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Mastopexy – Breast Lift Sydney

With Dr. Mark Kohout

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A breast lift (mastopexy) is a procedure some people consider when their breasts sit lower on the chest, the nipples point downward, or bras and clothing no longer fit or feel the way they used to after life changes such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation or ageing. It focuses on lifting and reshaping existing breast tissue rather than primarily changing breast volume. 

What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a breast surgery procedure that raises and reshapes the breast by removing excess skin, repositioning the remaining breast tissue and moving the nipple-areola complex to a higher point on the breast mound. The aim is to address breast ptosis (descent of the breast) that may have developed due to one or more factors, including:

  • Age-related changes in skin elasticity
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Genetic tendencies to earlier or more pronounced droop (ptosis)

During surgery, incisions are made to access the underlying tissue and skin envelope. The breast tissue is reshaped and elevated on the chest wall, and the nipple and areola are usually moved to a higher, more central position. The areola can also be reduced in diameter if it has enlarged over time.

A breast lift can be performed:

  • On its own, when the concern is mainly position and shape
  • With breast implants, when an increase in volume is also sought
  • With breast reduction, when there is excess volume and weight as well as ptosis

A mastopexy does not stop future changes from ageing, gravity or weight fluctuations. Individual results vary according to breast tissue quality, skin elasticity, scarring tendencies, medical history and lifestyle factors such as weight changes.

Who May Benefit

Mastopexy may be considered by people with breast ptosis (tissue descent/drooping), downward-pointing nipples, or breast asymmetry. In practice, people often fall into one or more of the following groups:

✓ Breasts that sit lower on the chest

Some individuals notice that their breasts sit lower than they once did, or that the nipple sits at or below the level of the breast fold (inframammary crease). This may make bra fitting more difficult or contribute to skin irritation under the breast fold. Where examination confirms breast ptosis, a lift procedure may be discussed as one option.

✓ Downward-pointing nipples

Nipples and areolae can rotate to point downward over time as the breast tissue and skin stretch. Patients sometimes describe not being able to see the nipple when looking straight ahead, or noticing that the nipple points toward the floor without a bra. A breast lift aims to reposition the nipple and areola higher on the breast mound while maintaining blood supply and sensation as far as possible.

✓ Asymmetrical breasts

Most people have some degree of natural asymmetry, but for some, the difference in breast position, volume or nipple level is more pronounced and noticeable in clothing or swimwear. Mastopexy can sometimes address symmetry by adjusting the lift on each side and, when appropriate, combining the lift with volume changes. Minor differences almost always remain and are discussed during planning to help manage expectations.

✓ Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight fluctuation

After pregnancy or significant weight change, breasts may lose volume in the upper pole (upper part of the breast) and appear flatter or more deflated, while the skin and lower breast have stretched. In some cases, a lift alone may be appropriate; in others, a lift with augmentation or reduction is considered, depending on your preferences and clinical findings.

A breast lift is optional and not medically necessary for everyone who notices change. It is considered when breast position or shape is causing ongoing concern, physical symptoms, or practical problems with clothing and supports, and when non-surgical options have limited effect.

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Take our Plastic Surgery Quiz to find out if you’d be a good candidate and if you are ready for cosmetic surgery.​

This online plastic surgery quiz serves as a brief starting point. This kind of tool is best understood as a reflection aid to help you think about your goals, motivations and expectations.

It cannot determine whether surgery is medically indicated or suitable for you, and it does not replace a face-to-face consultation, physical examination or medical advice. Any decision about breast lift surgery should only be made after discussion with a suitably qualified practitioner who can assess your health and anatomy in person.

Am I an Appropriate Candidate?

Mastopexy involves four benchmarks: Ptotic Breasts, Nipple Displacement, Health Status and Realistic Goals. In consultation, these areas are explored in more detail.

✓ Ptotic breasts and nipple displacement

You may be considered for a mastopexy if:

  • Your breasts have descended on the chest wall, with the nipple at or below the breast fold
  • There is loss of upper-pole fullness and a lower-pole “drop”
  • The nipple points downward or lies on the underside of the breast

Ptosis is usually graded by the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold. The degree of ptosis, tissue quality and your goals help guide whether a lift alone or a lift combined with augmentation or reduction should be discussed.

✓ Health status

As with other breast procedures, mastopexy (breast lift) is best considered when you are in generally good health. Your surgeon and, if needed, your GP or anaesthetist will review:

  • Heart and lung health
  • Blood pressure and diabetes control
  • Any history of clotting problems or previous blood clots
  • Medications that affect bleeding or wound healing (e.g. blood thinners, some supplements)
  • Smoking or nicotine use, which can significantly increase the risk of wound-healing problems and nipple-areola complications

You may be asked to stop smoking and avoid nicotine replacement products for a period before and after surgery and to adjust certain medications under medical supervision.

