Mastopexy (Breast Lift) in New Jersey & Philadelphia
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts for a more youthful, uplifted appearance. Over time, factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, gravity, and natural aging can cause the breasts to lose firmness and position. At our locations in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David W. Allison offers customized breast lift procedures that restore a balanced, natural contour while maintaining each patient’s unique proportions.
Whether the goal is to correct drooping after childbirth or simply rejuvenate breast shape, Dr. Allison uses advanced surgical techniques to achieve refined, lasting results. His approach emphasizes precision, proportion, and artistry—helping patients look and feel confident with beautifully natural outcomes.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift restores the position and firmness of the breasts by removing excess skin, reshaping internal tissue, and repositioning the nipples and areolas. Unlike breast augmentation, which increases size with implants, a lift elevates the breasts and improves breast shape.
Mastopexy can also reduce the size of enlarged areolas and correct downward-pointing nipples. For women seeking both lift and added volume, the procedure can be combined with breast augmentation using saline or silicone implants.
Dr. Allison personalizes each breast lift to match the patient’s anatomy, degree of sagging, and desired aesthetic. His goal is to achieve a rejuvenated, natural contour that enhances body balance and restores a youthful appearance.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
A breast lift offers aesthetic and emotional benefits for patients who are unhappy with breast sagging or asymmetry. Common advantages include:
- Firmer, uplifted breasts with improved shape
- Repositioned nipples and areolas for a more youthful appearance
- Reduction of stretched skin or enlarged areolas
- Improved balance and symmetry between the breasts
- Enhanced confidence and comfort in clothing and swimwear
While results are long-lasting, a breast lift cannot stop the natural effects of aging. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve results for years to come.
Ideal Candidates
The best candidates for a breast lift are individuals who:
- Are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- Have breasts that sag or appear deflated
- Have nipples that fall below the breast crease or point downward
- Have stretched skin or enlarged areolas
- Are non-smokers or willing to stop before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
A breast lift may also be beneficial after pregnancy or breastfeeding, when breast tissue has lost elasticity. Dr. Allison evaluates each patient’s goals and anatomy to determine whether a lift alone—or a lift combined with implants—will provide the most balanced results.
How the Procedure Works
Breast lift surgery is performed in an accredited surgical facility under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient’s needs and surgical plan.
Dr. Allison begins by marking the incision pattern based on the degree of sagging and desired correction. Common techniques include:
- Periareolar (around the areola): For mild sagging
- Vertical (lollipop): Around the areola and vertically down to the crease
- Anchor (inverted T): Around the areola, vertically to the crease, and horizontally along the breast fold
Through these incisions, excess skin is removed, underlying breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple and areola are lifted to a more natural, youthful position. If needed, areolar size can be reduced for better proportion.
Once the new breast shape is achieved, Dr. Allison closes the incisions with layered sutures to support precise healing and minimize scarring. The breasts are then gently dressed and supported with a surgical bra.
The procedure typically takes two to three hours, and most patients return home the same day with detailed after-care instructions.
Recovery and Results
After a breast lift, patients can expect mild swelling, tightness, and temporary numbness. Supportive garments are worn to maintain shape and reduce swelling as tissues heal. Small drains may occasionally be placed to prevent fluid buildup, though this varies by case.
Most patients feel ready to return to non-strenuous activities within one to two weeks. Exercise and heavy lifting are generally postponed for four to six weeks. Dr. Allison provides personalized follow-up care to ensure smooth recovery and a safe return to daily routines.
Initial results are visible almost immediately, with continued improvement as swelling subsides and incision lines fade. Final breast shape continues to refine over several months as the tissues settle into their new position. Breasts appear firmer, more lifted, and naturally contoured. While aging and gravity continue to affect the body over time, maintaining a healthy weight and supportive bra use helps preserve results for years.
“Dr. Alison is a phenomenal doctor! He is an excellent surgeon. In addition to his surgical skills, he has an amazing bedside manner. He cares about his patients. You can call him anytime and he always responds. Would recommend 100%.”
