Breast Lift
Female plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Harrington understands that any procedure concerning the breasts is a sensitive one, and takes great pride in customizing her approach for each patient. During your consultation, she’ll work with you to decide on the best way to help you meet your appearance goals.
Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about breast lift surgery, including cost. Harrington Plastic Surgery has helped women from throughout the Twin Cities and neighboring towns like Minnetonka, St. Cloud and Sartell with a breast lift.
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These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Sensitive Content
These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Sensitive Content
These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
A breast lift can restore a more youthful, natural-looking breast shape that’s often lost after pregnancy, weight changes or the natural aging process. By addressing sagging tissue and repositioning the breasts higher on the chest, this procedure can enhance both your silhouette and self-image. Common benefits include:
- Restored shape and firmness
- Improved breast symmetry
- Lifted nipples and areolas for a more youthful appearance
- Enhanced clothing fit
- Long-lasting results
- Boosted self-confidence and body image
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Most women with anywhere from mild to severe breast sagging can be excellent candidates for a breast lift. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, at or near their goal weight and have realistic expectations about what a breast lift can achieve.
Some of the most common reasons to think about getting a breast lift include:
- Breasts have begun to droop with age
- Pregnancy or nursing have caused breasts to lose their shape
- Weight fluctuations have caused breasts to lose volume and sag
- Nipples or areolas point downward or fall below the breast crease
- Breasts appear elongated or deflated
- You’re happy with your breast size but want a firmer, lifted look
Women considering future pregnancies may wish to postpone surgery, since pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter breast shape and affect results. During your consultation, Dr. Harrington will help you determine if a breast lift could be the best approach for you.
Schedule Your Surgical Consultation
Use our convenient online scheduler to book your initial surgical consult online. Choose a time that works for you and meet with Dr. Harrington’s RN, Saebra. We look forward to seeing you!
Breast Lift Surgery Incision Techniques
There are three common incision techniques used for breast lift procedures. The best one for your breast lift will depend on how much lift is needed, your breast size and shape and your individual goals. Dr. Harrington carefully selects the most appropriate approach to minimize scarring while achieving the best contour and nipple position.
- Periareolar Incision: This incision traces around the pigmented skin of the areola. While this incision is small, it may disrupt the milk ducts and glands, which can affect your ability to breastfeed in the future.
- Keyhole Incision: This incision begins with a periareolar incision and then runs vertically from the bottom of the areola to the bottom of the breast.
- Anchor Incision: This incision follows the same path as a keyhole incision, but also runs horizontally along the breast crease in either direction for a short distance.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Implants
While both breast lifts and breast implants can enhance the appearance of the breasts, they address different concerns.
- A breast lift repositions and reshapes sagging breast tissue, restoring a perkier, more youthful contour without changing breast size. It’s ideal for women who are happy with their overall volume but want their breasts to sit higher on the chest and have a firmer feel.
- A breast augmentation uses saline or silicone implants to increase breast size and fullness. This option is best for women who want to add volume, improve upper breast fullness or balance asymmetry.
For many women, combining a breast lift with implants offers the most comprehensive outcome, by lifting the breasts while adding volume and projection.
Your Breast Lift Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Harrington will review all of your breast lift options with you, including incision techniques and whether or not including breast implants may be right for you. This appointment is also an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions that you might have about your procedure and clearly explain your goals for your final result. Dr. Harrington will carefully listen to your needs and perform a physical evaluation to help create a personalized treatment plan based on this information.
By the end of this appointment, you should be equipped with everything you need to make informed decisions and feel confident in your care.
Your Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lift surgery is a same-day procedure performed under general anesthesia. Patients that have sensitivities to narcotic medications, may benefit from our opioid-free or reduced surgery and recovery customized approach. The entire process usually takes 4 to 5 hours, with the surgery itself lasting around 2 to 3 hours or less. Dr. Harrington performs breast lift surgery in an accredited surgery center. You will be asked to arrive at the surgery center 1 hour before the start of your procedure and stay for 1 hour after your procedure is finished. You will need to bring someone with you who can drive you home after your breast lift, and an adult should stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
After making the incision, Dr. Harrington will reshape the breast tissue to create a rounder, fuller look. The breasts are raised to a higher position on the torso, restoring a perkier profile. Next, the skin is tightened around the new breast shape and any loose skin is excised.
Depending on your appearance goals, Dr. Harrington may recommend additional procedures to include with your breast lift surgery. Because a breast uplift does not add volume to the breasts and may even make the breasts appear slightly smaller, many women choose to combine their mastopexy with breast augmentation using saline or silicone implants. A breast lift procedure is also commonly included as part of a mommy makeover.
Women interested in having smaller breasts as well as resolving breast sagging may be better candidates for a breast reduction. Every breast reduction procedure includes lifting and tightening of the breasts.
Breast Lift Recovery
It’s normal to feel some soreness and sensitivity during the first few days after your breast lift surgery. Most women take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks away from work and other normal activities. Dr. Harrington may provide you with a special post-surgical garment to wear during the first few days of your recovery in order to reduce swelling and improve comfort.
During the first several weeks after your procedure, you should refrain from strenuous exercise and other activities that may interfere with your body’s healing process. Although individual experiences vary, most women are able to see their final breast lift results within 6 to 12 months of their surgery, with scars continuing to mature for a year or more.
During your consultation, Dr. Harrington will discuss any risks or complications associated with mastopexy. If you notice any sudden swelling or pain in your breasts, notify our office immediately.
Breast Lift Results
Following your breast lift, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in the position and shape of your breasts. However, initial swelling can camouflage your results at this stage. As swelling subsides over the next weeks and months, your final results will gradually take shape. Most women see their full outcome develop within about 6 months, with scars continuing to fade for a year or more.
While no cosmetic procedure can stop the effects of time, maintaining a stable weight and following healthy lifestyle habits can help to preserve your breast lift results for many years.
Breast Lift FAQs
How much does a breast lift cost in Minneapolis?
Does insurance cover breast lift surgery?
How do I choose a top breast lift plastic surgeon near me?
Is a breast lift the best option for me?
How painful is a breast lift?
Will a breast lift make my breasts smaller?
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
When will I see my breast lift results?
How long do breast lift results last?
Next Steps
If you have questions or would like more information, contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your breast lift consultation.
Written By: Dr. Jennifer Harrington
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director at SpaVie in Minneapolis. Dr. Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons, and is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
More about Dr. Jennifer Harrington | Last Reviewed: January 5th, 2026
Telephone No.(651) 413-9162