✓ Realistic goals

Realistic expectations are central to safe decision-making. This includes understanding that:

  • Breast lift surgery creates scars on the breast, usually around the areola, vertically down to the fold, and sometimes along the fold (anchor or lollipop patterns)
  • Scars are permanent, although they usually fade over time
  • There may still be some degree of asymmetry after surgery
  • Future weight changes, ageing and pregnancy can alter the result
  • Further surgery (revision) is sometimes requested or recommended

If your expectations are strongly influenced by digitally edited images or if you have significant body image concerns, Dr Kohout may discuss these and, in some cases, suggest input from your GP or a mental health professional.

✓ Other considerations

It is often recommended to:

  • Be at a stable, sustainable weight before surgery
  • Allow time after pregnancy and breastfeeding for tissues and hormone levels to settle
  • Discuss future pregnancy plans, as subsequent pregnancies can change breast shape again

Breastfeeding after mastopexy may still be possible for some people but cannot be guaranteed; this depends on the technique used, the extent of tissue rearrangement and individual anatomy.

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Before and After Photos of Breast Lift Surgery

See the difference it has made for our clients.

View Breast Lift Gallery

Disclaimer

Individual results vary due to personal health factors and genetics, and all surgical procedures carry inherent risks that should be discussed with a qualified health professional.

Patient 4 - 6 Weeks Post Surgery
Patient 9 - 8 Weeks Post Surgery
Patient 3 - 3 Months Post Surgery
Patient 1 - 8 Weeks Post Surgery
Patient 5 - 8 Weeks Post Surgery

This page includes a gallery that lets you see the difference it has made for our clients, followed by a clear disclaimer that individual results vary and all surgery carries risk.

These images, where displayed, are of specific patients who have consented to have their photos shown. They can help illustrate:

  • Typical breast lift scar placements and patterns
  • The general direction of change in breast position and shape
  • How lift procedures can look in individuals with different degrees of ptosis

However, they should not be interpreted as predictions of your own outcome. Variations in tissue quality, healing, body shape, scarring tendencies and medical history mean that results differ from person to person, even when similar techniques are used. Your surgeon can relate gallery images or other examples to your own anatomy during consultation, explaining what is realistically achievable in your case.

How is the Procedure Performed?

The three key aspects of a mastopexy operation are as follows: Anaesthesia Administered, Incision Technique, and Tissue Removal and Reshaping.

✓ Anaesthesia Administered

A breast lift is usually performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital or day-surgery facility. You will have pre-operative instructions regarding:

  • Fasting times
  • Medications to stop or adjust (such as blood thinners)
  • What to bring and how long you are likely to stay

The anaesthetist monitors you throughout the procedure and provides pain-relief strategies for the early postoperative period.

✓ Incision Technique

The incision pattern depends on the degree of lift required, breast size, skin quality and surgeon preference. Incisions are usually made around the areola, down the front of the breast and in the breast crease to remove excess skin and reposition tissue.

Common patterns include:

  • Peri-areolar (donut) – around the areola only; more limited lift, suitable only for very select cases
  • Vertical (lollipop) – around the areola and vertically down to the fold
  • Wise-pattern (anchor) – around the areola, vertically down, and along the inframammary fold, typically used for more significant ptosis or larger breasts

The incision strategy aims to balance the degree of lift required with the number and length of scars, while maintaining blood supply to the nipple-areola complex.

✓ Tissue Removal and Reshaping

Once incisions are made:

  • The breast tissue is reshaped and elevated to a higher position on the chest wall
  • Excess skin from the lower and central breast is removed
  • The areola may be reduced in diameter if it has stretched
  • The nipple-areola complex is moved to a planned position on the newly shaped breast mound

In some cases, a small volume of tissue is removed to reduce weight; in others, the focus is on repositioning rather than reducing overall size. When implants are used, they may be placed either above or below the pectoral muscle, depending on anatomy and planning.

The incisions are then closed with sutures in several layers to support the new breast shape. Drains may be used in some cases; a supportive surgical bra is typically applied at the end of the procedure.

What Is the Recovery Like?

Recovery from breast lift surgery may involve several stages: swelling, bruising and discomfort for a few days; avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for weeks; follow-up appointments; and final results developing over months as swelling decreases. Dr Kohout’s blog provides a more detailed week-by-week overview.

