What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions drooping or sagging breasts higher on the chest, resulting in a firmer and more youthful-looking appearance. Breast ptosis or sagging can be caused by many factors, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and aging. In many cases, a breast lift is the only way to effectively restore a firmer breast shape and overall appearance.
At Campanile Plastic Surgery, we know that the way your breasts look can impact your self-image. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Francesco Campanile is dedicated to providing a personalized and welcoming experience to each and every patient in his Denver practice. Dr. Campanile has been practicing plastic surgery since 1997 and specializes exclusively in body contouring and breast enhancement procedures, making him a leading breast lift plastic surgeon in the Denver area and beyond.
Our goal at Campanile Plastic Surgery is to give you all the information you need to feel comfortable making the best decisions for your long-term satisfaction. If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation to speak with Dr. Campanile about your goals, please call us at 303-345-7476 or contact us online.
Top 3
Reasons To
Choose Us
-
Decades of Experience Merging Science and Beauty
Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, is a blend of art and science, and Dr. Campanile works closely with each woman to create beautiful, natural-looking results. -
Denver's Premier Breast Lift Expert
Dr. Francesco Campanile is widely regarded for his technical excellence and patient-centered care and performs hundreds of breast lift surgeries each year to women in and near the Denver area. -
Volume Meets Vertical Lift
For women who’d like to increase breast volume, combining a breast lift with breast augmentation using breast implants or fat transfer may be your best approach.
Request a Consultation
The first step in achieving your ideal figure is scheduling your consultation with Dr. Campanile. Contact us today to get started! We look forward to helping you feel great about your body.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Most patients come to our office in Denver for a breast lift if their breasts have a lack of fullness, are sagging or have nipples that point downward. If you are experiencing these common concerns and meet the following criteria, you could be a great candidate for a breast lift:
- You are in good overall health. Women in good physical and mental health can be good candidates for breast lift surgery. If you smoke, you must be willing to stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery to ensure optimal results and healing.
- You are at a healthy stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations after getting a breast lift can affect your results, so Dr. Campanile recommends that you are able to maintain a healthy stable weight for several months before moving forward with a breast lift.
- You are finished having children. Future pregnancies and breastfeeding can affect your results, so it is ideal to plan your breast lift surgery after you’ve completed your family.
- You have realistic expectations. It is important to understand both the benefits and limitations of a breast lift to have realistic expectations about your results. While a breast lift can reshape and reposition the breasts, it does not increase breast size.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
Many women choose to have a breast lift following multiple pregnancies, major weight loss or as a result of the natural aging process and effects of gravity over time. Some of the most notable benefits of this procedure include:
- Improved breast shape and projection. The procedure lifts and reshapes deflated-looking breasts to restore a more youthful, perkier look and feel.
- Elevated nipple position. Nipples are repositioned to a more natural, forward-facing location.
- Reduction in areola size. If stretched or enlarged, the areolas can be reduced to better match the new breast proportions.
- Increased comfort. Excess skin and drooping breast tissue can sometimes lead to chafing and irritation. A breast lift can help by lifting and tightening the breasts.
- Better fit in clothing and bras. Many women find that clothes fit more comfortably and attractively after surgery.
- Boost in self-confidence. Restoring a natural, lifted breast appearance often leads to increased body confidence and satisfaction.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation
Breast lifts and breast augmentation are two of the most common breast enhancing procedures and are often combined to achieve comprehensive results. During a breast lift, Dr. Campanile is able to tighten excess skin and breast tissue, resulting in a firmer and perkier look and feel. However, this procedure on its own does not increase breast size.
If you would also like an increase in breast size, you might consider combining a breast lift with augmentation. Through a breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Campanile uses saline or silicone implants to add volume to the breasts.
A breast lift can also be included as a part of a mommy makeover, which is a customized set of body contouring procedures that are popular with many women after having children. Women who have achieved significant weight loss may also benefit from combining their breast lift with additional body contouring procedures to reveal their slimmer, fitter shape.
