Breast lift

A breast lift is one of the most popular procedures in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery.

Before and After Photos

Wichtiges und Wissenswertes zum Thema Bruststraffung

A breast lift can restore an attractive breast shape when its appearance has been affected by weight loss or pregnancy. Unfortunately, breast lifts are generally not considered medically necessary procedures by public health insurance providers, and the costs are therefore usually not covered — though there are rare exceptions.

Technically speaking, a breast lift is a type of *breast reduction*, with the key difference being that no breast tissue is removed, so the breast volume remains almost the same (apart from the small amount of skin that is excised). This distinction is important because breast reduction surgery was developed long before breast lift surgery. As a result, there are nearly as many breast lift techniques as there are breast reduction techniques.

It is a common misconception that a breast lift, like other tightening procedures, only involves removing excess skin. However, to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result, much more is required: the nipple and areola must be repositioned (depending on how far they need to be lifted), and the sagging breast tissue must be reshaped.

Most surgeons are skilled in four to five different techniques, which they apply depending on the patient’s anatomical conditions.

For patients seeking advice, it is usually difficult to influence the choice of surgical technique.

To better understand the advantages and disadvantages of each method, here are the most important factors that play a role in a breast lift:

Scar pattern
Type of blood supply to the nipple and areola
Breast contour and shape
Long-term stability of the results / creation of an internal bra
Preservation of nipple sensitivity and responsiveness

When is a scar-sparing breast lift possible?

During your consultation, you should discuss with your surgeon which aspects of the procedure are most important to you.

When using scar-sparing techniques, the inner part of the breast fold (and in some techniques even the outer part) remains untouched, allowing you to wear low-cut clothing without visible scars. Unfortunately, these methods cannot always be used for very sagging breasts, where the required nipple lift is long (more than 10 cm). There are also techniques that better preserve nipple sensitivity, though they may offer less flexibility in shaping the breast.

To improve the long-term stability of results, techniques have been developed over the past 25 years that create an internal “bra.” This approach transfers the weight of the breast from the skin to the inner support, preventing the breasts from sagging again over time. I have also worked extensively on this concept and modified a traditional method (the B-technique) to enable the creation of an internal bra.

For most patients, the scar pattern is very important. However, I would like to emphasize that from an aesthetic perspective, achieving an attractive breast shape is far more important than simply having shorter scars.

What should be considered when planning a breast lift?

The procedure should ideally be performed after family planning is complete. While pregnancy after a breast lift is generally possible, it should be noted that the results may deteriorate due to the significant changes in breast size that occur during pregnancy.

Weight fluctuations of more than 5 kg can also negatively affect the results. Therefore, at the time of surgery, you should ideally be at a body weight that you feel comfortable with and can maintain long-term.

For many patients, a successful breast lift represents a significant improvement in quality of life and can have a lasting positive impact on self-esteem.

Before and After Photos

Here you can see several examples of breast lifts. Whenever possible, a scar-sparing technique was used to keep the décolleté free of scars. In all procedures, a dermal suspension was performed — this means creating an internal bra made from the patient’s own dermis. This additional measure improves both the long-term results and the quality of the scars.

Show images

Breast Lift – Overview

Below is a summary of the necessary steps and preparations involved in a breast lift procedure.

Initial Consultation

Have you already purchased the book “Breast Lift” for 40 euros, either in our clinic or online? Then the initial consultation for your procedure is already included.
A first consultation usually lasts about 30 minutes. Without the book purchase, the fee is 250 euros. A longer and more detailed initial consultation (no fixed duration) is charged at 300 euros.

If you have already undergone a breast lift in another clinic, are dissatisfied with the result, and would like a second opinion, I will be happy to advise you. However, please understand that in this case, the consultation will be charged at 300 euros, which will be credited toward the cost of a corrective surgery if performed.

My personal tip for you: Always and without exception seek a second opinion before undergoing any procedure (this is, of course, not included in the book purchase).

Hospital Stay

Hospital stay (the procedure can often also be performed on an outpatient basis in my surgery center)

inpatient (with overnight stay)

1,500 to 3,500 euros depending on the duration of the surgery, number of overnight stays, room category (suite, single, shared), and hospital.

Anesthesia

Hospital Stay
(Often, the procedure can also be performed on an outpatient basis at my surgical center.)

Inpatient (with overnight stay)
1,500 – 3,500 euros, depending on the duration of surgery, number of overnight stays, room category (suite, single, or shared room), and hospital.

Costs

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means an anesthesiologist must be present during the surgery. The cost of anesthesia varies depending on the duration of the operation, ranging from 800 to 1,600 euros.

Surgery Preparation

(Blood test, chest X-ray, mammography, surgical clearance by an internist)

Depending on your age, you will need the following examinations:

Chest X-ray (not always required) and ECG
Mammography
Complete blood count including coagulation profile, blood type, HIV test, and Hepatitis A, B, and C
Surgical clearance by an internist (general practitioner)

If you are socially insured in Austria and the procedure is medically indicated, blood tests, X-rays, and mammography will not incur any additional costs. The same applies to surgical clearance by an internist or general practitioner who has a contract with Austria’s public health insurance providers. For private physicians (“Wahlärzte”), the insurance usually covers about 50–75% of the costs.

