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BREAST LIFT SURGERY

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Home | Breast | BREAST LIFT SURGERY

Restore your confidence and reclaim your youthful silhouette with expert breast lift surgery from Dr. Samuel Sohn. If sagging breasts have left you feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Breast ptosis affects countless women at different life stages, impacting both appearance and self-esteem. Dr. Sohn specializes in creating beautifully lifted, naturally proportioned breasts that enhance your overall figure and restore the youthful contours you desire.

With over 20 years of surgical expertise and board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sohn has helped hundreds of women in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg achieve transformative results. His personalized approach combines surgical precision with an artistic eye, ensuring your results look natural and beautifully balanced. Whether you’re considering a breast lift alone or combining it with other procedures, Dr. Sohn will work with you to create a customized surgical plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals.

What Is a Breast Lift?

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The procedure restores firmness, improves breast projection, and creates a more aesthetically pleasing contour.1

Breast sagging, or ptosis, is a common concern that affects many women at different life stages. It can result from natural aging, pregnancy and nursing, significant weight loss, gravity, or genetics. Over time, the skin loses elasticity and the ligaments supporting the breast tissue stretch, causing the breasts to descend and lose their youthful position.

Unlike breast augmentation, which increases breast size through implants, a breast lift focuses on repositioning the existing breast tissue and nipple-areola complex to create a lifted, youthful silhouette. The procedure can be performed alone or combined with breast augmentation (augmentation mastopexy) for patients who desire both increased volume and improved positioning.

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Why Choose Dr. Samuel Sohn for Your Breast Lift

dr samual sohn Dr. Samuel Sohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in aesthetic breast surgery. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Stanford University and his Medical Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Dr. Sohn completed his general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at Michigan State University and pursued specialized aesthetic fellowship training at the prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in New York City.

With over 20 years of surgical experience in Las Vegas as well as the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Sohn has established himself as a trusted expert in breast surgery, facial rejuvenation, and body contouring. He is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and maintains international recognition in his field. Dr. Sohn’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his peer-reviewed publications, research fellowship awards, and recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

Dr. Sohn is affiliated with HCA Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center as well as HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, where he maintains privileges to perform surgical procedures. His patients consistently rate him highly across independent platforms, with ratings ranging from 4.6 to 5.0 stars. Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Sohn is known for his personalized approach to patient care, taking time to understand each patient’s goals and concerns to deliver results that align with their aesthetic vision.

Dr. Sohn’s philosophy centers on creating natural-looking results that enhance a patient’s appearance while maintaining their unique identity. He combines his extensive surgical knowledge with an artistic eye to achieve outcomes that look beautiful and proportionate.

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Who Is A Good Candidate For Breast Lift Surgery?

Ideal candidates for breast lift surgery typically include:
 

  • Women experiencing breast sagging due to aging, pregnancy, nursing, or weight loss
  • Patients with realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
  • Women in good overall health without serious medical conditions
  • Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
  • Patients with stable weight who are not planning significant weight loss
  • Women seeking to restore a more youthful breast contour
  • Patients bothered by the position of their nipples or areolas
  • Those considering combination procedures such as augmentation mastopexy or mommy makeover2

During your consultation with Dr. Sohn, he will evaluate your breast anatomy, skin quality, and overall health to determine if you are a suitable candidate. He will also discuss your aesthetic goals and explain which surgical technique will best achieve your desired results.

Understanding Breast Ptosis

Breast ptosis is classified into three grades based on the position of the nipple-areola complex relative to the inframammary fold, the natural crease beneath the breast:

Grade 1 (Mild Ptosis): The nipple is at or slightly above the inframammary fold. The breast maintains good projection and requires minimal skin removal.

Grade 2 (Moderate Ptosis): The nipple is below the inframammary fold but above the lowest point of the breast. This is the most common presentation and typically requires a more extensive lift.

Grade 3 (Severe Ptosis): The nipple is significantly below the inframammary fold and points downward. This requires the most comprehensive surgical approach to achieve optimal results.

