Dr Ali Rizvi - General, Endocrine & Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, reshapes and repositions the breasts when changes in skin, breast tissue and nipple position have resulted in breast drooping or loss of shape. Dr Ali Rizvi is a FRACS-qualified General, Endocrine & Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon providing breast lift consultations in South West Sydney and across the wider Sydney region.
Dr Ali Rizvi MBBS, MAdvSurg (Breast), FRACS
General, Endocrine & Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon
A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue.
Over time, factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, gravity and weight changes can cause breasts to lose firmness and descend on the chest.
Breast lift surgery restores a more youthful breast position and improved contour while maintaining a natural appearance.
The procedure focuses on shape and elevation rather than increasing breast size. Some patients may choose to combine a breast lift with implants if additional volume is desired.
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure used to reshape and reposition the breast.
Breast position and shape can change over time for many reasons, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, changes in weight, ageing and changes in the skin and supporting tissues.
During breast lift surgery, the surgeon may:
* remove excess skin
* reshape and reposition breast tissue
* reposition the nipple and areola where appropriate
* reduce the size of an enlarged areola where clinically appropriate
* alter the shape and position of the breast within the existing skin envelope
* use an incision pattern appropriate to the amount of reshaping required.
A breast lift does not necessarily increase breast volume. If you are also seeking additional volume, breast lift surgery may be discussed together with breast augmentation in selected circumstances.
Individual anatomy and the condition of the breast tissue influence the surgical approach.
People consider breast lift surgery for different reasons and after different changes to their breasts.
A consultation may be appropriate if you have noticed:
Breast shape varies naturally between individuals. A consultation is an opportunity to determine whether surgery is appropriate and what may realistically be achieved in your particular circumstances.
There is no single breast shape, breast size or degree of breast drooping that determines whether someone should have a breast lift.
During a consultation, Dr Rizvi will assess factors such as:
The consultation is also an opportunity to discuss the limitations of surgery, potential complications, scarring, recovery and whether your expectations are realistic.
The incision pattern used for a breast lift depends on the amount of skin excess, degree of breast drooping, breast anatomy and the extent of reshaping required.
Used for very mild sagging. A small incision is placed above the areola to subtly reposition the nipple.
A periareolar technique involves an incision around the areola.
It may be appropriate in selected patients where a relatively limited degree of lifting is required.
A vertical breast lift involves an incision around the areola with an additional vertical incision towards the breast crease.
This pattern can allow greater reshaping than a periareolar approach and may be considered where a greater degree of lift is required.
An anchor breast lift involves an incision around the areola, a vertical component and an incision along the breast crease.
This approach may allow greater removal of excess skin and reshaping where there is more significant breast drooping or skin excess.
There is no single breast lift technique that is appropriate for everyone.
The surgical approach is determined during assessment based on factors including:
The potential scars associated with each approach should form part of the discussion before surgery.
One of the important decisions when considering mastopexy is whether a breast lift alone is appropriate or whether breast augmentation should also be discussed.
A breast lift without an implant uses the patient’s existing breast tissue.
The procedure can involve removing excess skin and reshaping and repositioning existing tissue. It does not add the volume of an implant.
A lift alone may therefore be considered when the primary issue is breast position, shape or excess skin rather than a desire for additional breast volume.
Breast lift surgery can sometimes be combined with breast augmentation. This is known as augmentation mastopexy.
The two procedures address different aspects of the breast:
Whether combining the procedures is appropriate depends on individual anatomy, breast tissue, skin quality, desired volume and other surgical considerations.
Combining procedures can also introduce additional considerations and risks. These should be discussed during an individual consultation rather than determined from photographs or measurements alone.
A breast augmentation and a breast lift are not the same procedure.
An implant can increase breast volume but does not necessarily correct significant breast drooping.
A breast lift changes the position and shape of the breast but does not provide the same increase in volume as an implant.
Some patients may therefore discuss one procedure, while others may be assessed for a combination of procedures.
A breast lift and breast augmentation have different purposes.
A breast lift primarily changes breast position and shape. It does not provide the same volume increase as an implant.
If increased volume is an important part of your goals, breast augmentation may be discussed.
The appropriate approach depends on your anatomy and what you want to address.
Preparation plays an important role in achieving the best outcome.
Patients may be advised to:
• Stop smoking prior to surgery
• Avoid certain medications and supplements
• Arrange time off work and post-operative support
• Maintain a stable weight
Dr Ali Rizvi provides personalised pre-operative guidance to ensure a safe surgical experience.
The exact operation varies according to the surgical plan.
Before surgery, the breasts are assessed and marked according to the planned procedure. The chosen incision pattern is then used to remove or reposition tissue and skin and to reposition the nipple and areola where required.
The breast is reshaped according to the surgical plan and the incisions are closed.
Breast lift surgery is performed under anaesthesia in an appropriate surgical facility.
The details of your operation, including the expected duration, anaesthetic arrangements, hospital or day-surgery arrangements and post-operative care, will be discussed with you before surgery.
Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the extent of surgery and whether other procedures are performed at the same time.
After breast lift surgery, it is common to experience some combination of:
You will receive individual instructions regarding wound care, medications, activity, driving, work, exercise and follow-up.
The timing of returning to work and exercise depends on your operation and recovery.
