Strong opinions, half-truths, and plenty of outright myths surround the topic of breast lifting, but Austin Face & Body is here to help demystify it all. Our team’s advanced training in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, combined with a holistic, patient-first approach, enables us to provide you with clear, evidence-based answers rather than rumors and guesswork.
Myth #1: “Breast lifts are only for older women or moms.”
Fact: Breast ptosis (sagging) is a structural issue.
Sagging can happen at many life stages and is influenced by multiple factors:
- Gravity
- Genetics
- Weight changes
- Breast size
- Body mass index
- Smoking
- Natural aging
Larger cup size, weight fluctuations, and multiple pregnancies are all associated with greater ptosis over time, but younger women with heavy or disproportionate breasts can also experience sagging and discomfort.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is simply a procedure to raise and reshape the breasts by removing extra skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to restore a more youthful contour.
Myth #2: “A breast lift will make my breasts bigger.”
Fact: A lift redistributes what you already have; implants or fat transfer are optional to achieve volume.
A mastopexy is designed to:
- Elevate the breast tissue on the chest wall
- Remove stretched, excess skin
- Reposition (and sometimes resize) the areola and nipple for better balance
If you want both a lifted and noticeably larger breast, combining a lift with augmentation (implants or fat transfer) is a popular choice to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes.
Myth #3: “I’ll never be able to breastfeed after a breast lift.”
Fact: Many women can breastfeed after a lift, but your chances depend on anatomy and technique. It’s essential to enter with realistic expectations.
Modern techniques aim to preserve the connection between the nipple, ducts, and underlying glandular tissue as much as possible because those structures are key to lactation.
That said, research suggests that breast surgery—including lifts and reductions—can lower the overall rate of successful breastfeeding compared to women who have never had surgery. For example:
- A retrospective study from France found that breastfeeding success (at least two weeks, exclusive or mixed) decreased from 82% before breast reduction or mastopexy to 41% after surgery
- An integrative review similarly concluded that breast plastic surgery may negatively impact milk production in some women, though results are influenced by technique and definitions of “success”
How we counsel patients at Austin Face & Body:
- If breastfeeding is very important to you, we’ll discuss timing (often waiting until after you’re done having children gives you more control over both breastfeeding and final breast shape)
- We prioritize techniques that protect the nipple–areola blood supply and nerve pathways whenever possible
- We’ll be honest: many women breastfeed after a lift, but no surgeon can guarantee it
The myth “you can’t breastfeed at all after a lift” isn’t accurate, but neither is the idea that surgery has zero impact. This is a nuanced conversation best had one-on-one with a board-certified surgeon.
Myth #4: “A breast lift is purely cosmetic; it can’t help discomfort.”
Fact: While mastopexy is categorized as a cosmetic procedure, it can meaningfully improve quality of life for some patients.
Sagging, heavy breasts can contribute to:
- Deep grooves from bra straps
- Skin irritation or rashes under the breast fold
- Activity limitations and discomfort with exercise
- Self-consciousness or difficulty finding clothes that fit
Sagging (ptotic) breasts have been associated with physical discomfort in some women, particularly when larger breast size and weight changes contribute to their position. A breast lift doesn’t remove as much tissue as a formal reduction, but by repositioning the breast mound and improving support, it can sometimes alleviate symptoms such as strap grooving and localized discomfort.
Myth #5: “I can’t get mammograms after a breast lift.”
Fact: You can absolutely continue breast cancer screening after a mastopexy; you just need to make sure your imaging team knows your history.
Breast surgery can alter the appearance of breast tissue on imaging, so radiologists adjust their technique and interpretation accordingly. The American College of Radiology’s appropriateness criteria for imaging after breast surgery emphasize tailoring surveillance based on overall risk and surgical history, not avoiding imaging altogether.
Austin Face & Body recommends:
- Keeping a record of your pre-surgery imaging when possible
- Informing your breast imaging center about any breast procedures you’ve had
- Following age-appropriate screening guidelines in partnership with your primary care doctor or gynecologist
Separating Truth From Misconceptions Requires Good Data, Honest Counseling, And A Surgeon You Trust
At Austin Face & Body, our breast lift patients are evaluated by highly trained, board-certified surgeons who specialize in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, operate in Quad A-accredited facilities, and practice within a holistic, wellness-oriented model of care. That combination of expertise, safety infrastructure, and whole-person planning is exactly what modern care looks like in real life.
If you’re ready to move beyond internet myths and get answers tailored to your body, lifestyle, and goals, we invite you to schedule a personal breast lift consultation with Austin Face & Body today.