Dr. Sohn will assess your degree of ptosis during your consultation to recommend the most appropriate surgical technique for your specific needs.

breast ptosis diagram

Breast Lift Surgical Techniques

Dr. Sohn offers multiple surgical approaches, each designed to address different degrees of sagging and achieve natural-looking results:

Crescent Lift: This technique involves a small incision along the upper edge of the areola. It is ideal for patients with mild ptosis and minimal excess skin. The crescent lift provides subtle elevation with minimal scarring.

Periareolar (Benelli) Lift: A circular incision is made around the areola, allowing Dr. Sohn to remove excess skin and tighten the breast tissue. This technique works well for mild to moderate ptosis and results in a scar that blends with the natural areolar border.

Vertical (Lollipop) Lift: This technique combines a periareolar incision with a vertical incision extending downward from the areola to the inframammary fold, creating a lollipop-shaped scar pattern. It is effective for moderate ptosis and provides excellent lift and reshaping.

Anchor (Inverted T) Lift: The most comprehensive approach, the anchor lift combines a periareolar incision with a vertical incision and a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold. This technique is ideal for severe ptosis and provides maximum lift, reshaping, and skin tightening. While it results in more extensive scarring, the scars typically fade significantly over time and are easily concealed by most bras and swimwear.3

During your consultation, Dr. Sohn will recommend the technique that best suits your anatomy and aesthetic goals. He may also discuss combining your breast lift with augmentation (augmentation mastopexy) if you desire increased volume in addition to lift.

What To Expect During Your Breast Lift Procedure

Your breast lift surgery will be performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the surgical technique selected and whether you are combining your lift with augmentation or other procedures.

Dr. Sohn begins by marking the incision sites while you are awake, ensuring precise placement and symmetry. Once anesthesia is administered, he carefully removes excess skin, repositions the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful position, and tightens the underlying breast tissue. The incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures and skin adhesive, and the breasts are wrapped in a supportive dressing. You will be monitored in the recovery area before being discharged to go home with a responsible adult.

Throughout the procedure, Dr. Sohn’s focus is on creating balanced, natural-looking results that enhance your appearance while maintaining the integrity of your breast anatomy.

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Breast Lift Recovery Timeline

Understanding what to expect during recovery helps you prepare mentally and physically for your surgery. Here is a detailed week-by-week recovery timeline:

Week 1: Immediately After Surgery

You will experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which is normal. Pain is typically managed with prescribed medications. You will wear a surgical bra or compression garment continuously to support the healing tissues and minimize swelling. Avoid any strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or exercise. Most patients can return to light activities around the house, such as walking slowly or sitting with elevated breasts.

Week 2: Early Healing Phase

Swelling and bruising begin to decrease, though some discomfort may persist. You can gradually increase light activities but should continue to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and contact sports. Most patients can return to desk work or light duties. Continue wearing your surgical bra as directed by Dr. Sohn.

Weeks 3-4: Progressive Improvement

Swelling continues to diminish, and you will notice the initial results of your surgery. Most patients can return to normal daily activities, including light exercise such as walking or gentle stretching. Avoid high-impact activities, heavy lifting, and anything that elevates your heart rate significantly. You may begin to transition to a regular supportive bra.

Weeks 5-6: Increased Activity

You can gradually resume more strenuous exercise, including cardio and light strength training, as long as you avoid direct pressure on the breasts. Most patients feel significantly better and can return to all normal activities. Swelling is minimal, and the breasts are settling into their final position.

Weeks 7-12: Final Healing Phase

You can resume all activities, including high-impact exercise and contact sports. The incision lines continue to fade, and the final results become increasingly apparent. Most patients report feeling completely normal by 8-12 weeks post-surgery.

Months 3-6: Scar Maturation

Scars continue to fade and soften. The breasts have settled into their final position, and you can enjoy your full results. Avoid prolonged sun exposure to the incision sites, as UV rays can darken scars.

Months 6-12: Long-Term Results

Scars continue to improve in appearance, becoming lighter and less noticeable. Most scars fade to thin, pale lines that are easily concealed by clothing and swimwear. The final aesthetic results are fully apparent.