Real Patient Photos
View our photo gallery to see before and after photos of real Denver breast lift patients whom Dr. Campanile has been able to help achieve their body contouring goals.
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These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Your Breast Lift Procedure
During a breast lift, Dr. Campanile uses a customized approach to determine the best incision technique for your needs. The specific technique used for your procedure will be determined by how much correction is necessary and whether breast augmentation or breast reduction is going to be included along with the lift.
The breast lift procedure will begin with an incision based on the technique that Dr. Campanile feels will best suit your needs. Then, he reshapes the breast tissue for a fuller, more youthful look before tightening the breast skin and removing any extra. Dr. Campanile may also reposition the nipples to a central location and resize the areolas if needed.
This procedure typically takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. Once complete, you will be moved to a recovery room before being discharged the same day of your procedure.
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board-certified plastic surgeon
Dr. Francesco Campanile
Choosing the right practice makes all the difference in your results. Learn why Dr. Campanile’s patients consider him to be the best plastic surgeon in Denver.
- Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for Your Breast Lift
Being prepared for every step of the breast lift process can help you have an optimal experience and an excellent outcome. At Campanile Plastic Surgery, we want to help you achieve your best plastic surgery experience and are here to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for every step along the way. This information can help you get ready for each stage of the breast lift process. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact us online or call us at 303-345-7476.
- In the Waiting Room
In the Waiting Room
Your plastic surgeon’s waiting room can say a lot about the overall practice.
- Is the space clean, organized and inviting?
- Are the staff courteous and welcoming?
- Fill out medical paperwork thoroughly and accurately
- Bring a list of all medications
- Meeting Your Doctor
Your Breast Lift Consultation
During your initial visit to our Denver, Colorado office, Dr. Campanile will take the time to talk with you about the results you can expect from a breast lift, how a breast lift can address your specific concerns and which of the various breast lift incision techniques might be best for your plastic surgery procedure. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you might have about breast lifts in general or Dr. Campanile’s specific experience and surgical techniques. Many people find that bringing in a list of questions or a checklist of topics to cover is a helpful way to get the most out of their breast lift consultation.
- What to Ask
Questions to Ask
- Am I a good candidate for a breast lift? Why or why not?
- What board certifications do you hold?
- How many breast lifts have you performed?
- Is your surgical facility accredited?
- Where will my procedure be performed?
- Can I see before and after photos of patients with a similar body shape as mine?
- What can I expect before and after getting a breast lift?
Dr. Campanile is happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have about a breast lift or other breast enhancement procedures. Some questions that might be helpful to ask include:
- Before Surgery
Preparing for Your Breast Lift
If you choose to move forward with breast lift surgery, Dr. Campanile will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your upcoming procedure. Below are a few general guidelines.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
- Stop all use of aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medications.
- Plan for someone nearby to drive you home from your breast lift.
- Make necessary childcare or pet care arrangements for the first week of recovery.
Several Days Before Breast Lift
- Fill your prescriptions before your procedure.
- Get household chores like laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping done.
- Stock the fridge with healthy meals.
- Prepare a relaxing space in your home where you can recover.
- Check with our office before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
- Don’t consume alcohol 24 hours before your breast lift.
- The Big Day
Surgery Day
On the day of your breast lift surgery, follow these guidelines to prepare for your procedure:
- Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your breast lift.
- Shower and wash near the surgical area thoroughly before your procedure.
- Don’t wear makeup, perfume, creams, powder, deodorant or lotions.
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
- Don’t wear any jewelry or valuables.
- Dress in comfortable, loose clothing.
- What to Ask
Preparing for Your Breast Lift
Being prepared for every step of the breast lift process can help you have an optimal experience and an excellent outcome. At Campanile Plastic Surgery, we want to help you achieve your best plastic surgery experience and are here to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for every step along the way.
