This story has been medically reviewed for accuracy by Toronto, ON board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mathew A. Plant on November 12, 2024.
In past decades, the aesthetic ideal for breast surgery often emphasized the idea that “bigger is better.” However, today, an increasing number of women are seeking a different kind of enhancement: a perkier appearance rather than a larger one. Thanks to advancements in medical science, there are now multiple methods available to achieve firmer, more uplifted breasts, regardless of their current degree of sagging. We consulted three prominent plastic surgeons to explore all the available options, ensuring you can achieve a natural, elevated breast appearance.
Vampire Breast Lift
For those who prefer a non-surgical approach with minimal downtime, the Vampire Breast Lift offers a temporary yet subtle enhancement. “Vampire procedures, such as this one, involve drawing the patient’s blood and using a centrifuge to isolate platelets from white blood cells and other blood components,” explains Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Camille Cash. “The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into the breast tissue to stimulate collagen production and tissue rejuvenation.” While PRP injections can temporarily increase breast volume and firmness by promoting blood vessel growth, they are not a permanent solution. “This is a very limited procedure,” Dr. Cash adds. “I don’t believe PRP injections can provide a significant lift.”
This treatment, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, is the fastest and least invasive among breast-lifting techniques. It is generally safe, with common side effects including tenderness, redness, and swelling at the injection site, all of which usually subside within a few days. The cost varies, but Ruli readers who have undergone the procedure report an average price of around $1,100.
Related: Vampire Facial to Vampire Breast Lift—Which Spooky Cosmetic Treatments Are Worth Trying (And Which Aren’t)
BodyTite
For women desiring a breast lift but concerned about potential scarring, BodyTite presents a promising alternative. This minimally invasive procedure employs radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin and ligaments, build collagen, and lift the breast area. “A BodyTite breast lift is a newer technique that uses radiofrequency energy to shrink the breast skin, thereby achieving a lift,” explains New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Darren Smith. “The process involves making small incisions, typically two to three millimeters in size, and using a radiofrequency wand beneath the skin and another on top of the skin.” The energy transfer between the wands heats the tissue from the inside out, leading to tissue tightening and increased collagen production.
Dr. Smith notes that candidates for a BodyTite breast lift should have only minor breast sagging. “While BodyTite can effectively provide a small to moderate lift, it is not suitable for severe drooping.” According to Dr. Cash, patients can expect a lift of about one to two centimeters from this procedure. “This might be ideal for those seeking moderate skin tightening,” she adds. However, it’s important to note that this is a relatively new method, and the long-term durability of the results is still uncertain. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, and thermal injury, making it crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan. The average cost of BodyTite is approximately $6,775.
Fat Transfer
For those hesitant about breast implants, Dr. Smith suggests considering fat transfer. “Fat is removed via liposuction from areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen or flanks, through small incisions. The fat is then purified and reinjected into the breasts to enhance their size and shape.” Multiple treatments are often necessary to achieve the desired result, as not all transferred fat survives the procedure.
Candidates for a breast lift using fat grafting should have only mild breast sagging. Those requiring a more significant lift will likely be dissatisfied with the results of fat grafting alone. Dr. Cash also cautions that while fat transfers can enlarge breasts, they can also cause lumps or microcalcifications, which may be detected on mammograms and could lead to unnecessary biopsies.
The addition of liposuction in this surgery typically increases the cost compared to breast implants. Ruli readers report an average price of about $9,000, with a recovery period of two to five days.
Implants
Breast implants remain the most popular method for altering chest appearance and lifting breasts. “A small incision is made, usually beneath the breast, in the fold, at the lower border of the areola, or in the armpit,” explains Dr. Smith. “A silicone gel or saline implant is then inserted through this incision into position under the breast mound.”
Regarding the use of implants for lifting, Dr. Smith advises patients to manage their expectations. “Candidates for a breast lift with implants should have very slight breast sagging and be comfortable with an increase in breast size,” he says. “There is a limit to how much upward movement an implant can provide, and relying too heavily on implants for lifting can lead to undesirable outcomes like ‘bottoming out.’” In other words, those with significant drooping will not achieve the desired lift with implants alone and may need a traditional breast lift instead.
Patients considering implants must also be aware of potential risks, including infection, bleeding, and a very low risk of breast implant–associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The FDA has recently recommended additional warnings for breast implants, so it’s essential to discuss these risks and benefits with your doctor before proceeding. The procedure costs about $6,350 and requires a recovery period of two to three weeks.
Mastopexy
A traditional breast lift, or mastopexy, remains the most effective way to achieve a significant change in breast appearance. “A mastopexy is designed to remove excess breast skin and reconfigure the breast tissue to reduce sagging,” explains Dr. Smith. The extent of the lift depends on the degree of breast sagging, which determines the number and location of incisions.
“There are several types of breast lifts, with donut, lollipop, and anchor incisions being the most common,” says Marina Del Rey plastic surgeon Dr. Luis Macias. The main difference between these lifts lies in the placement of incisions.
Donut Lift
The donut lift involves an incision around the areola, resulting in minimal scarring. This method provides a slight lift for breasts with mild sagging and a pointed shape.
Lollipop Lift
For breasts with moderate sagging, a lollipop lift may be preferred. “This lift is commonly used and can significantly elevate the nipple and remove excess tissue from the lower breast,” adds Dr. Macias. The incisions for this lift circle the areola and extend vertically down to the breast fold, resembling a lollipop.
Anchor Lift
The anchor lift is suitable for those with severe sagging, requiring more reduction in the breast fold area. The incisions for this lift extend along the breast fold, around the areola, and vertically from the areola to the breast fold, resembling an anchor. This method results in the most visible scars due to the additional incisions.
Potential complications of mastopexy include damage to the nipple or areola if the blood supply is disrupted, and altered or reduced nipple sensation. Additionally, the incisions may affect the breast tissue connected to the nipple, potentially impacting future breast milk production. Dr. Smith advises patients who have not yet had children to consider this when deciding if a breast lift is appropriate for them. The cost of a breast lift varies but averages around $7,900, with a recovery period of one to two weeks.