Important Recovery Guidelines:

  • Take prescribed pain medications as directed
  • Wear your surgical bra or compression garment as instructed
  • Keep incisions clean and dry
  • Attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Sohn
  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which impairs healing
  • Stay well-hydrated and eat a nutritious diet
  • Avoid alcohol and certain medications that can increase bleeding
  • Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for the first 2-3 weeks
  • Avoid sleeping on your stomach or sides for at least 4-6 weeks
  • Do not drive while taking pain medications
  • Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and swimming until cleared by Dr. Sohn
  • Limit sun exposure to incision sites for at least 6 months

Scar Management And Appearance

All surgical procedures result in scars, but Dr. Sohn uses advanced techniques to minimize their visibility. The extent and visibility of scars depend on the surgical technique used:

Crescent and Periareolar Lifts: These techniques result in minimal scarring, with incisions hidden along the areolar border or in the natural crease of the breast.

Vertical Lift: Results in a lollipop-shaped scar pattern, with one scar around the areola and one extending vertically downward. These scars typically fade well and are easily concealed by most bras and swimwear.

Anchor Lift: Results in an anchor-shaped scar pattern with incisions around the areola, vertically downward, and horizontally along the inframammary fold. While more extensive, these scars fade significantly over time and are easily hidden by clothing.

Scar Fading Timeline:

Scars go through a natural maturation process that typically takes 12-18 months. Initially, scars appear red or purple and may feel firm or raised. Over time, they gradually fade to a lighter color and become softer and flatter. By 12-18 months, most scars have faded to thin, pale lines.

Scar Management Strategies:

  • Avoid sun exposure to incision sites for at least 6 months, as UV rays can darken scars
  • Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on scars when sun exposure is unavoidable
  • Keep incisions clean and moisturized during healing
  • Avoid smoking, which impairs wound healing and scar appearance
  • Follow Dr. Sohn’s post-operative instructions carefully
  • Consider silicone-based scar treatments if recommended by Dr. Sohn
  • Be patient, as scars continue to improve for up to 18 months

Most patients find that their scars are far less noticeable than they initially feared, and the improved breast appearance makes any scarring a worthwhile trade-off.

woman being treated for nipple surgery

Combining Breast Lift With Other Procedures

Many patients choose to combine their breast lift with other cosmetic procedures to achieve comprehensive results. Common combinations include:

Augmentation Mastopexy (Breast Lift with Implants): A breast lift with implants increases both the volume and lift of the breasts. This is an excellent option for patients who desire both increased size and improved positioning. Dr. Sohn carefully selects implant size and placement to achieve natural-looking, proportionate results.

Mommy Makeover: A mommy makeover combines breast lift, breast augmentation, and body contouring procedures such as tummy tuck or liposuction. It is popular among women who have completed their families and wish to restore their pre-pregnancy body contours.

Breast Lift with Reduction: For patients with larger breasts who desire both lift and reduced volume, Dr. Sohn can combine a breast lift with breast reduction to achieve a more proportionate, lifted appearance while reducing back and shoulder strain.

Breast Lift with Facial Rejuvenation: Some patients choose to combine their breast lift with facial procedures such as facelift or eyelid surgery for a comprehensive facial and body rejuvenation.

Combining procedures can offer several advantages, including reduced overall recovery time, coordinated results, and cost savings compared to separate surgeries. During your consultation, Dr. Sohn will discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate for your goals and anatomy.

How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

Breast lift results are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their improved appearance for 10-15 years or longer. However, several factors influence the longevity of your results:

Natural Aging: Over time, gravity and the natural aging process continue to affect breast tissue. While your breasts will not return to their pre-surgery appearance, some gradual descent may occur over many years.

Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight gain or loss can affect breast appearance and may necessitate revision surgery in the future.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy and nursing can affect breast shape and position. Many patients who become pregnant after breast lift surgery find that their results are still satisfactory, though some may choose revision surgery later.

Skin Quality: Patients with good skin elasticity and quality tend to maintain their results longer than those with poor skin quality.

Lifestyle Factors: Maintaining a stable weight, wearing supportive bras, and protecting your skin from sun damage can help preserve your results.

