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Breast lift

Firmer, more shapely breasts that better complement your body and your appearance.

Good to know

  • Anesthesia: Procedure under general anesthesia
  • Duration: 90–120 minutes
  • Recovery: 2–3 weeks
  • Price: Starting at €3,900
Free consultation
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About a breast lift

A breast lift gives your breasts a firmer shape and a higher position. This procedure is recommended if your breasts have begun to sag due to factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, or skin aging. At Boerhaave, our plastic surgeons guide you through the entire treatment process—from a personalized consultation to the surgery and post-operative care—with the goal of achieving a natural result that complements your body and meets your wishes.

  • A breast lift is available from €3,900. The final cost depends on your personal treatment plan and any additional treatments. During a free, no-obligation consultation, the plastic surgeon will discuss your wishes and the options with you, and you will receive a transparent cost overview.
  • Yes, a breast lift can be combined with a breast augmentation when your breasts have not only started to sag but have also lost volume. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon assesses which treatment best suits your body and wishes, with the aim of achieving a beautiful and natural result.
  • After a breast lift, your body needs time to recover. Most patients can resume light daily activities after about two weeks. Intensive exercise and heavy lifting are not recommended for the first few weeks. During the check-ups, we monitor your recovery carefully and you receive personal advice for a smooth recovery.
  • At Boerhaave, a breast lift is performed by experienced plastic surgeons with attention to safety, quality and a natural result. You can count on personal guidance and extensive aftercare, so that you know where you stand throughout the entire treatment process.

Here's how the treatment works

Here you will find all the important information about this treatment, from the consultation and the treatment itself to follow-up care, the results, and possible risks.

  • Breasts develop during puberty. Their size and shape depend primarily on genetic predisposition. In addition, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the condition of the skin and muscle tissue influence their size and firmness.

    Women can feel extremely unhappy about sagging breasts. In many cases, a breast lift can offer a solution.

    For sagging breasts that still have sufficient breast tissue, a breast lift can be an excellent solution. For sagging, empty breasts, the procedure can also be combined with breast augmentation using implants. In some cases, tissue may need to be removed in addition to skin. In such cases, the procedure can be combined with a breast reduction. After a breast lift, the breasts have more volume and are firmer.

    Extensive Breast Lift

    We distinguish between a standard and an extensive breast lift. An extensive breast lift is performed when a significant amount of skin must be removed, the nipple needs to be repositioned over a long distance, and/or the excess skin extends far to the sides.

    Internal breast lift

    In an internal breast lift, the breast is reinforced from the inside to better support the shape and position of the breast implant. This is done by using your own muscle or connective tissue, such as from the pectoral muscle or the capsule surrounding a previous implant. This natural “internal bra” helps keep the implant in the correct position over the long term, which can contribute to a more natural result and reduce the risk of sagging (bottoming out) or displacement.

    Your doctor will discuss with you in advance whether this technique is suitable for your situation and which tissues can be used. Recovery is usually similar to that of a standard breast surgery.

    Benelli Lift
    The Benelli lift, also known as the circum-areolar breast lift, is a type of breast lift that can be used for moderately sagging breasts. Like the standard breast lift, the Benelli lift can also be combined with breast augmentation if medically indicated.

    A Benelli lift is a minor lift procedure in which skin is removed only around the nipple. The breast is lifted slightly, and the areola can be reduced in size if desired. When the procedure is combined with breast augmentation, the implant can be inserted through the areola. With a Benelli lift, it is not necessary to create vertical and horizontal scars that run from the nipple to the inframammary fold and under the breast.

    We work exclusively with the safest implants. Mentor implants have a soft, firm filling that feels natural. When choosing the type of implant, your body type, the condition of your skin, and your preferences are important factors. You will make your choice in consultation with the plastic surgeon.

    BMI
    To undergo surgery under general anesthesia, it is important that the procedure be performed safely. For this reason, you must be at a healthy weight. Would you like to know if you are at a healthy weight?

    Calculate your BMI here. The BMI (Body Mass Index) indicates whether your weight is healthy in relation to your height.

    Related Procedures
    In some cases, a breast lift can be combined with a tummy tuck. This is also known as a “mommy makeover.” Ask your plastic surgeon during your consultation what options are available. Whether these procedures can be performed in a single surgery depends on the complexity of the combined procedures.

    Alternative treatments
    A breast lift is not a medically necessary procedure. As an alternative, you could choose not to undergo the plastic surgery and instead use external prostheses or padding to support sagging breasts. There are no alternatives to a breast lift. However, if the breasts are only slightly sagging, inserting a breast implant alone may be a solution.

  • Plastic Surgeon
    The consultation always takes place with the plastic surgeon who will be treating you. Because everyone is different, it can only be determined during the consultation with the plastic surgeon whether a specific breast lift can be performed on you. The plastic surgeon will also assess which breast lift is most suitable for you: the standard lift, the extended lift, or the Benelli lift.

    First, you’ll have a personal consultation with the plastic surgeon to discuss the medical details and your preferences regarding your breast lift. Afterward, photos will be taken, and the plastic surgeon will examine your breasts. We recommend that women aged 40 and older have a mammogram performed prior to treatment. This is not necessary if you have had one within the past year.

    Key factors considered during the plastic surgeon’s examination include skin elasticity, the quality and quantity of breast tissue, and any irregularities in the breast tissue. Specific information about these factors helps you make the right choice. Your breasts will be measured, and based on these measurements, you will receive a recommendation for the breast lift that best suits your needs. If your procedure will be combined with breast implants, the plastic surgeon will discuss this option with you.

    In front of the mirror, you’ll then have the opportunity to express your preferences regarding your breast lift, and if an implant is chosen, the selected size will be “tried on” to help you make an informed decision.

