Breast Liftin Minneapolis
Women experiencing breast ptosis, or sagging, may benefit from a breast lift. Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift procedure can help to reverse some of the most common effects of aging on the breasts, including downward-pointing nipples, excess breast skin and an elongated breast shape.
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.
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.
Your Trusted Surgeon
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in the field. She 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.
Find out why so many women and men choose us for their cosmetic surgery enhancements, and see why Dr. Harrington should be your top choice.
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.
Women considering future pregnancies may wish to postpone surgery, since pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter breast shape and affect results.
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
Schedule Your 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, we 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. We 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, we 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
The exact cost of a breast lift in Minneapolis will depend on the details of your procedure and whether or not you choose to include implants or other procedures with your lift. Dr. Harrington and her team will be able to provide you with a personalized cost estimate at the time of your consultation. Please contact us for more information about pricing or financing options.
No, most insurance plans do not cover the cost of a breast lift, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. In rare cases, coverage may be possible if the procedure is deemed medically necessary with documentation from a doctor.
Some women feel more comfortable working with a female plastic surgeon for breast procedures like a breast lift. If this is the case for you, start by searching for top-rated female plastic surgeons in your area online or asking friends and family members for personal referrals. Narrow your search by looking at before and after photos, reading online reviews and, finally, scheduling a consultation or two with your top picks.
A breast lift could be the best option for you if you are bothered by the appearance of breast ptosis, or sagging and would prefer to have a firmer, lifted appearance. To see if you might be a good candidate for a breast lift, you can do what's called the "pencil test." Place a pencil in the crease beneath your breasts and release your hand. If the pencil remains in place without being held, a breast lift might be a suitable solution for you.
You shouldn't feel any pain during your breast lift, as this procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Many women report feeling the most discomfort in the 2 to 3 days following their breast lift, though tenderness and discomfort are typically easy to manage with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed recovery guidelines to help make your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
A breast lift doesn't remove significant tissue, but the breasts may appear slightly smaller because excess skin is removed and tightened.
Many women can still breastfeed after a breast lift, but it depends on the incision type and surgical technique. Dr. Harrington will discuss the best approach if you plan future pregnancies.
While you may notice some immediate changes to the shape and position of your breasts following a breast lift, it can take some time for swelling to diminish and your final results to develop. Expect to have a good idea of what your final breast lift results will look like around 3 to 6 months after your procedure.
Breast lift results can be very long-lasting, with many women enjoying their same results 10 or 15 years later. However, the longevity of your breast lift results will depend on a number of factors, including your age, whether or not you decide to have children in the future and your lifestyle habits. To help prolong your breast lift results, try to maintain a healthy, stable weight, do not smoke and wear a well-fitting, supportive bra.
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 | Dr. Jennifer Harrington Reviews
Last Reviewed: July 8th, 2026
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 | Dr. Jennifer Harrington Reviews
Last Reviewed: July 8th, 2026
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