Mastopexy, also known as breast lift surgery, is a procedure aimed at reshaping the breasts. This correction method involves repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher position. During a breast lift, excess skin in the breast area is removed, and the shape of the breast tissue is altered to lift the breasts.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of women opt for this surgery due to changes in their bodies after pregnancy and breastfeeding, aging, and breast sagging. A breast lift enhances self-esteem and confidence, improves the appearance of the breasts, and restores their firmness.
The surgery typically lasts 2 to 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a ring-shaped instrument to create a new shape for the areola and removes excess internal and external breast tissues (around the areola and the lower part of the breast if needed). Stitches are applied in multiple layers, from the inner layer to the outer layer, using either thread or medical adhesive. Fortunately, in most cases, the breasts can be restored to their original position.
Anchor incision, vertical incision, and areolar incision: which method to choose?
Every patient wishes for an areolar incision, but this is possible in no more than 15% of cases. More often, to restore the breast’s original position, an anchor incision is required. There is no need to fear it; with proper regular care, the scars will be practically unnoticeable, and after 1-2 years, they may completely disappear for patients of European descent. Asian patients usually have slightly longer healing times, and for black patients, scars may still be visible even after 2-3 years. In their cases, laser scar revision and possibly breast tattooing are recommended.
You can watch our videos about breast lift surgery YouTube.
Brief surgery information
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Surgery Time: 2-3 hours
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Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia
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Hospitalization: 3-4 hours
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Return to Normal Life: Within 3-4 days
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Clinic Visits: 3-4 times
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Stitches Removal: Day 14
Why do women consider breast lift surgery?
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Aging changes: Most women over 35 feel discomfort due to breast ptosis (sagging), even if it’s not severe and the nipples are facing forward. The contact between the breasts and the abdominal skin creates discomfort, leading to calluses and irritation. To eliminate these problems, plastic surgeons in South Korea perform breast lifts to restore the breasts to their original position.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Many of our patients opt for breast lift surgery after childbirth. The breasts lose volume, and the tissues that were once full sag downward, causing discomfort. The ability to wear clothes without underwear is lost, and clothing fits poorly, leading to discomfort. Often, the surgery is combined with nipple correction, lipofilling, or breast implant placement.
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Tubular breasts: Correcting tubular or conical breasts is the most complex type of breast lift. This procedure not only involves lifting but also redistributing or partially removing breast tissue and correcting the areola and nipple or placing an implant. Such breasts need correction at a young age, as the surgery relieves patients of psychological discomfort related to the incorrect shape and development of breast tissue.
Who Is a suitable candidate for breast lift surgery?
Breast lift surgery is suitable for individuals who have:
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Sagging breasts due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or genetic factors.
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Breast asymmetry, where one breast significantly differs in shape or size from the other.
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Reduced breast volume after weight loss or after a procedure requiring breast shape restoration.
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Reduced self-confidence due to the appearance of their breasts.
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Candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations of the surgery results.
Why South Korea?
South Korea annually leads the world in cosmetic procedures and surgeries. Local doctors are considered among the most educated and competitive globally, with only 0.01% of medical school graduates becoming plastic surgeons. Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with the USA and Germany, placing it in the top three countries with the best-equipped clinics.
All breast lift surgeries are conducted in accredited clinics authorized to treat foreign patients, with in-house anesthesiologists. Surgeons performing procedures on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specializing in breast augmentation and soft tissue surgeries, performing no more than 2 surgeries a day. Fill out the questionnaire for us to calculate the cost of treatment, provide a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for a breast lift.
Schedule a consultation with a clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can book a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us through any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
How to prepare for breast lift surgery in South Korea?
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Refrain from eating and drinking for 12 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.
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Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including medications like Advil or Motrin), and other drugs that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for 2 weeks before the operation. Tylenol is prohibited only within 3 days before the surgery.
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Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow tissue healing. If you smoke, the doctor will recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to perform surgery on smoking patients due to a high risk of complications. It is unsafe to be around smoking relatives and friends or in public places designated for smoking.
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Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you have taken. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.
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Visit the surgeon for an examination. To determine treatment options, the doctor will examine the expected surgical area, including the position of the nipples/areolas.
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If possible, bring or send the results of mammography or breast biopsy (if not possible, we will conduct the necessary tests in Korea).
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Ask someone to take you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery. Driving on the day of breast augmentation is strictly prohibited.
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Place items near your bed that you may need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.
How is the surgery performed?
Before the surgery, during the final consultation, the surgeon applies the surgical design and coordinates it with the client. They answer any questions the patient may have had on the sleepless night before the operation. Then, the patient is asked to visit the restroom, specify the time of their last water and food intake, and is escorted to the operating room. A catheter is inserted into the hand, and medications used before anesthesia are administered through it.
