What does a breast lift do, and how is it different from augmentation?

A breast lift repositions and reshapes the breast by removing excess skin and elevating the tissue and nipple to a higher, more defined position. It does not add volume — it restores shape and firmness. Augmentation adds size. Many patients benefit from both simultaneously.

Am I a good candidate?

Good candidates have experienced breast ptosis as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or the natural aging process. If your nipples sit below the breast crease or the tissue has descended and lost its shape, a lift is likely the right solution. Candidacy is assessed by degree of ptosis, skin quality and your goals.

What technique will be used?

The technique depends on the degree of ptosis and the amount of skin to be removed. A periareolar lift uses an incision around the areola for mild ptosis. A vertical lift adds a short incision down to the crease for moderate ptosis. An anchor lift adds an incision along the crease for significant ptosis or skin excess. Your surgeon will recommend the right technique based on your anatomy.

Can a breast lift be combined with augmentation?

Yes, and this is common. A lift restores position and shape; augmentation adds volume. Many patients address both in a single procedure for the most complete result.

Will I lose nipple sensation?

Temporary changes in nipple and breast sensation are common and a normal part of healing. Most patients see sensation return progressively. Permanent changes are possible but uncommon.

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?

Most techniques preserve the nipple-areola complex on a tissue pedicle, maintaining its connection to the underlying gland — so breastfeeding is often still possible. It cannot be guaranteed, particularly after more extensive procedures. Raise it at consultation if breastfeeding is a priority.

What if I plan to have more children?

Pregnancy after a breast lift can alter the result — volume changes and skin stretching affect the shape over time. It is generally advisable to complete your family before surgery. Every situation is different and worth discussing at consultation.

What does recovery look like?

The first few days call for rest and limited arm movement. Most patients return to light activities within one to two weeks. Upper body exercise and lifting are restricted for four to six weeks. A supportive surgical bra is worn as directed. Swelling and shape changes are expected over the first several months as tissues settle.

Will there be visible scars?

Scarring is an inherent part of any breast lift. Incisions are positioned within the natural contours of the breast — around the areola, down the lower pole and along the crease — concealed beneath clothing and swimwear. Scars soften and fade significantly over 12 to 18 months.

How long do results last?

A breast lift produces lasting structural improvement. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing appropriate support during exercise are the most meaningful factors in preserving the outcome. Significant weight fluctuation or future pregnancy can alter results.

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Most issues that arise after a breast lift are minor and resolve with proper care. Serious complications are uncommon. Your surgeon will walk through everything relevant to your specific health history before surgery so you feel fully informed going in.

In the weeks before surgery, we provide a personalized preparation plan. This typically covers optimizing your health, pausing medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, and avoiding nicotine, which impairs healing. We’ll also help you plan the practical details — time off work, prescriptions, and arranging a ride home with some support for the first day or two.

What should I expect during the consultation?

Your consultation begins with a conversation. Dr. Armstrong wants to understand what you see and what you hope to change. She examines the area and walks you through your options with complete candour, including what surgery can and cannot achieve. You leave with a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, a personalized quote, and answers to every question you came in with.

Is the surgeon board-certified?

Yes. Dr. Katie Armstrong is a Royal College–certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon (FRCSC) with hospital affiliation in Toronto. Certification reflects years of accredited surgical training and a commitment to ongoing standards of safety and excellence.

Where is it performed?

Surgery is performed at GraceMed Mississauga, in partnership with the McLean Clinic — Dr. Armstrong’s primary practice, home to a fully accredited surgical facility and an experienced surgical team, with dedicated anesthesia care throughout. Your consultation, pre-operative appointments and follow-up care all take place at the same location: 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Suite 343, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C2.

Breast Lift Toronto | Mastopexy | Dr. Katie Armstrong

Overview

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue to raise the breasts and reposition the nipple. It restores a firmer, more youthful contour without necessarily changing breast size.