Real Patient
Potential Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, a breast lift carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation, or fluid accumulation. Scarring is inevitable but typically fades significantly over time.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Allison minimizes risks through advanced techniques and meticulous post-operative monitoring. He and his team guide each patient through every phase of care—from preparation and recovery to long-term follow-up—to ensure safety and satisfaction.
Scheduling Your Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Allison is an opportunity to discuss your goals, review your anatomy, and explore treatment options. During your visit, Dr. Allison will recommend the technique best suited to your degree of sagging, skin quality, and desired breast shape.
Appointments are available at our locations in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia for your convenience. Dr. Allison’s team will guide you through preparation, recovery expectations, and any combination procedures, such as augmentation or reduction, that may enhance your results.
Why Choose Dr. David W. Allison?
Dr. David W. Allison, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. With offices in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, he is known for his precision, artistry, and individualized approach. His expertise in breast contouring allows him to create results that look natural, balanced, and proportional to each patient’s body.
Patients value Dr. Allison’s open communication, attention to detail, and commitment to safety. From the first consultation to post-operative visits, he and his team provide compassionate, personalized care in a comfortable, professional environment.
Take the Next Step Toward a Youthful, Uplifted Contour
Dr. David W. Allison and his team proudly serve patients in Princeton, Voorhees, Yardley, and Philadelphia, helping women restore youthful, natural breast shape through expertly performed breast lift surgery. Schedule your consultation today to learn how a personalized mastopexy can renew your confidence and silhouette.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Lift Surgery
What causes breasts to sag?
Breast sagging, or ptosis, commonly results from aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gravity, weight changes, and loss of skin elasticity. These factors cause stretched ligaments and diminished breast firmness over time. Genetics also play a role—some women naturally have thinner skin or less structural support within the breast tissue, making them more prone to sagging.
How long do breast lift results last?
Results are long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Natural aging continues, but most enjoy their improved breast shape for many years. Wearing supportive bras and avoiding large fluctuations in weight can help maintain firmness and shape even longer.
Will I have visible scars?
Some scarring is inevitable, but incisions are placed strategically to be as discreet as possible. With proper care and sun protection, scars fade significantly over time. Dr. Allison may recommend scar management techniques such as silicone gel or sheets to further improve their appearance during healing.
Can a breast lift reduce areola size?
Yes. During surgery, Dr. Allison can reduce enlarged areolas and reposition them for a more balanced, youthful look. This adjustment often enhances overall breast symmetry and helps the nipple appear more centered after lifting.
Will a breast lift increase my breast size?
A lift restores shape and position but does not significantly increase breast volume. Patients seeking more fullness may consider combining their lift with breast implants. Dr. Allison discusses this option during the consultation, helping patients decide whether added volume or a natural reshaping approach best suits their goals.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Many women can still breastfeed after mastopexy, but this depends on the extent of the lift and individual anatomy. Dr. Allison can discuss surgical techniques that help preserve breastfeeding ability when needed. If future breastfeeding is a goal, it’s important to mention this during the consultation so the surgical plan can be designed with that in mind.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on patient needs and surgical complexity.
How long is recovery after a breast lift?
Most patients return to light activity in one to two weeks and resume normal routines in about four to six weeks. Dr. Allison provides tailored after-care instructions to support healing and comfort. Swelling, bruising, and mild tightness are normal during early recovery, and wearing a supportive garment helps the breasts settle into their new position.
How can I maintain my breast lift results?
Maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, wearing supportive bras, and following Dr. Allison’s after-care guidance all help extend the longevity of your results.
What if I plan to have children later?
Future pregnancies or breastfeeding may affect the longevity of breast lift results. Dr. Allison can help you decide on the right timing for surgery based on your family plans. Many patients choose to wait until they are finished having children to ensure the best long-term outcome, though the procedure remains safe and effective at any adult age.