight tend to have faster sagging connective tissue.
For whom is a breast lift suitable?
A breast lift is generally suitable for women who suffer from sagging breasts and the resulting change in body image or reduced well-being. The prerequisite is that breast growth is complete; lecturer dr Matiasek usually performs the procedure from the age of 18.
There should be no contraindications such as severe cardiovascular disease or active cancer. Ideally, family planning should be complete, as a new pregnancy/breastfeeding period can influence the result.
Addition: The right time is when your desire and suffering are so great that you want to take the step. If you already want to have children lecturer dr Matiasek to avoid distorting the results.

What do I have to consider before a breast lift?
The first step is a personal meeting. lecturer dr Matiasek discusses your wishes and expectations, checks to what extent these can be realised and creates the best possible individual treatment concept. If you are unsure about the size or a possible combination with augmentation or reduction, he will provide you with comprehensive advice.
Further steps before the operation include an exact 3D measurement of the chest (Vectra, Crisalix) and ultrasound or mammography to assess the breast tissue. Based on the measured values lecturer dr Matiasek the appropriate technique. Risks and possible complications are discussed transparently.
Important directly before the operation:
- Get enough sleep, avoid alcohol and nicotine.
- Arrive for the operation with an empty stomach (last meal ideally the evening before).
- In case of fever or infection please Contact to clarify the feasibility of the project.
Anaesthesia: The operation is performed under general anaesthetic. A few weeks before the procedure, a consultation is held with the anaesthetist to check for contraindications and, if necessary, to adjust medication (e.g. blood thinners).
How does a breast lift off?
Together with his experienced team, he will accompany you lecturer dr Matiasek through the operation. After anaesthesia has been induced, the incision is made according to the chosen technique, excess skin is removed and the nipple is lifted into the desired position. The surgeon ensures the greatest possible symmetry, places wound drains if necessary and sutures the skin. Finally, a support bandage is applied; cardiovascular and respiratory functions are continuously monitored.
What methods are available?
O-tightening (periareolar): Circular incision around the nipple, removal of excess tissue; very favourable scarring, limited lifting effect.
I-tightening (Lejour technique): Two incisions around the nipple, the skin in between is removed and the tissue is „summarised“. Good, fast healing; can be combined well with reduction.
T-tightening: Inverted T: from the lower edge of the areola down to the underbust crease (horizontal component in the crease). Suitable for severe excess skin.
Breast lift according to Hall-Findlay: Usually a T-incision; the glandular tissue is redistributed so that a full cleavage is created and the sensitivity of the nipple is preserved as far as possible. This technique is often favoured.
Combine operations
In the case of very large or greatly reduced volume, a tightening with breast reduction (additional removal of glandular tissue) or with implant for volume replenishment.
Breast lift without surgery
Non-surgical measures can support skin tightening to a certain extent: e.g. targeted training of the large chest muscle and procedures such as Quantum, BodyTite or Morpheus8 – lecturer dr Matiasek will be happy to advise you.
What risks does a breast lift?
As with any surgical procedure, certain risks cannot be completely ruled out despite the utmost care. These include, for example, secondary bleeding, infections, allergic reactions or larger haematomas (rare). Temporary sensory disturbances are possible; permanent numbness is rare. Wound healing disorders occur more frequently with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes or certain immune disorders.
Scars: Scars are basically normal. The visibility can usually be minimised through precise incision and good scar care. As soon as the wound is closed, optimal scar care begins (special wound/scar ointments, regular application).
What do I have to consider before a breast lift?
After the anaesthetic has worn off, you will initially remain in the recovery room; depending on your general condition, an overnight stay for observation is recommended. Drains are usually removed the same morning or the next morning. The support/compression bra should be at least six weeks worn day and night to reduce movement, reduce swelling and stabilise the result.
Do's & Don'ts (first weeks):
- Rest, avoid stress, favour the supine position when sleeping.
- No nicotine/alcohol to promote wound healing.
- No heavy physical exertion or sport in the first six weeks.
- Avoid saunas, steam baths and long baths; short showers are possible from day 14.
Downtime/ability to work: Allow about 5 days of rest. Office work is usually possible again afterwards; take a break from heavy/high-stress work for at least two weeks.
Pain: The sensation of pain is individual. Oral painkillers are often useful in the first few days; as healing progresses, the dose is reduced and discontinued.
When can I see the results of the breast lift?
If the procedure goes smoothly, the compression bra can be removed after around six weeks, at which point an initial impression of the result is possible. A final result can only be expected after several months to a year, as swelling can last longer and the tightened skin will give way again minimally.
Durability: The results are very good, but not „forever“ - natural ageing processes, weight and hormone fluctuations continue to affect the tissue.
Costs & cash registers: The Costs depend on the method and possible combination interventions and are described in the consultation discussed transparently. Statutory health insurance companies do not generally cover aesthetic tightening. Exceptions are possible, e.g. as part of a medically indicated reduction (severe complaints such as chronic back pain) or after massive weight loss with functional problems (e.g. sore skin folds).
Medical qualification, age & repeatability: A mastopexy is performed by specialists in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. The procedure is generally performed from the age of 18; in justified exceptions, with parental consent, it can also be performed from the age of 16. A repeat lift is possible in principle; the feasibility depends on the tissue situation.
Conclusion: A breast lift can significantly improve the appearance of the breasts and boost self-confidence. lecturer dr Matiasek will be happy to advise you personally, answer any questions you may have and help you plan the path to an aesthetically pleasing, self-confident body.