For 14 days prior to the operation, blood-thinning medications (such as Aspirin, Marcoumar, Vitamin E, etc.) should be discontinued, as they can delay blood clotting. Alcohol and sleeping pills should also be largely avoided, as they reduce the blood’s ability to clot and increase the risk of postoperative bleeding. Smoking should ideally be stopped, as nicotine causes blood vessel constriction, which may lead to wound-healing complications.

Please note that all medical tests must be no older than 10 days at the time of surgery. Bring your X-ray images and all medical reports with you on the day of the operation.

To ensure a smooth admission process, you should refrain from eating for six hours and from drinking for four hours before surgery. If the procedure takes place in a hospital (and not at my surgical center), please arrive at the hospital 2½ hours before surgery. After completing the admission process, you will be taken to your room; upon request, you can receive an IV infusion to help reduce thirst.

For a breast lift, you can expect a hospital stay of 1 to 3 nights.

Surgery Checklist

Schedule the surgery date
Confirm the surgery date (plan vacation or time off, arrange childcare if necessary, etc.)
Have the preoperative examinations (mammography, blood tests, X-ray, ECG, surgical clearance) performed no earlier than two weeks before surgery
Preoperative consultation on the day before surgery: your results will be reviewed, final details discussed, and the consent form signed
You will receive a hospital admission form from the assistant, which must be completed and brought to the hospital. The date of the first follow-up visit will also be arranged.
Arrive at the hospital 2.5 hours before surgery for admission procedures. Upon request, a staff member can accompany you and make the waiting period more comfortable.
Discharge from the hospital typically occurs one to three days after the procedure. Please do not drive yourself—take a taxi or have someone pick you up.
Plan for rest at home and avoid physically demanding activities.

Follow-up visits:

1. First check-up (approx. 5–7 days after surgery): the dressing is replaced with the support bra
2. Second check-up (approx. 10 days after surgery): removal of stitches
3. Third check-up (approx. 20 days after surgery)
4. Fourth check-up (approx. 30 days after surgery)

Additional follow-ups after one, two, and six months
Final check-up after one year

Support Bra

After a breast lift, the operated breast should be kept as still as possible and well supported. Depending on the brand and design, a support bra costs between 60 and 180 euros.

Rounds & Follow-up Appointments

They are included in the surgical fee.

Faq

Below is a summary of the necessary steps and preparations involved in a breast lift procedure.

From what age and up to what age can a breast lift be performed?

A breast lift should generally not be performed before the age of 18. Breast and body growth should be fully completed. If family planning is not yet complete, a surgical technique should be chosen that carefully preserves nipple sensitivity and the ability to breastfeed. There is no upper age limit, provided there are no medical or psychological contraindications.

What breast lift methods exist, and how do they differ?

There are numerous surgical techniques, all derived from breast reduction procedures. They differ in scar pattern, type of blood supply to the nipple-areola complex, preservation of nipple sensitivity and responsiveness, shaping of the breast, and the long-term stability of the results. Depending on which factors are most important to the patient, different techniques may be chosen. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of your surgeon’s recommended methods in detail.

What scar patterns are possible?

The scar pattern may resemble an inverted T (anchor shape), extend downward and outward from the areola, run vertically only from the areola to the breast crease, or be limited to the areola itself. For shaping the breast, the anchor-shaped incision is the most effective, as it allows optimal contouring. Scar-sparing techniques can be used when only a small lift of the nipple is required.

Can a large areola be reduced during a breast lift?

Yes. Reducing the size of the areola is easily done as part of a breast lift and is usually performed routinely at no additional cost.

Can a breast lift be done under local anesthesia?

A breast lift is generally a more extensive procedure and should usually be performed under general anesthesia. In rare cases, or when only minor adjustments are needed, it may be carried out under local anesthesia.

Does a breast lift affect the ability to breastfeed?

In general, no. In rare cases, breastfeeding ability may be slightly affected.

Is nipple sensitivity lost after a breast lift?

Some surgical methods pose less risk to nipple sensitivity than others but may have different drawbacks. If maintaining sensitivity is particularly important to you, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon.

What complications can occur?

The most common medical complication is postoperative bleeding, followed by infections and wound-healing problems (such as skin or nipple-areola necrosis). When performed correctly, these complications are rare.

Aesthetic complications may include asymmetry, distortion of the areola, or widened scars. Cosmetic issues can almost always be corrected; however, severe medical complications (e.g., necrosis) may not always be fully reversible.

How soon can you resume normal activities after a breast lift?

Most patients can resume normal activities after about 7–10 days.

What are the long-term results of a breast lift?

If there are no major weight fluctuations or pregnancies after the procedure, the long-term results are generally very good. How long the lifted shape is maintained depends on the weight of the breast tissue (gravity), the individual’s tissue quality (firm vs. loose connective tissue), and the surgical technique used.