Breast Lift
Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Edison, Marlboro, Warren and West Orange, NJ
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that elevates the position of the breasts. (1) Breasts are primarily composed of glandular and fatty tissue, which can lose elasticity. (2) Various factors, such as genetics, aging, hormonal changes, gravity, and lifestyle, can cause the breasts to sag. A breast lift raises the position of the breasts, restoring a more uplifted and youthful contour to the chest.
I am Dr. Harry T. Haramis, one of the leading breast and body surgeons at Associates in Plastic Surgery. I carry more than 30 years of experience and hold board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I have extensive experience in my field, and I have been fortunate enough to help thousands of patients optimize their breast appearance.
To schedule your personal consultation, please submit our online contact form, or call any one of our four locations:
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Lifts
Breast lifts address malpositioned nipples and breast ptosis (sagging). This procedure has seen a steady rise in global popularity over the past ten years due to its effectiveness. In the United States, breast lifts were the fourth most-performed procedure in 2023, reaching more than 153,000 cases. (3)
Benefits of Breast Lifts
A breast lift can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Improved Breast Contours: Breast lifts can restore a more youthful shape, enhancing one’s overall figure.
- Increased Confidence: Many women experience a renewed sense of self-esteem after seeing their breasts in a more flattering position.
- Better Nipple Position: A breast lift can correct nipples that appear uneven or point downwards, shifting them into a more centered, balanced alignment.
- Enhanced Symmetry: By addressing irregularities in shape and size, a breast lift creates a more proportional chest and a harmonious physical profile.
- Tailored Results: I apply customized techniques for each patient based on their anatomy, concerns, and goals.
Candidates
Candidates who seek breast lifts are typically interested in addressing sagging breast tissue without altering the size or volume of the breasts. Patients interested in correcting differences in areolar size, malpositioned nipples, and natural asymmetry may also make suitable candidates.
Qualifying candidates must be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can accomplish. During the initial consultation, I assess each individual’s specific concerns to confirm their candidacy and determine if a breast lift is the most appropriate solution.
Personal Consultation
At Associates in Plastic Surgery, each patient attends a personal consultation at any one of our New Jersey offices before scheduling their procedure. During the consultation, I meet personally with each patient and ask about their medical history, concerns, and treatment goals. I also evaluate the degree of breast ptosis.
This information allows me to create a personalized treatment plan. Depending on anatomy and concerns, I carefully alter certain aspects of the procedure, choosing techniques and strategies that best deliver the patient’s goals.
To schedule your personal consultation, please submit our online contact form. You can also schedule your consultation over the phone by calling the office nearest you:
Preparation
I will provide a set of pre-operative instructions to help each patient prepare for their breast lift. These instructions can vary depending on the surgical techniques and the patient’s medical history, but following each one will facilitate the best results. Considerations often include:
- Patients will need to discontinue using supplements and medications with blood-thinning properties, as well as alcohol and nicotine.
- Patients should prepare for their recovery by taking time off work and setting up a dedicated healing area at home.
- Because mobility may be limited following the procedure, you should secure assistance for the initial 24 hours and arrange a ride home from surgery.
- We also recommend filling any necessary prescriptions in advance so they are readily available.
Procedure
Each procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. I employ one of four surgical techniques to start the procedure:
- The Crescent Lift: The crescent lift is the least invasive method for performing a breast lift, and it is typically reserved for patients who require minimal lifting. I will place a semi-circular incision along the top of the areola when performing this technique.
- The Donut Lift: I make a single, circular incision around the areola to access the underlying tissue. Also known as the periareolar lift, this technique serves patients with minimal breast ptosis.
- The Lollipop Lift: The lollipop lift consists of one incision around the areola with a second incision extending downward to the inframammary fold. This technique is one of the most popular for performing a breast lift, and it is often called a vertical breast lift.
- The Anchor Lift: The anchor lift builds on the lollipop lift, adding a third incision that extends horizontally across the breast crease. This technique is also known as the inverted-T or Wise Pattern, and it is reserved for those with more severe ptosis.
After making the necessary incisions, I elevate and reshape the breasts to enhance their appearance. I may also reposition or alter the size and shape of the areolas for more symmetrical and balanced results. Once the breasts are in their new position and align with the patient’s desired results, I carefully close the incision. After this, the patient will be fitted with a surgical bra and briefly rest under the careful watch of our team.
Recovery
During the initial recovery period, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These effects are temporary and will dissipate on their own, but prescribed medications and following aftercare instructions can help. Each patient must continuously wear their surgical bra, as it will help minimize swelling and support the new position of the breasts.
Most patients will be able to return to non-strenuous work and activities after approximately one week. However, they will need to avoid high-impact physical activities for several more weeks. Another member of my team or I will provide a detailed set of post-operative instructions for each patient during their consultation.
Results
While initial improvements in chest appearance are often noticeable right after surgery, the outcome emerges gradually as swelling diminishes. As the healing process completes, patients can enjoy their firmer, more uplifted, and contoured breasts, contributing to an overall more youthful-looking appearance.
The breasts may initially appear high on the chest, but they will settle into a more natural position over time. The results of a breast lift are long-lasting, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help preserve the new appearance.
Corresponding Procedures
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation enhances the fullness of the breasts using either silicone implants, saline implants, or fat grafting. My patients undergo breast augmentation for numerous reasons, such as improving breast symmetry, restoring volume loss, or enhancing their overall figure. Furthermore, many of my patients choose to combine their breast lift with an augmentation to simultaneously enhance both the elevation and fullness of the breasts.
To learn more about the other procedures my colleagues and I offer, please read our blog!
Cost of Breast Lifts in New Jersey
The cost of a breast lift varies, as each procedure is customized for the individual patient’s goals and anatomy. The average cost of a breast lift procedure ranges from $7,000 for a crescent lift to a usual full mastopexy of $10,900, plus anesthesia. The anchor incision price range would start higher. I provide a quote to each patient after their personal consultation. This includes the surgery fees, anesthesia charges, and facility fees.
Our practice offers financing options and payment plans for those who qualify. Our patient coordinators will be more than happy to help each patient discuss their options during their consultation.
To learn more about the cost of your procedure, please schedule a consultation by contacting us online or calling your closest office directly.
FAQ
How long do breast lift results last?
Many women enjoy their enhanced shape for years. Factors such as aging and weight changes will influence breast appearance over time.
What are the risks involved with abreast lift?
As with any procedure, there are risks, including infection, scarring, and changes in nipple sensation. I will explain all risks during the consultation.
After my breast lift, when can I resume physical activity?
Most patients can resume light activities after one week, but they need to avoid strenuous exercise for several more weeks to facilitate proper healing.
Will I have visible scars after my breast lift?
Scarring is a natural part of the procedure; however, I take great care to minimize scarring by strategically placing incisions in hidden, discreet areas. Any scarring will gradually fade over time.
Can I combine my breast lift with another procedure?
Yes, each patient is welcome to combine their breast lift with another procedure. Many patients choose to combine their procedure with breast augmentation, but I can provide personalized suggestions during your consultation.
References
- Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. Accessed June 11, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK610682/#article-162183.s3
- Rivard AB, Galarza-Paez L, Peterson DC. Anatomy, Thorax, Breast. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519575/
- ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
