How Much is a Breast Lift?

Almost every woman dreams of having well-rounded and perfectly perky breasts that will look great in cute tops and sexy lingerie. However, if you’ve experienced significant weight fluctuations, your breasts grew ‘overnight’ and you have stretch marks, you’ve given birth, or you’re over the age of 25, then your girls may already be well on their way to the road of permanent sagging.

However, a mastopexy, or what is more commonly known as a breast lift, can help to make your breasts look more youthful and well-formed.

It’s the most significant method for treating saggy breasts, without the need for implants.

So, how much is a breast lift?

How Much is a Breast Lift?

According to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average basic cost you’ll need to invest in your breasts is around $5,000.

This is just an average, though.

The final basic price is very dependent on each patient’s circumstances, so it could be much higher or lower. There are many pieces that go into the cost equation. If you’re combining multiple procedures as you might in a mommy makeover, you can save on the overall cost.

The experience of your chosen surgeon and the type of procedure they’ll need to use must also be considered. For example, the lowest price you’ll pay for a breast lift can be as low as $2,200 if you choose to have it done in Mexico and recover ‘on vacation’.

On the other hand, the Bellesoma breast lift will set you back almost $15,000. That’s because this procedure uses state-of-the-art 3D-imaging pre-operative planning software that doesn’t leave vertical scars and gives the breasts upper fullness without implants.

Other items you’ll need to consider when budgeting for your breast lift are:

Anesthesia fees

The cost of the medication needed to sedate you during the breast lift and the anaesthesiologist’s rate, which averages about $175 to $225 per hour.

Surgical/operating theater facility costs — This will depend on the amount of time it will take to perform your surgery, which is based on the size of your breasts and the complexity of the procedure.

Pre-op and post-op lab tests

Lab tests, medical reviews, and consultations will all add up, depending on your circumstances.

Post-surgical bras

You’ll need some transitional bras in order to ensure that the recovery procedure is successful.

Prescription antibiotics and pain meds

It’s possible some of these will be covered by insurance, but this depends on your circumstances and particular insurance.

Your geographic location

Breast lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, and so most health insurance companies do not offer plans that cover the treatment itself or any complications that may arise afterward.

However, most plastic surgeons do provide financing, especially for the more expensive procedures.

If you have a congenital breast issue, or you have documented medical evidence that your breasts cause severe back pain or another health-related ailment, then it is entirely possible that you can get your health insurance to pay for your mastopexy. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay for your procedure yourself, because breast lifts are considered medically unnecessary.

Your Procedural Cost

Your plastic surgeon will let you know what type of breast lift you will need. This factor is basically based on how big and/or saggy your breasts are, how much excess skin there is, and how long it’s going to take to do the procedure.

The saggier your breasts are, the more excess skin there is to deal with, and the more complex your procedure will be.

If you are also having implants, a breast reduction procedure, areola reduction, fat transfer, or nipple surgery, then this will obviously also add to the total of your overall operation costs.

If you’re having a mommy makeover, then you’ll also need to factor in the price of a tummy tuck and liposuction, as well as any earnings you may lose since you’ll need more time to heal for a full recovery.

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Plastic Fantastic

When you’re making the decision to have a breast lift, it would be best to get a consultation with two or more board-certified plastic surgeons so that you can compare their assessments on what your breast lift will involve.

They should have years of experience in carrying out mastopexy, and should also be able to explain to you all of the aspects of the procedure, including the type of lift you’ll need and how much it will cost.

And although it’s natural to feel some anxiety about having a breast lift, your plastic surgeon should be able to help you understand all aspects about your future operation. And don’t be too shy to ask questions before going under the knife.

The following are some questions you can ask:

• How long will my recovery last?
• What will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications of mastopexy?
• Will I be able to breastfeed?
• What happens if I don’t like my new breasts?
• What if breast cancer runs in my family?
• Do you have any before-and-after photo testimonials?
• What reasonable results can I expect?
• What Else Should I Consider?

As with any major surgery, mastopexy doesn’t come without its own risks. Your plastic surgeon should discuss these risks with you before your procedure and before getting your consent.

Beyond complications that can happen during the surgery or an infection that prolongs the healing process, other risks of having a breast lift include:

• Irregularities and unevenness in breast tissue and shape
• Loss of sensation in breasts and/or nipples, which can be permanent
• Blood clots and heart complications
• Fat necrosis (death of fatty tissue) or loss of nipple/areola
• Fluid accumulation
• What’s The Alternative?

Having a mastopexy is the sure-fire only way get saggy breasts to look more youthful. But there are a few other non-surgical options to look at if you only have slight sagging.

An added bonus is that these treatments are also a lot cheaper than a breast lift, although they are not permanent, so the cost of upkeep will need to be factored in. The most popular non-surgical treatments are:

Thermage

This FDA-cleared skin rejuvenation treatment tightens skin by using radio-frequency (RF) energy, which stimulates collagen production and results in mild firming over time. Thermage can be used on the face and body, and is also used to treat cellulite.

Vampire Breast Lift

If you’re after a slight lift, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can help plump breast tissue, and create the appearance of firmer breasts.  

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Conclusion

A breast lift will cost somewhere between $5,000-$15,000, depending on the scale of the procedure and the miscellaneous costs. Financing is often available, so you don’t typically need to shell it all out in one go.

Now that you know how much a breast lift costs, you can find a plastic surgeon you feel comfortable and safe with, who will perform your procedure in a careful and effective way.

Good luck!