
Breast lift
A breast lift (mastopexy) is a plastic surgery procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by repositioning the areola and removing excess skin, without necessarily changing their volume. Unlike an augmentation, its primary goal is to restore shape and firmness to a breast that has sagged over time. For women whose breasts have lost firmness after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight changes, Maison Tóā in Lausanne defines the most suitable technique after a personalised morphological assessment, towards a natural, harmonious result.
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Indications: sagging breasts (ptosis) · loss of firmness after pregnancy or breastfeeding · following weight loss
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Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia
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Duration of the procedure: 2h30
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Hospital stay: outpatient (day surgery)
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Recovery: work 1 week · sport 4 weeks
- Price: See our prices
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift is a plastic surgery procedure that reshapes the breast by moving the areola higher and removing excess skin, in order to correct sagging (ptosis). It lifts the breast, restores its shape and gives a younger, firmer silhouette, durably, without necessarily increasing its volume.
Goal
To give the breasts a more harmonious position and shape, by correcting skin laxity and the downward shift of the areola, while respecting the patient’s body shape.
How it works
The procedure moves the areola upwards according to predetermined measurements, then removes excess skin to tighten and reshape the breast. Sutures are made with absorbable thread, so there are no stitches to remove.
Method
Several scar patterns are possible depending on the amount of skin to be removed: at the very least a periareolar scar, most often a vertical scar, and sometimes a horizontal scar in the inframammary fold (“inverted T” scar). The technique is chosen according to the degree of ptosis and the patient’s body shape.
Differences from other approaches
Non-surgical firming techniques have no effect on true ptosis: when sagging and the downward shift of the areola are marked, only a breast lift durably repositions the breast. Unlike an augmentation, it lifts the breast without changing its volume.
Indications and treatment areas
A breast lift is intended for patients whose breasts have sagged and lost firmness, without necessarily lacking volume.
Main indications
Breast ptosis, loss of firmness after one or more pregnancies, after breastfeeding, or following significant weight changes.
Secondary indications
It can also correct a difference in breast height or an areola positioned too low, situations in which repositioning restores balance to the bust.
Treatment areas
The treatment area is the breasts: the breast is lifted and reshaped to regain shape and firmness.
Specific areas
The areola and nipple are moved to a higher position during the procedure; the diameter of the areola can be reduced if necessary.
Limitations
A breast lift alone does not correct a lack of volume: if the breasts are both sagging and small, an augmentation with an implant or lipofilling can be combined with it — a more complex procedure that requires solid experience. It is intended for adult patients in good health, with stable ptosis and a well-considered plan.
How does the procedure work at Maison Tóā, Lausanne?
Every breast lift follows a structured medical pathway, from the consultation to post-operative follow-up.
1 The consultation

The pre-operative consultation assesses the degree of ptosis, skin quality, the position of the areola and your expectations. The surgeon explains the technique, the scar pattern and the recovery. Time for reflection is given before any decision.
Read more2 The procedure

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, takes 2h30 and is carried out as day surgery. The surgeon moves the areola higher and removes excess skin to tighten and reshape the breast. Sutures are absorbable, so there are no stitches to remove.
Read more3 Follow-up