✓ Early days (first 3–7 days)

  • Swelling, bruising and a sense of tightness across the chest are common
  • Discomfort is usually managed with prescribed pain medication and supportive garments
  • You will generally be encouraged to walk gently around the house but avoid lifting, stretching overhead or sudden arm movements

Dressings and the surgical bra help protect the incisions and support the breasts. You may need help at home with heavier chores or caring duties during this period.

✓ First two to three weeks

  • Bruising starts to fade; swelling slowly begins to reduce, although it can remain noticeable for some time
  • Stitches (if not dissolvable) are often removed within 1–2 weeks
  • Many patients with desk-based roles return to work around 1–2 weeks after surgery, depending on how they feel and whether their workplace allows for appropriate movement restrictions

You will usually be advised to:

  • Continue wearing a supportive, non-underwired bra
  • Avoid heavy lifting, high-impact activity and upper-body strength training
  • Sleep on your back or in a position that avoids pressure on the breasts

✓ Weeks four to eight and beyond

  • Swelling gradually improves, though subtle changes can continue for several months
  • Scars may initially appear firm and pink; over time, they often soften and fade, though they remain permanent
  • More vigorous exercise and activities are generally reintroduced gradually, once your surgeon confirms that healing is sufficient

Nipple sensation can be temporarily altered (either reduced or more sensitive) and may take many months to stabilise. In some cases, changes in sensation can be long-term.

If at any stage you notice increasing pain, redness, discharge, fever, sudden swelling or other concerning symptoms, you should contact the clinic, your GP or seek urgent medical care.

Dr Mark Kohout

What Are the Risks?What are the Risks of Breast Lift / Mastopexy Surgery?

Breast lift surgery carries risks including visible scarring, potential infection, changes in sensation (temporary or permanent), breast asymmetry and the possibility of further procedures, as well as anaesthetic risks and other breast tissue changes.

Potential risks and complications include (but are not limited to):

  • Bleeding and haematoma – accumulation of blood under the skin may require drainage
  • Infection – at incision sites, usually managed with antibiotics but occasionally needing further treatment
  • Delayed wound healing or wound breakdown – especially at points of tension or in smokers or people with certain medical conditions
  • Scarring – scars may be wide, raised or pigmented; some people are prone to hypertrophic or keloid scars
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation – temporary numbness or increased sensitivity is common; permanent changes can occur
  • Partial or complete loss of nipple-areola tissue – rare but serious, more likely in high-risk situations (e.g. heavy smoking, very large lifts)
  • Fat necrosis or firmness within the breast – small areas of fat can harden and may form palpable lumps
  • Asymmetry – differences in breast shape, size or nipple position can persist or develop as healing progresses
  • Difficulty breastfeeding – some individuals may experience changes that influence breastfeeding ability
  • Need for revision surgery – to address shape concerns, scar issues, asymmetry or other complications
  • Anaesthetic risks – such as allergic reactions, breathing or heart-related events, discussed with the anaesthetist before surgery

Your individual risk is influenced by factors such as general health, smoking status, BMI, breast size, degree of lift required and adherence to postoperative instructions. A detailed discussion of risks is part of the consent process, and the site recommends seeking a second opinion from another appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding with surgery.

What are the Costs of a Breast Lift?

The cost of a breast lift varies depending on the surgeon’s fee, facility charges and anaesthesia costs, plus additional expenses such as consultations, postoperative care and medications.

Typical components include:

  • Surgeon’s fee – for consultation, planning, performing the operation and scheduled follow-up visits
  • Anaesthetist’s fee – for administering and monitoring anaesthesia
  • Hospital or day-surgery facility fees – covering operating-theatre time, nursing care, equipment and consumables
  • Pre-operative tests – such as blood tests or imaging if needed
  • Post-operative costs – medications, dressings and supportive bras

Dr Kohout’s breast surgery pricing page and related blogs note that some breast lift procedures may attract partial Medicare and/or private health fund rebates if they meet specific medical criteria and item numbers (for example, in cases of significant ptosis after weight loss with documented symptoms). Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and current policy settings; you are encouraged to confirm details directly with Medicare and your health fund.

Many clinics provide financing options; these are usually offered through external providers and are separate from clinical decision-making. A personalised quote is typically provided after a face-to-face consultation once your anatomy, health status and surgical plan have been assessed.

Dr Mark Kohout

Mastopexy FAQs

Will a breast lift change my bra size?

A breast lift mainly changes position and shape rather than volume, but some people find their bra size or the style that fits them best is different afterwards. You may wear a similar cup size but find that band size or cup brand varies; in some cases, the breast can appear smaller because it is more compactly arranged. Your surgeon can explain what is likely in your situation based on tissue volume and the amount of skin to be removed.