A lift is often combined with augmentation for added volume, or with reduction — Dr. Armstrong tailors the plan to your anatomy and goals.

Breast Lift imagery

The process

What to expect

Step 1
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Armstrong to discuss your goals, explore your options, and receive personalized recommendations and a detailed quote.
Step 2
Surgical planning
We confirm your procedure, select your surgery date, and provide guidance on the next steps.
Step 3
Pre-operative appointment
About one month before surgery, our RN reviews your medical history in detail and explains how to prepare for surgery, what to expect on the day, and how to manage your post-operative care.
Step 4
Surgery day
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Armstrong and her surgical team, with your safety and comfort closely monitored throughout.
Step 5
Recovery & follow-up
Dr. Armstrong and her team monitor your healing, answer your questions, and support you throughout your recovery.

Candidacy

Am I a candidate?

A breast lift tends to suit patients who recognize themselves in most of the points below. The only way to know for certain is an in-person assessment, and Dr. Armstrong will confirm your candidacy at your consultation.

Your breasts have settled or lost firmness — often after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight change
You are happy with your size, or open to combining an implant for added fullness
You are in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop around surgery)
You are not planning a pregnancy in the near term
You have realistic expectations about scars in exchange for a lifted shape

Healing, step by step

Recovery timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace. This is the typical arc, and your personal plan and follow-ups are tailored to you.

Day 1
Home the same day in a supportive surgical bra, with a helper for the first night.
Weeks 1–2
Swelling and soreness settle; most patients return to desk-based work.
Weeks 2–4
Light activity resumes as the new shape starts to settle. Avoid lifting and chest-focused exertion.
Weeks 4–6
Cleared gradually for full activity and exercise, with scar care under way.
Months 3–12
Scars soften and fade as the lifted contour reaches its final, natural position.

Before & after

Breast Lift results

A few of Dr. Armstrong's most recent breast lift results, shared with patient consent. She'll walk you through more — matched to your goals — at your consultation. Every result is individual.

Before

After

Patient 1

Breast Lift

Individual results may vary.

Before

After

Patient 2

Breast Lift

Individual results may vary.

View the full Breast Lift gallery →

Your investment

Planning for Breast Lift

Every surgical plan is individual, and your exact quote is provided after your consultation. Starting prices are listed on our pricing page, and financing is available through our partner, Beautifi, should you wish to spread the cost over time. To begin, we invite you to book a consultation.

Breast Lift

What is a breast lift?

What to expect

Consultation

Surgical planning

Pre-operative appointment

Surgery day

Recovery & follow-up

Am I a candidate?

Recovery timeline

Breast Lift results

Patient 1

Patient 2

Planning for Breast Lift

About the procedure

Recovery, results & safety

Planning & logistics

Articles you may find helpful

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Which Do You Need?

Natural Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer in Toronto

Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss in Toronto

Breast Augmentation

Breast Reduction

Breast Implant Exchange

Ready to take the
first step?

Breast Lift

What is a breast lift?

What to expect

Consultation

Surgical planning

Pre-operative appointment

Surgery day

Recovery & follow-up

Am I a candidate?

Recovery timeline

Breast Lift results

Patient 1

Patient 2

Planning for Breast Lift

About the procedure

What does a breast lift do, and how is it different from augmentation?

Am I a good candidate?

What technique will be used?

Can a breast lift be combined with augmentation?

Recovery, results & safety

Will I lose nipple sensation?

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?

What if I plan to have more children?

What does recovery look like?

Will there be visible scars?

How long do results last?

What are the risks?

Planning & logistics

How do I prepare?

What should I expect during the consultation?

Is the surgeon board-certified?

Where is it performed?

Articles you may find helpful

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Which Do You Need?

Natural Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer in Toronto

Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss in Toronto

Breast Augmentation

Breast Reduction

Breast Implant Exchange

Ready to take thefirst step?

Ready to take the
first step?