The operation area is disinfected, and the patient’s hands and legs are secured with straps to minimize movement during sleep. Blood pressure is measured, an anesthesiologist attaches a mask to the patient’s face and checks the indicators, after which anesthesia is administered into the bloodstream.
Once the medication takes effect and sleep sets in, the surgeon begins the operation. A incision is made on the breast skin with a scalpel to gain access to the fatty tissue. Depending on the design, condition of the breast, and the surgical plan, excess fat and skin are removed, and at the end of the operation, the shape, size, and position of the nipple are altered. Stitches are applied layer by layer, and on the outer skin layer, stitches or medical glue are used (depending on the surgical technique and the surgeon’s method of work).
After the surgery is complete, the breast is dried thoroughly, a bandage is applied on top for protection against external factors and to secure the stitches, and the patient is awakened and helped to move to the recovery room for further rest and recovery.
What to expect after breast lift surgery
After the surgery is completed, the translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment and feel like they woke up in a warm bed, as the anesthesia takes effect.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills, but this will quickly pass. There is minimal pain on the first day, as it is dulled by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel swelling in the chest or even the abdomen – this is normal, as your body begins to heal.
The most significant discomfort comes from the bandage, which may make it difficult to take full breaths and may feel tight in some areas. If you feel this, do not hesitate to ask the coordinator if it’s possible to slightly loosen the bandage.
You will remain in the clinic for a few hours after the surgery with a catheter in your arm, receiving medications intravenously.
After the IV is finished and the catheter is removed, the coordinator and medical nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change your clothes, collect your medications, and receive post-operative recommendations.
By the evening, pain sensations may intensify. Make sure to place several pillows around your body to prevent injury to the chest area during sleep and take the medications prescribed by the surgeon, as they contain pain relievers. If you experience a dull ache or feel swelling and pressure in the chest area, this is normal. Your main task at this stage is to be patient and wait for a few days.
Over the next three days, the swelling will increase. Do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rehabilitation guidelines. After the drainage tube is removed (which can happen on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd day depending on the patient’s case), you can start taking short walks. The more you walk, the faster the swelling will subside, and your body will recover. Try to spend at least 30 minutes outside each day. By the end of the week, the swelling will begin to decrease, and you will feel much better, allowing you to return to your normal life.
Recovery process and post-breast lift procedures
Immediately after the procedure: Your breasts will be covered with gauze and a surgical support bra. You can leave the clinic a few hours after the surgery if you are feeling well.
Days 1-2: Removal of drainage tubes (if present). You may experience discomfort in your breasts during this time. Wearing the surgical support bra and compression bandages minimizes pain and protects the stitches from infection. Bruising and swelling may occur. It is recommended to sleep on your back with an elevated position.
Days 3-7: Swelling begins to subside. Avoid sports activities, and taking a full shower is prohibited. Clinic check-ups and post-operative procedures (such as laser treatment for swelling and wound care) are necessary.
Days 7-14: Reduction in swelling, disappearance of possible hematomas, and a return to work and normal life. Regular, extended walks are recommended for faster recovery. Stitch removal may occur if applicable.
Days 14-21: Most patients can perform everyday activities without discomfort. Intensive workouts and physical exercises should still be avoided. You can take showers without restrictions, but not exceeding 15 minutes.
Days 21-30: The breasts start to take on their natural position and shape. At this stage, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises. Continue to sleep on your back.
Days 31-60: Most of the swelling subsides, and you can see 80-90% of the final results. Scars slowly start to fade.
Days 60-90: You can start engaging in physical exercises, sleep on your side, take baths, and apply healing ointment to scars daily. Silicone patches are recommended.
Days 90-180: The remaining swelling disappears, and the breasts assume their final shape. You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, and consume alcohol without restrictions. Scars gradually fade, but daily skincare is essential for their maximum disappearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before & After




Step 1: Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE
First and foremost, you need to fill out a form. This will help us and the surgeons better understand your expectations and review your medical history. In the form, be sure to provide your personal information, details about any previous surgeries, and your current health condition. Unfortunately, patients with HIV infection are not eligible for plastic surgeries in Korea.
Step 2: Attach photos
Attaching photos of the areas of your body or face that you would like to have corrected is a crucial step. This allows us to make a preliminary cost estimate and direct you to a specialist who can address your concerns.
Step 3: Submit and wait for confirmation
After submitting the form and photos, your application will be reviewed, and we will contact you to confirm details and schedule a consultation.
Step 4: Prepare for the consultation
Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask the coordinator and surgeon during the consultation. We recommend bringing a phone with notes or a notepad to help you stay organized and obtain all the information you need. Additionally, you can always ask any questions you have in a personal chat created for discussing the details of your trip.