This information can help you get ready for each stage of the breast lift process. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact us online or call us at 303-345-7476.
In the Waiting Room
Your plastic surgeon’s waiting room can say a lot about the overall practice.
- Is the space clean, organized and inviting?
- Are the staff courteous and welcoming?
- Fill out medical paperwork thoroughly and accurately
- Bring a list of all medications
Your Breast Lift Consultation
During your initial visit to our Denver, Colorado office, Dr. Campanile will take the time to talk with you about the results you can expect from a breast lift, how a breast lift can address your specific concerns and which of the various breast lift incision techniques might be best for your plastic surgery procedure.
This is also an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you might have about breast lifts in general or Dr. Campanile’s specific experience and surgical techniques. Many people find that bringing in a list of questions or a checklist of topics to cover is a helpful way to get the most out of their breast lift consultation.
Questions to Ask
Dr. Campanile is happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have about a breast lift or other breast enhancement procedures. Some questions that might be helpful to ask include:
- Am I a good candidate for a breast lift? Why or why not?
- What board certifications do you hold?
- How many breast lifts have you performed?
- Is your surgical facility accredited?
- Where will my procedure be performed?
- Can I see before and after photos of patients with a similar body shape as mine?
- What can I expect before and after getting a breast lift?
Preparing for Your Breast Lift
If you choose to move forward with breast lift surgery, Dr. Campanile will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your upcoming procedure. Below are a few general guidelines.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
- Stop all use of aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medications.
- Plan for someone nearby to drive you home from your breast lift.
- Make necessary childcare or pet care arrangements for the first week of recovery.
Several Days Before Breast Lift
- Fill your prescriptions before your procedure.
- Get household chores like laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping done.
- Stock the fridge with healthy meals.
- Prepare a relaxing space in your home where you can recover.
- Check with our office before taking any over-the-counter medicine.
- Don’t consume alcohol 24 hours before your breast lift.
Surgery Day
On the day of your breast lift surgery, follow these guidelines to prepare for your procedure:
- Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your breast lift.
- Shower and wash near the surgical area thoroughly before your procedure.
- Don’t wear makeup, perfume, creams, powder, deodorant or lotions.
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
- Don’t wear any jewelry or valuables.
- Dress in comfortable, loose clothing.
Breast Lift Recovery: What to Expect
Breast lift recoveries are often considered easier than other breast enhancement procedures. Although everyone heals differently, most of Dr. Campanile’s patients are able to resume light activities within the first week after a breast lift, and many are able to return to jobs that are not physically demanding.
During this time, it is important to get up and walk around the house throughout the day to promote healthy circulation. You may experience some soreness, numbness or both at the surgical site. Swelling is also common following breast lift surgery, and a special support bra should be worn continuously (night and day) for the first few weeks.
By two weeks after a breast lift, you should be able to tolerate gentle exercise, although you will need to avoid more vigorous activities until around the six-week mark. With proper post-surgical care, your scars should continue to fade for a year or more after your mastopexy, leaving you with lifted, perky breasts that flatter your figure.
Dr. Campanile’s Breast Lift Recovery Tips
It can be helpful to start preparing for your breast lift recovery before your procedure so that you can focus on resting and healing once you get home. There are a number of items you’ll want to have on hand so that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible after plastic surgery.
- Pillows. For the first few weeks of recovery, you’ll need to sleep on your back, with your head somewhat elevated. Have extra pillows on hand to help make you comfortable.
- Stool softener. Anesthesia and prescription pain medication can cause constipation. A stool softener can help to keep bowel movements regular.
- Ice packs. A cold compress can help to reduce swelling near the surgical area and promote healing.
- Entertainment. During the first several days of your breast lift recovery, you will need to get plenty of rest. Relax with your favorite magazines, movies or TV shows.
- Comfortable clothing. Plan on lounging in loose-fitting pants and tops that you can unzip or unbutton with ease and comfort instead of pullovers.
