Breast surgery
Breast Lift
Dr. Cassileth's breast lift techniques deliver long-lasting results that look natural — not "done."
Overview
Gravity, pregnancy, weight changes, and time all take a toll. Breasts that were once full and lifted can begin to sag, with nipples pointing downward and volume settling at the bottom. A breast lift (mastopexy) raises and reshapes the breasts to restore a youthful contour.
Dr. Cassileth has developed her own lift techniques — including the Pocket Lift — that provide lasting results without implants. For patients who want added volume, a lift can be combined with augmentation.
Tuberous breast correction is also performed as part of lift surgery. Tuberous breasts (sometimes called tubular breasts) occur when the breast is constricted at the base, creating an elongated or narrow shape. Dr. Cassileth releases the constriction and reshapes the breast into a natural, rounded form.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
- Women with sagging breasts who want a lifted, youthful shape
- Patients with nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease
- Women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Patients with tuberous or asymmetric breasts
Technique
How it's done.
Pocket Lift technique. Dr. Cassileth's own approach supports the breast from within. Instead of relying on skin tension, which stretches and lets sagging return, she shapes an internal pocket from the breast's own tissue to hold the lift in place. The result is natural, long-term lift without implants. Dr. Cassileth's specialized approach provides long-term lift without implants.
Natural, lasting results. Techniques are designed to resist gravity over time — not just look good on day one.
Tuberous breast expertise. Correcting constricted breasts requires specialized skill. Dr. Cassileth has extensive experience with these cases.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Before Surgery
- Consultation — Evaluate breast shape, skin quality, and goals.
- Surgical plan — Determine incision pattern (lollipop, anchor) based on degree of lift needed.
During Surgery
- Tissue reshaping — Excess skin removed, breast tissue lifted and reshaped.
- Nipple repositioning — Nipple and areola moved to a higher, natural position.
- Tuberous correction — If needed, constriction is released and tissue reshaped.
After Surgery
- Recovery — Most patients return to light activity within a week.
- Final results — Swelling subsides over 4–6 weeks. Shape continues to improve over months.
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Insurance
Read about coverage & financing →Breast lift is considered cosmetic and is not typically covered by insurance.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will I Have Scars After a Breast Lift?
Breast lift incisions are placed around the areola and, depending on the technique, vertically down to the breast crease. Dr. Cassileth uses meticulous closure and a structured scar-management protocol so the incisions soften and fade over time. The length and pattern depend on how much lift your breasts require.
What Is the Pocket Lift, and How Is It Different?
The Pocket Lift is Dr. Cassileth's own technique. Rather than relying on skin tension, which stretches and allows sagging to return, it restructures the internal breast tissue to support the breast from within. The result is a lift that tends to hold its position longer than a traditional mastopexy.
Will a Breast Lift Make My Breasts Larger?
A lift restores position and shape but does not add volume. Patients who also want more fullness can combine a lift with an implant or with fat transfer. Dr. Cassileth reviews these options during the consultation, based on your goals and anatomy.
How Long Is Recovery After a Breast Lift?
Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks and resume full activity by about six weeks. A supportive garment is worn during early healing, and strenuous exercise is reintroduced gradually under the care team's guidance.
Will Insurance Cover a Breast Lift?
A cosmetic breast lift is not covered by insurance. When a lift is performed as part of reconstructive care, the Patient Advocacy team verifies coverage and provides a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Related reading
From the journal.
Sources
Cited research.
- 1Friel MT, Shaw RE, Trovato MJ, Owsley JQ. The measure of face-lift patient satisfaction: the Owsley Facelift Satisfaction Survey with a long-term follow-up study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Jul;126(1):245-57. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181dbc2f0.
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