Procedures · Breast Surgery

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in Jeddah

Medically reviewed by Dr. Khalid Almutairi, Consultant Plastic Surgeon — last reviewed 2026-08-28

Breast mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift, is designed to reshape and elevate breasts that have descended or become deflated over time. The procedure primarily changes breast position and shape rather than significantly increasing breast volume.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change, aging, gravity, and individual skin characteristics can all contribute to stretching of the breast skin and loss of internal support.

A breast lift removes excess skin, reshapes the existing breast tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola to create a more youthful and supported breast contour.

Who may benefit from a breast lift?

Mastopexy may be appropriate for patients experiencing:

• Breast drooping or ptosis.
• A low nipple position.
• Loss of upper-breast fullness.
• Stretched breast skin.
• Enlarged or downward-facing areolae.
• Breast asymmetry.
• Changes following pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Changes after significant weight loss.
• An acceptable breast volume but dissatisfaction with breast position.

Mastopexy versus breast augmentation

A breast lift repositions the existing breast. A breast augmentation increases volume using an implant or, in selected patients, fat grafting.

If adequate breast volume is present but the breast sits too low, mastopexy alone may be sufficient.

If both drooping and loss of volume are present, mastopexy combined with augmentation may provide a better result.

How the surgery is performed

The operation involves removing excess skin and reshaping the internal breast tissue.

The nipple and areola are repositioned upward while usually remaining attached to their underlying blood supply.

The exact incision pattern depends on the degree of breast ptosis and the amount of skin that must be removed. Possible scar patterns include:

• Around the areola.
• Around the areola with a vertical scar.
• Around the areola, vertically downward, and within the breast fold.

Upper-breast fullness

A breast lift can improve breast shape, but it cannot always create substantial or permanent fullness in the upper breast using existing breast tissue alone.

Patients seeking stronger upper-pole fullness may benefit from an implant or, in selected circumstances, fat grafting. This distinction is important when defining expectations before surgery.

Areola size

When the areola has stretched, its diameter may be reduced during mastopexy.

Breastfeeding and sensation

Breastfeeding may remain possible following mastopexy, but it cannot be guaranteed.

Temporary changes in nipple and breast sensation are common. Permanent sensory changes can occasionally occur.

Scars

All breast lifts involve scars.

The amount of scarring depends mainly on how much lifting and skin removal are required.

Scars normally mature over many months and generally become softer and less noticeable with time.

Results

Patients can expect an improvement in:

• Breast position.
• Nipple position.
• Breast contour.
• Skin excess.
• Symmetry.
• Overall breast proportions.

What surgery cannot stop

Surgery does not permanently stop the effects of gravity, aging, pregnancy, or weight change.

Some recurrent relaxation of breast tissues over time is normal.

Risks

Potential complications include:

• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Delayed wound healing.
• Changes in nipple sensation.
• Asymmetry.
• Unfavourable scars.
• Partial nipple or skin healing problems.
• Fat necrosis.
• Recurrent ptosis.
• Need for revision surgery.

Your consultation

Successful mastopexy depends heavily on matching the surgical technique to the patient's anatomy and expectations.

During consultation, breast volume, nipple position, skin quality, asymmetry, chest dimensions, future pregnancy plans, and desired upper-pole fullness are carefully evaluated.