Can I still breastfeed after a mastopexy?

Some individuals are able to breastfeed after breast lift surgery, but this cannot be guaranteed. The procedure involves rearranging breast tissue and moving the nipple–areola complex, which can affect milk ducts and nerve pathways to varying degrees. If future breastfeeding is important to you, this should be discussed carefully during your consultation.

How long do the results last?

The changes achieved by a breast lift are long-term, but breasts will continue to be affected by gravity, ageing, weight changes and hormonal shifts. Maintaining a stable weight, wearing supportive bras and avoiding smoking may help support the outcome over time. Future pregnancies or significant weight changes can alter the result and may lead some people to consider further surgery.

Do I need implants as well as a lift?

Not everyone needs or wants implants. If you are mainly concerned about breast position and you are satisfied with your current volume in a bra, a lift alone may be sufficient; if you would like more upper-pole fullness or a larger overall size, a combined lift-and-augmentation might be discussed. Your surgeon will assess your current breast tissue and talk through the benefits and limitations of each approach.

How much time off work will I need?

Many patients in desk-based roles take about 1–2 weeks off work, while those in physically demanding jobs may need longer before resuming full duties. The exact timeframe depends on your job tasks, commute, and how you are healing. This will be discussed in the context of your work and home responsibilities so you can plan appropriately.

Do I need a GP referral?

A referral from your GP is recommended, especially if there is any possibility of Medicare or private health fund involvement, or if you have medical conditions that need to be considered. A referral also allows your GP to provide relevant health information and to discuss non-surgical and alternative options with you.

Welcome to the Practice

Dr Mark Kohout is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (MED0001133000) with more than 25 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery. He practises in central Sydney and Orange and has undertaken extensive training in Australia, Great Britain and the United States, including specialty training at Harvard Medical School.

His practice information highlights:

  • A patient-centred approach with clear explanation of procedures, risks and alternatives
  • Use of established surgical techniques tailored to the individual’s anatomy and health
  • Structured follow-up and encouragement to seek a second opinion from another appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding with surgery

Care is delivered within a team environment that aims to provide respectful, transparent support from first enquiry through to postoperative review.

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What’s Next?

If you are thinking about a breast lift, the next step is usually a face-to-face consultation. During this appointment, your medical history, breast anatomy, goals and concerns can be reviewed, and potential options, risks, recovery and costs discussed in detail. We also offer a patient photo assessment option to help prepare for consultation, but any decision to proceed should only be made after in-person assessment and, if you wish, a second opinion from another suitably qualified specialist. Whether you are ready for a professional evaluation or just have a quick question, we’ve made it easy to connect with our team. Choose the option that best fits your needs.

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Book your Consultation

Take the first step toward your goals by filling out the brief form below. This information helps us understand your specific needs so we can make the most of our time together during your session. Once you submit your details, a member of our team will review your request and reach out shortly to confirm your appointment.

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Sending photos for a patient photo assessment can help you and your plastic surgeon prepare for your consultation. By reviewing clear, accurate photos, Dr Kohout can provide preliminary patient photo assessment like insights, assess your needs, and determine the right approach for your procedure.

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Dr. Mark Kohout Plastic Surgery in Sydney & Orange

Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Mark Kohout

A qualified plastic surgeon who operates with care and integrity, based in central Sydney with over 20 years of experience in the cosmetic field. His extensive training and experience assures patients they are in highly trained surgical hands. Dr. Kohout is a dedicated, friendly professional who is committed to providing the high quality care, support and results, alongside his compassionate team.

Dr Mark Kohout (MED0001133000)
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery

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Dr Mark Kohout is a qualified plastic surgeon based in central Sydney, with over 20 years of experience in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He draws on extensive surgical training and clinical experience to tailor care to the individual needs and goals of each patient.

Dr Kohout is known for his thoughtful, patient-centred approach, guiding individuals through each stage of their surgical journey — from initial consultation to post-operative care. Working alongside a compassionate and professional team, he is committed to providing high standards of care in a supportive and respectful environment.

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  • Suite 2, 37 Bay St, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037
  • Level 5, 1521 Forest Rd, Orange NSW 2800

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  • 1300 55 11 51
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Disclaimer: Dr Mark Kohout (MED0001133000) a Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon. All surgical or invasive procedures carry risks and complications. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding with any surgery. Results depend on individual patient circumstances and can vary significantly. Results may also be impacted by a variety of factors including your lifestyle, weight, nutritional intake and overall health. Consult your Specialist Plastic Surgeon for details. This information is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your Surgeon. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding with surgery.

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