Reviewed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya — a qualified physician and specialist plastic surgeon (ISAPS, TPRECD). Surgery is carried out at Acıbadem, an accredited private hospital in Istanbul. General information, not medical advice.
A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have sagged with time, pregnancy or weight change — restoring a firmer, more youthful position without necessarily changing their size. Where more volume is also wanted, it can be combined with an implant.
What is a breast lift?
A lift removes excess, stretched skin and reshapes the breast tissue to raise the breast and reposition the nipple to a natural height. It restores shape and firmness. It does not, on its own, add volume — so if you also want to be larger, an implant is combined; if smaller, a reduction.
Scar patterns and whether you also need an implant
A breast lift (mastopexy) raises and reshapes sagging breasts and repositions the nipple. The scar pattern is matched to how much lift you need.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Periareolar (“donut”) | A scar around the areola only — for mild sagging. |
| Vertical (“lollipop”) | Around the areola and down to the fold — for moderate sagging. |
| Inverted-T (“anchor”) | Adds a scar in the fold — for significant sagging and skin excess. |
| Lift alone vs lift + implant | A lift restores shape and position; add an implant if you also want more upper-pole volume, or a reduction if the breasts are too large. |
Are you a good candidate?
- Sagging breasts, nipples that point downward, or a loss of firmness after pregnancy or weight change.
- A stable weight and good general health.
- Realistic expectations, and ideally no plans for further pregnancy, which can undo the result.
Your surgeon advises whether a lift alone, or a lift with an implant (or reduction), most reliably achieves your goal.
Wondering if you are a candidate?
Send photos and a short note about what bothers you. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and gives you a realistic surgical opinion.
How it is performed
Under general anaesthesia, excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped and lifted, and the nipple is repositioned. The scar pattern depends on the degree of lift needed and is planned to be as discreet as possible. An implant is added in the same operation if more volume is wanted.
Recovery
Soreness and swelling settle over one to two weeks, supported by a surgical bra. Most people return to desk work in about two weeks and avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks. The shape refines over the following months.
Risks and safety, honestly
A breast lift is well-established and generally safe, but honesty about risk matters. It trades sagging for permanent scars, which fade but do not disappear, and there can be temporary or lasting changes in nipple sensation, small asymmetries, and — over years — some settling, since a lift cannot stop gravity or ageing. Pregnancy and major weight change after surgery can undo results. At Clinic Elia the procedure is performed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya at Acıbadem, with the scar trade-off explained honestly.
Results
A breast lift gives a long-lasting, firmer, more youthful shape. Ageing, gravity, pregnancy and large weight changes will continue to affect the breasts over the years, but the improvement is durable.
Cost in Turkey
A breast lift in Turkey costs well below UK, EU and North American prices, within an all-inclusive package. Your quote follows an assessment.
Your surgeon
Procedures at Clinic Elia are led by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya, a specialist in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery. Your suitability and plan are confirmed after an honest assessment.
Get a surgeon’s honest opinion
Send photos from the front and in profile on WhatsApp. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and you get a realistic opinion and one clear, all-inclusive quote — with no pressure and no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Will a lift make my breasts bigger?
No — a lift reshapes and raises without adding volume. If you also want to be larger, an implant is combined in the same operation.
Where are the scars?
The pattern depends on the degree of lift; scars are placed as discreetly as possible and fade over time.
Should I wait if I plan more children?
Usually yes, as pregnancy can undo the result. Discuss timing with your surgeon.
Can it be combined with an implant?
Yes — a lift with augmentation is common when both shape and volume are wanted.
How long do results last?
The improvement is long-lasting, though gravity, ageing and weight changes continue to affect the breasts over the years.
Is it painful?
Discomfort is usually moderate and well controlled; a support bra helps in the early weeks.
How long do I stay in Turkey?
Usually around 7 days, confirmed in your plan.
Do I need a lift or an augmentation?
If your breasts sag, a lift repositions them; if you only want more volume, augmentation. Many combine both — assessed on your anatomy.
What scars will I have?
The pattern (donut, lollipop or anchor) depends on how much lift you need. Your surgeon shows you which applies and why.
Can I add an implant at the same time?
Yes — a lift plus implant restores position and adds upper-pole fullness in one operation, when that is your goal.
Can I breastfeed afterwards?
Often yes, though it depends on technique and anatomy; discuss it with your surgeon if it matters to you.
Will it last through pregnancy?
A future pregnancy can stretch the breasts again, so many wait until they are not planning more children.
Are the before-and-after photos real?
We show only genuine, consented results. Learn what to check in our honest before & after guide.
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Considering a breast lift?
Message us on WhatsApp for a free, honest assessment. See also breast augmentation and breast reduction.