Breast Lift (Mastopexy) San Diego
Actual Patient
A Breast Lift can beautifully restore a more youthful, lifted breast shape by addressing sagging, deflation, and skin laxity that often occur with aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or breastfeeding. Through precise reshaping and removal of excess skin, a mastopexy lifts the breasts to a more natural, rejuvenated position—enhancing contour, projection, and your overall confidence.
At Marin Aesthetics, Dr. Vincent Marin, a San Diego based, board-certified plastic surgeon who has helped hundreds of women achieve elegant, natural-looking breast lift results. With extensive experience in breast surgery and a detail-focused approach, Dr. Marin tailors each procedure to complement your body proportions and aesthetic goals.
What to expect for your
BREAST LIFT
Length
2 – 4 hours
Anesthesia
General or local with sedation
in/outpatient
Outpatient
Duration of Results
Results depend on skin elasticity and quality. Possible implant replacement only entails a minor procedure.
rISKS
Infection, asymmetry, implant failure, capsular contracture, incomplete correction
rECOVERY
More strenuous activity: 3 – 6 weeks
SIDE EFFECTS
Temporary swelling, mild bruising, and some pain.
Final APPEARANCE
2 – 3 months for implants to completely descend into the final position
The staff is amazing! All the girls are sweet, and very supportive. They attend to your every need. The Anesthesiologist was amazing too! Super sweet.
RealSelf
Your New Look After Breast Lift
If you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, breast lift results can remain beautifully long-lasting for many years. Patients often enjoy a firmer, lifted, more youthful breast shape, improved nipple position, and a perkier contour that feels natural and more proportionate to their body.
If you’re ready to restore your breast confidence, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marin and explore what a breast lift can achieve for you.
Before & During the Surgery
Before & During Breast Lift Surgery
Anesthesia
Dr. Marin likes to use general anesthesia when performing a breast lift. While local anesthesia may be an option, it is important to ensure you remain pain-free and comfortable throughout the surgery.
Your Team
Dr. Vincent Marin will be leading a team consisting of a licensed registered nurse, an experienced scrub tech, and a leading La Jolla board-certified anesthesiologist from the Scripps Memorial medical team.
Surgery Time
During a breast lift procedure, which typically takes 2–5 hours, Dr. Marin reshapes and elevates the breast by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to restore a more youthful contour. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, aesthetically pleasing height, and incisions are carefully closed to support the new breast shape.
A breast lift is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home comfortably the same day once you are medically cleared.
Reasons for Implant Revision Surgery
You may undergo a breast lift alongside a breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. This allows your nipple to be placed in an optimal position to give the perkiest and most natural shape.
Incisions
- Crescent Lift
For women who have a very subtle droop to the breast, a small crescent of skin above the areola can be removed to elevate the nipple. The incision is no larger than what would be used for a standard breast augmentation and is very well tolerated. - Peri-Areolar Lift
Also termed as a ‘concentric mastopexy’ or “Benelli Lift,” it is designed to elevate the nipples, reduce their size, and limit the breast’s scarring. Scarring is confined to the area around the areola. This is also used for women with larger than ideal areolas who want an areolar reduction. - Circumvertical “Lollipop” Lift
This technique incorporates a vertical component to the lift for more extensive breast ptosis (droop). Although the lollipop-shaped scar is somewhat longer, this lift limits the amount of scarring along the occasionally visible breast crease. This is one of the most powerful, versatile, and effective breast lifting techniques. - Standard Breast Lift
A traditional mastopexy is the most powerful lifting and reducing technique available and is commonly reserved for breasts with the most significant droop. Despite the resulting anchor-shaped scar, the standard mastopexy provides for any lift’s most dramatic cosmetic improvements.
Breast Lift with Implants
Any extra skin and loss of volume in the breast tissue can be corrected with breast implants. Expandable saline implants are often used alongside the crescent lift technique, as they share the same incision points. This greatly speeds up recovery time.
Recovery & Results After Your Breast Lift
Most patients begin to see their breast shape refine noticeably within the first few weeks, with final results typically visible around 3 months as swelling subsides and the tissues settle naturally. For comfort and safety, Dr. Marin recommends having a friend or family member assist you for the first 48 hours after surgery.
To support proper healing and minimize complications, Dr. Marin recommends you follow these guidelines:
Shower using unscented antibacterial soap
Keep incisions protected from direct sun and UV exposure
Avoid applying alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or irritating products to the incision sites
Do not disturb surgical dressings unless instructed
Sleep on your back, avoiding stomach or side pressure
Refrain from heavy lifting, bending, or upper-body strain for at least 3-4 weeks
Avoid smoking and alcohol during early recovery, as they will impair healing
With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, your breast lift results can remain beautiful for many years—offering a rejuvenated, uplifted contour and a more youthful silhouette.
Ideal Candidates for Mastopexy
The best candidates for a breast lift procedure have:
- Sagging breasts that lost their shape and volume
- Elongated or pendulous breasts
- Nipples which fall below the breast crease
- Large areolas
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Nipples and areolas pointing downward
Cost & Financing
Typically, a breast lift in San Diego costs between $13,000 – $15,000, depending upon the lift that needs to be performed. The final costs are determined by anesthesia use, location of the procedure, and choice of implants, in the event you decide to include them in your breast lift surgery.
Because the procedure is generally considered cosmetic, most insurance providers will not cover the costs. Our practice accepts all major credit cards, personal checks, and cash.
We also offer specialized financial plans to meet patient needs. An exact quote will be given during your consultation based on Dr. Marin’s assessment.