Revision Surgery: If you are unhappy with your results or experience changes over time, revision surgery is an option. Dr. Sohn will discuss revision options during your follow-up appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Lift Surgery

A breast lift does not significantly change breast size, but some patients may end up appearing and/or being smaller in the chest due to the repositioning of the breast tissues. A small amount of skin and possibly breast tissue may need to be removed to facilitate the closure and an aesthetic result. The procedure repositions existing breast tissue to create a lifted appearance. If you desire increased volume in addition to lift, you may consider augmentation mastopexy, which combines lift with breast implants.

In most cases, yes. Breast lift surgery does not typically affect your ability to breastfeed, as the procedure focuses on repositioning tissue rather than removing glandular tissue. However, there is a small risk of reduced sensation or milk production in some cases. Discuss your plans for future breastfeeding with Dr. Sohn during your consultation.

Initial recovery takes about 2-3 weeks, during which you can return to light activities. Full recovery, including return to strenuous exercise and contact sports, typically takes 6-8 weeks. However, the healing process continues for up to 12-18 months as scars mature and fade.

Some temporary numbness or altered sensation in the nipple and areola is common immediately after surgery. In most cases, sensation returns to normal within a few weeks to months. Permanent loss of sensation is rare but possible.

Scar visibility depends on the surgical technique used and your individual healing response. Most scars fade significantly over 12-18 months and are easily concealed by clothing and swimwear. Dr. Sohn uses advanced techniques to minimize scar visibility.

Breast lift costs vary depending on the surgical technique, whether you are combining procedures, and other individual factors. During your consultation, Dr. Sohn will provide a detailed cost estimate. Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic breast lift surgery, though some may cover revision surgery if medically necessary.

Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic breast lift surgery. However, if your breast sagging is causing physical symptoms such as back pain, shoulder pain, or skin irritation, your insurance may cover the procedure. Dr. Sohn’s office can help you explore insurance coverage options during your consultation.

As with any surgical procedure, breast lift surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, asymmetry, and changes in nipple sensation. Serious complications are rare when surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility. Dr. Sohn will discuss all potential risks and complications during your consultation.

You can resume light exercise such as walking after 2-3 weeks. Strenuous exercise and high-impact activities should be avoided for 6-8 weeks. Dr. Sohn will provide specific guidelines based on your individual recovery.

You will wear a surgical bra or compression garment continuously for the first 1-2 weeks, then as directed by Dr. Sohn. After initial healing, you can transition to a regular supportive bra. Avoid underwire bras for at least 4-6 weeks post-surgery.

Dr. Sohn will provide detailed pre-operative instructions, which typically include avoiding certain medications and supplements, quitting smoking, arranging for someone to drive you home, and fasting before surgery. Follow all pre-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best surgical outcome.

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WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

“Dr. Sohn, cannot say enough Thank you’s to him and his staff. He did an amazing job on my procedure. I look and feel like a different person. Will be going back to him to do another procedure pretty soon. Thank you so much Dr. Sohn and staff”
– L.G.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Dr. Sohn is amazing. He made me feel comfortable and confident throughout the whole experience. My results far exceeded my expectations!”
– C.B.
Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Dr. Sohn removed my breast implants a few years ago. And now just a couple weeks ago gave me a breast lift with lipo to the axillia area. He’s an amazing doctor. His staff is great. I would recommend him for anything you want to do.”
– D.D.
RealSelf Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about breast lift surgery and whether it is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Samuel Sohn. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Sohn will evaluate your breast anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach to achieve your desired results.

Contact our Tampa office today to schedule your consultation. Dr. Sohn proudly serves patients from Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas, and looks forward to helping you achieve a lifted, more youthful breast appearance.

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1 Courtiss EH, Goldwyn RM. Reduction mammaplasty by the inferior pedicle technique. An alternative to free nipple and areola grafting for severe macromastia or extreme ptosis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1977 Apr;59(4):500-7. PMID: 847026. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/847026/. Accessed February 10, 2026.

2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for breast lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift/candidates. Accessed February 7, 2026.

3 Courtiss EH, Goldwyn RM. Reduction mammaplasty by the inferior pedicle technique. An alternative to free nipple and areola grafting for severe macromastia or extreme ptosis. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1977 Apr;59(4):500-7. PMID: 847026. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/847026/. Accessed February 10, 2026.

Dr. Samuel Sohn has reviewed and approved this content.

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