Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lift (mastopexy) at Estela restores the position, shape, and firmness of breasts that have sagged due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or ageing — without adding or removing volume. Excess skin is removed, the underlying breast tissue is reshaped and elevated, and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned to sit at a naturally youthful height. The procedure takes approximately two and a half hours under general anaesthesia at St. Anna Faculty Hospital. For patients who also want more volume, mastopexy can be combined with implant insertion in the same session — discuss with the surgeon at consultation. Recovery mirrors breast reduction: supportive bra for four to six weeks, return to work at two weeks.

Mastopexy addresses the specific problem of breast ptosis — the descent of breast tissue caused by the stretching of Cooper's ligaments and skin over time. It differs from breast reduction in that the volume of breast tissue remains largely unchanged; the surgery focuses on reshaping the tissue envelope and repositioning the nipple-areola complex. The result is a breast that sits higher on the chest wall, has a rounder, firmer contour, and has a forward-pointing nipple rather than one directed downward. At Estela, mastopexy is performed by MUDr. Novák and MUDr. Polovko at St. Anna Faculty Hospital under general anaesthesia. The degree of ptosis — classified as minor, moderate, or major based on nipple position relative to the inframammary fold — determines the incision pattern used. Minor ptosis may be corrected with a periareolar (doughnut) incision around the areola alone; moderate ptosis typically requires a vertical scar (lollipop) pattern; significant ptosis is addressed with an inverted-T (anchor) pattern that provides the greatest degree of lift and tissue reshaping. The surgeon selects the approach that balances the degree of correction against scar burden, discussing the trade-offs with the patient before surgery. For patients who want both a lifted position and a larger size, mastopexy with simultaneous implant augmentation is an option discussed at the pre-operative consultation; the combination delivers lift plus volume in a single anaesthetic episode, though the surgical complexity and recovery are greater than either procedure alone. Recovery after mastopexy follows the same general pattern as breast reduction: drains are removed at the first post-operative visit; a supportive compression bra is worn for four to six weeks; return to desk work is typically at two weeks; stomach sleeping is avoided for six weeks; strenuous exercise resumes after six weeks. Scars mature progressively over 12 to 18 months, transitioning from pink to white and becoming less visible with scar massage and sun protection. Final breast shape and position stabilise at three to six months.