- Healthy meals. Eating healthy, nutritious meals is crucial to help your body heal and recover after surgery. Meal prep ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about cooking while recovering.
Your Breast Lift Results
You can expect to notice a difference in your breast shape and position immediately after your breast lift procedure. However, your final results will take several weeks and months to fully develop, so be patient with your body as you continue to heal and your results continue to improve. Around three months after getting a breast lift, you should have a good idea of how your final results will look.
Wait for swelling to subside before shopping for new bras, as your breast size and shape will continue to change for the first few weeks. At your follow-up appointments, Dr. Campanile will let you know when you might be ready to start shopping for new clothes and have a formal fitting for new bras.
Your scar appearance will continue to improve over time. Many of Dr. Campanile’s patients are pleasantly surprised at how much scars continue to fade after a breast lift. If you are concerned about the appearance of your scars, Dr. Campanile may recommend silicone sheets or a specialized scar cream to help with the healing. It can take up to 2 years for scars to fully mature.
While breast lift results are long-lasting, skin laxity due to aging, future pregnancies or significant weight changes can affect your long-term results. Maintain healthy eating and exercise habits to help prolong and maximize your beautiful breast lift results.
Breast Lift FAQs
How much does a breast lift cost in Denver?
The exact cost of a breast lift in Denver will depend on the specific surgical techniques needed and whether or not you choose to add other procedures such as breast augmentation to your procedure. After your consultation, Dr. Campanile and his team will be able to provide you with an accurate breast lift cost estimate that factors in the details of your specific procedure.
Does insurance cover the cost of a breast lift?
Most insurance policies do not cover the cost of a breast lift, which is typically considered an elective procedure. There can be some exceptions, however. The best way to learn more about your insurance coverage is to call the number listed on the back of your insurance card.
Is financing available?
Yes. We are pleased to offer plastic surgery financing options to our patients. Please feel free to ask us for more information on breast lift financing at the time of your consultation.
How painful is breast lift surgery?
Most women describe breast lift surgery discomfort as mild to moderate, with the most soreness occurring in the first few days after surgery. Pain is typically well managed with prescribed medication and tends to improve significantly within a week. Most patients are able to resume light activities within 1 week.
What are the risks of getting a breast lift?
Any surgical procedure carries some risks. Fortunately, breast lift surgery has a very low complication rate when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon. One of the most common complications of breast lift surgery is loss of nipple sensation or sensitivity. This is often temporary, with sensation returning within a few months. Sometimes, though, sensation is permanently diminished following the procedure, due to severing of the nerves when relocating the nipple and areola. Every effort will be taken prior to your surgery to make sure you are fully aware of any potential complications.
Will I have scars after a breast lift?
When performing a breast lift procedure, Dr. Campanile places the incisions as inconspicuously as possible. Most incisions are made around the areola and down to the natural breast crease. For the most part, any scar redness tends to fade dramatically within the first year.
Will my breasts be smaller after a breast lift?
A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breasts but doesn’t significantly change their size. However, because excess skin is removed and the breasts are lifted, they may appear slightly smaller or more compact. If you’re concerned about size, talk to Dr. Campanile about including breast implants with your breast lift.
How long will my breast lift results last?
Breast lift results can be very long-lasting. However, there is no way to prevent the effects of gravity or the natural aging process from contributing to skin laxity and breast drooping down the road. That said, the effects of both can be slowed by wearing bras for support and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
Can I lift my breasts without surgery?
There are some nonsurgical treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound-based that can address mild skin laxity. However, these treatments cannot replicate the results of a surgical breast lift and are not suitable for moderate to severe breast drooping.
Written By: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing plastic surgery since 1997. He specializes exclusively in body contouring and breast enhancement procedures, including the innovative C.L.A.S.S. tummy tuck™ technique developed at his Denver clinic.
More about Dr. Francesco Campanile | Dr. Francesco Campanile Reviews
Last Reviewed: December 1st, 2025
