A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a technique to restore more youthful shape and position to a breast that has developed ptosis (drooping of the breast) related to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. Over the years, these factors and the effects of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. A breast lift is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts — at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.) Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume--for example, after pregnancy — breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.
