Balance restored to sagging breastsA breast lift designed in fine detail
Breast Lift (Mastopexy · Correction of Sagging Breasts)
A breast lift removes stretched skin and raises the breast tissue and nipple position to correct sagging breasts; the incision pattern depends on the degree of sagging.
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Overview
The problem with sagging breasts is position, not size. The nipple sits level with the inframammary fold or below it, and the breast tissue gathers toward the bottom so the upper part looks empty. In this state, adding volume does not raise the nipple, so when sagging is the main problem, a lift comes first. A breast lift tidies the stretched skin and repositions the breast tissue to move the nipple and areola to the right position.
What decides the result of this surgery is the choice of incision pattern. Depending on the degree of sagging, the amount and elasticity of the skin, the amount of breast tissue, the size of the areola, differences between the two sides and the volume you want, we choose one of the periareolar, vertical or inverted-T incisions, and plan an implant or fat grafting alongside when needed. Dr. Juyoung Go has lectured on choosing the incision pattern in breast lifts and on augmentation mastopexy at the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, APS Korea and the Seoul Breast Meeting since 2020; the details are collected under Related research at the bottom of this page.
The length of the scar is set by the incision pattern. A smaller incision means a shorter scar, but it also means less skin can be tidied, and an incision cut too short for the degree of sagging leads to a widened areola or renewed sagging at the bottom. At Atelier Plastic Surgery we decide together at consultation where to place the weight between the length of the scar and the degree of correction, and plan the surgery after checking the expected shape in a 3D simulation.
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Recommended for
Breasts that sag and look empty at the top after childbirth and breastfeeding
Breasts that have drooped because the skin stretched after weight loss
A nipple that sits level with or below the inframammary fold (breast ptosis)
An areola that has stretched, enlarged and points downward
Asymmetry from a different degree of sagging on each side
Sagging together with a lack of volume, when you want a lift and augmentation at the same time
Skin that has stretched again over time after a previous augmentation
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Surgery & treatment methods
01
Periareolar incision lift
A circular incision is made along the edge of the areola, the skin outside it is removed in a doughnut shape, and the areola is moved upward and closed. The scar sits on the border of the areola, where it is less noticeable, and an enlarged areola can be reduced at the same time. However, the height to which the nipple can be raised and the amount of skin that can be tidied are limited, so applying it to breasts with pronounced sagging may cause the areola to widen again or the breast to flatten.
Suited for · Mild sagging when the areola size also needs adjusting
This adds a vertical incision running down from the areola to the periareolar incision. Breast tissue that has gathered at the bottom is brought up and secured to create projection, and the stretched skin is tidied in the vertical direction. No incision is made in the inframammary fold, and for moderate sagging this pattern balances shape and scar well. Dr. Juyoung Go demonstrated this method in live surgery at the Busan Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium.
Suited for · Moderate sagging where the nipple needs to be raised well and the lower volume gathered
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Inverted-T incision lift
This pattern adds a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold to the periareolar and vertical incisions. Because skin can be tidied in three directions, the nipple position and breast shape can be corrected together even when there is a lot of stretched skin and pronounced sagging. The scar is longer, but the scar in the fold is hidden within the bra line. This is also the pattern mainly used when a breast reduction is done at the same time.
Suited for · Pronounced sagging or a lot of stretched skin, or when combined with reduction
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Augmentation mastopexy (lift + implant or fat grafting)
When sagging and a lack of volume are present together, the lift and augmentation are done in one surgery. Because a lift reduces skin while augmentation stretches it, two opposing forces are being handled, so the size and plane of the implant, the incision pattern and the tension on the tissue must be designed together. Atelier Plastic Surgery places the implant in the subfascial plane, an approach that creates projection with less volume. When fat grafting is chosen, volume is added mainly to the upper breast.
Suited for · Sagging with a lack of upper volume, or sagging after implant augmentation
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Reduction mastopexy
For large, sagging breasts, a lift alone leaves the weight unchanged. In this case we plan a reduction mastopexy, which removes part of the breast tissue to reduce size and weight while raising the nipple and areola. Details are on the breast reduction page.