You should not assume that a particular recovery timetable used by another patient will apply to you.
Dr Rizvi will advise you when it is appropriate to:
The breasts and scars can continue to change as healing progresses.
Learn more about what to expect during breast lift recovery time.
Results are visible soon after surgery, with continued improvement as swelling subsides.
Benefits of breast lift surgery may include:
• Higher breast position
• Improved breast shape
• Increased firmness
• Better breast symmetry
While results are long-lasting, natural ageing and lifestyle factors can influence breast shape over time.
Before and after images demonstrate how a breast lift can improve breast position, shape and contour.
Early results are often visible within weeks
Continued improvement occurs over several months
Final results vary depending on technique, anatomy and healing
All surgical results vary between individuals.
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk.
Potential risks associated with breast lift surgery include:
• Bleeding or haematoma
• Infection
• Seroma (fluid collection)
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Scarring
• Breast asymmetry
• Anaesthetic risks
Some complications may require additional treatment or further surgery.
There is also no guarantee that surgery will produce a particular breast shape or appearance.
The risks relevant to you depend on your health, anatomy, previous surgery, the proposed procedure and other individual factors. These will be discussed as part of the consultation and informed-consent process.
A thorough consultation and careful post-operative care help minimise these risks.
Breast asymmetry is common.
The breasts may differ in:
Breast lift surgery may involve addressing an existing difference between the breasts, but complete symmetry cannot be guaranteed.
The extent to which asymmetry can be addressed depends on your individual anatomy and the proposed operation.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and changes in body weight can alter breast volume, skin and breast position.
Some patients consider mastopexy after these changes.
If you are planning another pregnancy or significant weight change, this should be discussed during your consultation because future changes may affect the breasts and the surgical outcome.
Breast lift surgery may also affect future breastfeeding ability, depending on the technique used and individual circumstances. This should be discussed with your surgeon before deciding whether to proceed.
The cost of breast lift surgery in Sydney varies depending on the procedure, hospital fees and individual patient needs.
For detailed pricing and what is included, visit our dedicated page on breast lift cost in Sydney.
Choosing to have breast lift surgery is a personal decision. Your consultation with Dr Ali Rizvi is an opportunity to discuss what you would like to change, understand what surgery can realistically achieve, and determine which approach is appropriate for your individual anatomy.
Dr Ali will take the time to understand your goals and concerns before assessing your breast shape, size, skin quality and existing breast tissue.
Your consultation may include discussion of:
The changes you would like to make to your breast shape or position
Whether a breast lift alone is appropriate or whether another procedure may provide a better result
The most suitable breast lift technique for your anatomy
Incision placement and expected scarring
Whether breast augmentation may be appropriate if you are also seeking increased breast volume
Your expected breast shape and results
Recovery, restrictions and returning to normal activities
Potential risks and complications
The possibility of changes to your breasts over time, including after pregnancy, breastfeeding or changes in weight
Dr Ali will also explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have, so you can make an informed decision about whether breast lift surgery is right for you.
There is no single breast lift technique that is suitable for every patient. The surgical approach depends on factors such as the degree of breast drooping, breast size and shape, skin quality, nipple position and your desired outcome.
Dr Ali Rizvi develops an individual surgical plan based on these factors, with the aim of achieving a balanced result that is appropriate for your body and expectations.
Dr Ali Rizvi provides specialist breast surgery in Sydney and sees patients from across Greater Sydney, including South West Sydney and surrounding areas.
Patients may travel from areas including Liverpool, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Fairfield and Parramatta for consultation and treatment.
If you are considering breast lift surgery, your consultation is the first step towards understanding your options and deciding whether mastopexy is appropriate for you.
A breast lift reshapes and elevates the breasts but does not significantly increase size. If additional volume is desired, breast implants may be considered.
A breast lift improves breast position and firmness, while implants increase volume. Some patients choose to combine both procedures.
Non-surgical treatments marketed as “breast lifts” are different from surgical mastopexy and do not perform the same tissue repositioning/removal.
Most patients return to light activities within one to two weeks. Full healing and scar maturation continue over several months.
All breast lift procedures involve some scarring. Scars are carefully placed and typically fade over time.
Some patients may still be able to breastfeed after a breast lift, although this cannot be guaranteed. The ability to breastfeed depends on surgical technique and individual anatomy.
Some discomfort is expected initially and is generally well managed with prescribed pain relief.
Results are long-lasting, but natural ageing and lifestyle factors may affect breast position over time.
Age alone is not a limitation. Suitability depends on overall health and individual anatomy.
The cost of Breast Lift Surgery in Sydney varies depending on several factors, including the surgical technique used, hospital fees, anaesthesia costs and the complexity of the procedure. Some patients may require additional procedures, such as implants, which can also influence the total cost. Find more about breast lift cost in Sydney here.
If you are considering breast lift surgery in Sydney, a consultation with Dr Ali Rizvi is the first step.
During your appointment you will:
• Discuss your goals and expectations
• Explore suitable surgical options
• Receive personalised advice regarding recovery and results
Book your consultation today to learn more about breast lift surgery and whether it may be suitable for you.
Visit our Surgery in Sydney page to explore all breast procedures offered by Dr Ali Rizvi.