A sports bra is worn for 1 month. One week off work is usually enough, and sport resumes after about 4 weeks. Post-operative instructions are adapted to each patient. Pain, tightness, swelling and bruising are usual and gradually decrease. A temporary loss of nipple sensation may last 6 to 18 months.
Read moreResults: what to expect (before/after)
The result of a breast lift becomes clearer gradually, as swelling subsides and the breast settles into its final position.
BEFORE / AFTER
First results
The lifted shape is noticeable straight after the procedure, but the breast may look high or tight for the first few weeks, which is normal.
Stabilisation
The final results are visible at 3 months, once the breast has settled into its final position and the swelling and bruising have completely subsided.
Duration
The result of a breast lift is long-lasting. The breasts nevertheless continue to change naturally over time, with gravity, weight fluctuations and any future pregnancies.
Maintenance
A breast lift requires no particular maintenance. Wearing a suitable bra and keeping a stable weight help preserve the shape over time.
Variability
Results vary depending on body shape, skin quality and individual healing. As with any procedure, results may vary from person to person.
Scars
Depending on the technique, the scars are periareolar, vertical and sometimes horizontal in the fold (“inverted T” scar). Made with absorbable thread, they fade gradually; healing is complete after about a year.
Contraindications and side effects
What are the contraindications?
Certain situations lead to the procedure being postponed or adapted: current pregnancy or breastfeeding, plans for a pregnancy in the near future, active infection, clotting disorders, unstable general illness that may contraindicate anaesthesia, or unrealistic expectations. These are assessed during the consultation.
Possible side effects
Rarer complications may occur: bleeding (painful tightness early on should lead to a return to surgery); infection (rare, treated with antibiotics); seroma, the most common complication; thromboembolic events (very rare, prevented by early mobilisation); scar problems (wound separation, widened or keloid scars); residual asymmetry. These risks are explained in detail during the pre-operative consultation.
Prices
Breast lift prices:
At Maison Tóā in Lausanne, the breast lift is offered at a transparent price:
- Breast lift (full mastopexy): from CHF 10,000
- Breast surgery consultation: CHF 200, deductible from your first procedure if it is booked within three months of the consultation.
Payment
Payment is made before the operation, by card or in cash. An instalment payment plan may be offered, subject to eligibility.
What’s included
The package includes the consultation, the procedure, anaesthesia and post-operative follow-up.
Quote
The price depends on the degree of sagging, the technique and whether it is combined with a breast augmentation. A personalised quote is provided at the pre-operative consultation.
A deposit of CHF 200 (the consultation fee) is required to confirm your appointment at Maison Tóā Clinic. If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, this deposit will be refunded in full.
Alternatives and complementary treatments
Alternative treatments
With very mild sagging, firming techniques can be discussed, but they do not correct true ptosis, which requires surgery.
Combining with other treatments
A breast lift can be combined with a breast augmentation (with an implant or lipofilling) when the breasts are both sagging and lacking volume: the goal then becomes twofold, to lift and to restore fullness. This combination, which is more complex, is defined after a personalised medical assessment.
Why choose a breast lift?
A breast lift durably restores firmness and shape to sagging breasts. It is performed by Dr Sophie Nordback, an FMH-certified plastic surgeon, in a setting that brings aesthetic medicine and aesthetic surgery together under one roof — an advantage when a combined augmentation is being considered.
Trust our experts
At Maison Tóā, our team of specialized physicians embodies excellence and innovation in aesthetic medicine. Passionate about their craft, they put their expertise at the service of your beauty and well-being. Every treatment is performed with careful attention, using the most advanced techniques to ensure natural and personalized results.

Dr. Sophie Nordback
Dr. Alexandra Miles
Dr. Reda Bennani

Dr. Laetitia Guarino

Dr. Adnan Plakalo
Dr. Natalia Koltunova
Frequently asked questions
How much does a breast lift cost at Maison Tóā?
At Maison Tóā in Lausanne, a full breast lift (full mastopexy) is offered from CHF 10,000. The price depends on the degree of sagging and the technique; a detailed quote is provided at the consultation.
How long does the operation take?
The procedure takes 2h30, under general anaesthesia, and can be carried out as day surgery.
Can a breast lift be combined with a breast augmentation?
Yes. When the breasts are sagging and also lack volume, a breast lift alone is not enough: an augmentation with an implant or lipofilling is then combined with it. The goal is twofold — to lift and to restore fullness — and the procedure, which is more complex, requires solid experience.
When will the results be visible?
The final results appear at 3 months, once the breast has settled into its final position and the swelling has subsided. Complete healing takes about a year.
What is the recovery like?
A sports bra is worn for 1 month. One week off work is usually enough and sport can resume after 4 weeks. The absorbable sutures do not need to be removed.
What scars are left after a breast lift?
Depending on the technique, the scars are periareolar, vertical or “inverted T”. They fade gradually and healing is complete after about a year.
What are the possible complications?
As with any surgery: bleeding, infection, seroma (the most common), thromboembolic events (very rare), scar problems, temporary changes in sensation, residual asymmetry. They are explained in detail during the pre-operative consultation.
Related articles
Medical consultation and booking
A breast lift is an important decision that deserves careful support. During the consultation, Dr Sophie Nordback assesses the degree of ptosis, the quality of your skin and your expectations, explains the technique, the scar pattern and the recovery, and determines whether a combined augmentation is needed.