Suited for · Large, heavy, sagging breasts where you also want the size reduced
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Illustrations & photos
Surgical design · Detailed design · Right after surgeryBefore · 6 months after surgerySurgical design · Right after · 6 months after surgeryDr. Juyoung Go lecturing on mastopexy at a plastic surgery training course
Surgical designs and results are drawings based on photos; results vary by individual.
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Key facts
Surgery time
About 2–3 hours (about 3–4 hours when combined with augmentation or reduction)
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
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Atelier Plastic Surgery's approach
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The degree of sagging decides the incision pattern
We first check where the nipple sits relative to the inframammary fold, how far the breast tissue has descended, and how much elasticity and excess the skin has. Based on that, we choose only as much incision as is needed from among the periareolar, vertical and inverted-T patterns. Choosing a pattern that does not match the sagging in order to reduce the scar produces a result that does not last.
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We decide the trade-off between scar and extent of correction together
A short scar and sufficient correction do not point in the same direction. Where to place the weight depends on your priorities, so at consultation we show you plainly where and how much scar each pattern leaves, and what you gain in return.
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When volume is needed, we design the lift and augmentation together
The key to doing a lift and augmentation at once is distributing the tension placed on the tissue. The implant is placed in the subfascial plane to preserve the natural movement of the tissue, and projection is created with less volume so the skin is not overloaded. Dr. Juyoung Go has lectured on this subject at conferences in Korea and abroad and has performed live surgery.
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We plan for the sagging that comes later
Years after a lift, the skin can stretch again and the implant or breast tissue can descend, a late skin sagging. We consider skin quality, implant weight and the method of internal support from the outset and design the surgery to reduce these changes, and we continue to check your progress regularly after surgery.
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After surgery
Day of surgery
After waking from general anesthesia, you rest in a private recovery room. A drain is placed if needed, and you wear a compression bra. Depending on your condition, you are discharged the same day or stay one night.
Days 1–3
The breasts feel tight and stiff, with swelling. Take the prescribed medication and avoid raising your arms high above your shoulders. If a drain was placed, it is removed during this period.
Week 1
At the first visit we check the wounds and the blood supply to the nipple and areola. Light showering is possible with a waterproof dressing, and most daily activities such as seated work and short outings are possible.
Week 2
Stitches are removed and scar care begins. The scars are protected with tape or a silicone product, and you continue to wear the support bra. Lifting heavy objects is still avoided.
Months 1–2
Much of the swelling subsides and the breast shape begins to settle. You can start light aerobic exercise; exercises that use the chest muscles resume after a check at your visit.
Months 3–6
The redness of the scars fades and the shape stabilizes. Laser scar care is added as needed. The final shape generally takes 6 months to 1 year to complete, varying by individual.
Recovery care and the aftercare schedule are described in the Safety Care System. Safety Care System
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Side effects · Precautions
A breast lift involves a wide area of incision, and the following side effects and complications may occur: bleeding and hematoma; infection; seroma; wound dehiscence, where the closure opens (particularly at the junction of an inverted-T incision); reduced or heightened sensation in the nipple and areola (usually recovering over several months, though it may persist in some cases); impaired blood supply to the nipple and areola (rarely, partial or complete necrosis); hypertrophic scars or keloids; widening of the periareolar scar; distortion of the areola shape; asymmetry; fat necrosis; changes in the ability to breastfeed; renewed sagging over time (affected by weight changes, pregnancy and aging); capsular contracture, rippling and implant malposition when an implant is placed at the same time; and the possibility of revision surgery. Smoking affects wound healing and the blood supply to the nipple, so you must stop smoking before and after surgery. Results vary with your skin condition and the amount of tissue, and we explain the risks that apply to you fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
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Related research
ConferenceSpeaker
Mastopexy Decision Making: Choosing the Right Incision Pattern for Your Patient
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Korea (APS Korea) 2026 · Breast 3 Session · 2026.04.12 · Seoul Dragon City
A lecture on the criteria for choosing the incision pattern by the degree of sagging and the condition of the tissue
ConferenceSpeaker
How to Choose Skin Resection Patterns in Various Mastopexy
Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, 80th Congress (PRS Korea) · 2022.11 · Seoul
How to choose the skin resection pattern in different types of breast lift
ConferenceSpeaker
Surgical Planning for Various Types of Breast Ptosis
Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, 78th Congress · 2020.11 · Online
Busan Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium (BAPS) · 2023.10 · Busan
Live surgery demonstration of a vertical incision lift
ConferenceSpeaker
Concepts and Strategies in Augmentation Mastopexy
PRS Korea 2025 (Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons) · 2025.11.09 · Seoul
Concepts and strategies for performing lift and augmentation at the same time through a subfascial approach
ConferenceSpeaker
Advantages of the Subfascial Plane in Augmentation Mastopexy — Optimal Projection with Less Volume
Satellite Symposium · Live Surgery · 2025.11.06 · Chengdu, China
Lecture delivered while performing live surgery
ConferenceSpeaker
Subfascial Breast Augmentation and Mastopexy — Pocket Design · Incision Choice · Distribution of Tissue Tension
Korea–China Physicians' Breast Surgery Roundtable · 2025.07.30 · Atelier Plastic Surgery, Seoul
Lecture for physicians from abroad
ConferenceSpeaker
Subfascial Approach Surgery — Primary and Revision Cases
Invited lecture for visiting physicians from abroad (Guangzhou, Wuhan, Hefei and Fuzhou, China) · 2025.11.28 · Atelier Plastic Surgery, Seoul
Selecting the approach by anatomical characteristics and managing complications
ConferenceSpeaker
Augmentation Mastopexy; Late Envelope Failures
Seoul Breast Meeting 2026 · Video Session: Complication Prevention & Management in Aesthetic Breast Surgery · 2026.07.12 · Maria Hall, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul
Prevention and management of skin sagging that develops over time after augmentation mastopexy
ConferenceSpeaker
Tailoring Skin Resection Patterns to Patient Needs in Reduction Mammoplasty
Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Daegu–Gyeongbuk Chapter Symposium · 2025.03
How to choose the skin resection pattern for each patient in reduction surgery
Each treatment page lists the items relevant to it; the full list is on the Academic Activities page.View all academic activities
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FAQ
Q1Where will the scars be, and how long?
It depends on the incision pattern. A periareolar incision leaves a scar on the border of the areola; a vertical incision adds a vertical line below the areola; an inverted-T incision adds to these a horizontal line along the inframammary fold. Scars are red for several months after surgery and then gradually fade, to a degree that varies with your skin. Reducing the incision relative to the degree of sagging shortens the scar but makes the shape harder to maintain, so we weigh the two together at consultation.
Q2Will my breasts get smaller with a lift alone?
A breast lift repositions the breast tissue rather than removing it, so the volume itself does not decrease much. However, because the tissue is gathered upward while the stretched skin is tidied, the lower part becomes slimmer and the breasts can look smaller overall. If upper volume is lacking, we plan an implant or fat grafting alongside.
Q3Can upper-breast volume be created without an implant?
Some upper volume can be created by gathering the tissue that had descended with sagging and securing it higher, and it can also be supplemented with autologous fat grafting. There are limits when there is little tissue to begin with, so we assess the amount of tissue at consultation and tell you what range is possible.
Q4I plan to breastfeed. When should I have surgery?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding change the size of the breasts and the skin again, so we generally recommend surgery after you have finished childbirth and breastfeeding and your weight has stabilized. Breastfeeding after surgery is possible in most cases, but it may be affected by the incision pattern and how far the nipple and areola are moved, so please tell us at consultation.
Q5Will my breasts sag again after surgery?
Even after a lift, the skin stretches again over time, and some sagging can return with weight changes, pregnancy and aging. We reduce these changes by choosing an incision pattern that matches the degree of sagging and securing the tissue internally, and keeping your weight steady and wearing a supportive bra helps.
Q6My areolas are large. Can they be reduced at the same time?
Yes. All three incision patterns include a periareolar incision, so the areola diameter is reduced in the same surgery as the lift. If the size or length of the nipple is a concern, nipple reduction can also be planned alongside.
Q7Can a lift and augmentation be done at once?
When sagging and a lack of volume are present together, they are often done in one surgery. However, because a lift reduces skin while augmentation stretches it, dividing the procedure into two stages may put less strain on the tissue when the sagging is pronounced or the skin is thin. Whether to do it in one session or two is decided at consultation based on the examination findings.