    In addition, the plastic surgeon will show you before-and-after photos of previous breast lift results. The pros and cons of the procedure, possible complications, and any risks will also be discussed with you. The consultation will last approximately 15 to 45 minutes.

    Consultant
    Following your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you’ll have a meeting with your consultant. The purpose of this meeting is to inform you about the general procedures that need to be arranged regarding your breast lift. Would you like to read more about your initial consultation? Click here!

    Follow-up Appointment
    After the initial consultation, you may feel overwhelmed by all the information. If you’re unsure about the decisions you’ve made afterward, you can schedule a separate appointment to discuss them in detail with your plastic surgeon again. If you’ve chosen an implant, you can try it on again. This allows you to take your time and make a well-considered decision about which shape and cup size will give you the desired result.

  • You are expected to arrive at the Boerhaave Clinic half an hour before your procedure. Would you like to read more about what a typical day of treatment is like? Click here!

    Before the procedure, the plastic surgeon will mark your breasts according to the treatment plan. General anesthesia will then be administered.

    The surgery is performed according to the mutually agreed-upon treatment plan. The most commonly used method involves three incisions in the breast: around the areola, vertically downward from the lower edge of the areola, and horizontally along the natural curve.

    This method is also known as the anchor method (due to the shape of the scar). The skin is then separated from the underlying tissue.

    During a breast lift, the breast tissue is repositioned higher and excess skin is removed. Depending on the breast’s new position, a small opening is made in the skin through which the nipple is sutured. Suturing is performed straight down from the nipple to the inframammary fold. Once the excess skin has been removed, the breast can be reconstructed. The wound is covered with gauze pads and a support bandage. If desired, the surgery can be combined with the insertion of an implant.

    The scars on both breasts are anchor-shaped. The bottom of the anchor lies within the natural breast crease. From the center, the scar runs vertically upward toward the nipple, forming a small circle around the areola. After healing, the scars in the crease and around the areola will be barely visible. However, the portion that runs vertically from the crease to the nipple will often remain visible. With the Benelli lift, the scars are exclusively around the nipple.

    The procedure will take approximately one and a half to two hours.

  • After the breast lift, you’ll stay at the clinic overnight. Following the procedure, you’ll be taken to the recovery room, where your blood pressure and heart rate, among other things, will be monitored. You’ll stay there for about half an hour. Then you’ll be wheeled to the day treatment unit, where you’ll spend the night. You may not go home until the next morning, and only under supervision. If you have a Benelli lift, you may go home the same day.

    Sports Bra
    After the breast lift, you’ll be fitted for a sports bra. The clinic will provide this bra free of charge. It’s important that you wear the sports bra day and night for six weeks.

    The First Few Days After a Breast Lift
    In the days following the procedure, your breasts will feel sore. You may also experience mild tenderness around the treated area. The skin around the treated area will feel tight and taut. This is because the skin needs to adjust to the new breast size. You may also experience muscle soreness.

    As with any surgical procedure, the body needs time to recover. The treated area will initially be bruised, tender, and swollen. The scars may also be red and raised immediately after the breast lift. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s a natural reaction of the body. This will subside after a few weeks.

    Further Recovery
    After the procedure, the breast tissue and the skin around the breasts will adapt to the new shape. This adaptation takes time. If you have an implant, a thin layer of connective tissue will form around the implant during recovery. It is therefore important that you wear your sports bra day and night for six weeks.

    Scar Cream
    During your first follow-up visit, you’ll be given a scar care cream to take home. Once the wound has closed and the scabs have fallen off, you may begin applying the scar cream. By applying this to the closed wound twice a day, you increase the likelihood of a smooth healing process. It’s good to know that a scar takes one to one and a half years to fully settle. It’s also important to keep the scars out of the sun.

  • Because the healing process is gradual, you’ll need to wait a few weeks to get a good idea of the final result.

    A breast lift often has a significant impact on your appearance. It may therefore take some time for you to get used to your new look. Most women eventually feel comfortable and more confident with their firmer breasts and are very happy with the results of the surgery, especially if their expectations are realistic.

  • It is important to realize that any surgical procedure can involve risks and complications. Plastic surgery generally involves healthy individuals, and the risks and likelihood of complications are low. Through thorough counseling, a comprehensive medical history (including your medication use, any issues with previous surgeries, and allergies), and our professional approach, we minimize these risks to an absolute minimum.

    Every year, many people successfully undergo a breast lift at Boerhaave. Fortunately, the likelihood of a complication occurring is rare. You can help minimize certain risks by carefully following the instructions you received prior to your treatment.

    Some possible complications may include:

    • Infection

    • Wound dehiscence (the wound opening along the incision line)

    • Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that requires drainage)

    • Adverse reaction to the anesthesia

    • Delayed wound healing

    • Postoperative bleeding

    • Nipple necrosis

    • Fat necrosis

    • Seromas

    • Asymmetry

    • Changes in nipple and skin sensation

    • Permanent scarring

    • Damage to underlying structures

    • Allergic reactions to tape, sutures, and bandages

    • Pain

    • Unsatisfactory aesthetic result

    • Implant rupture

    • Change in sensation

    Capsular contracture
    If you combine your breast lift with an implant, there is a risk of capsular contracture. Scar tissue that forms around the implants inside the body can cause the breast to tighten, becoming firm and possibly painful. Excessive firmness of the breasts can occur soon after surgery, but it can also develop years later. It is impossible to predict when this tightening will occur, but the risk of it happening increases over time (after 10 years, the rate is 10 to 12 percent). This condition, known as capsular contracture, can occur on one side or both sides. It is more common when the implant is placed in front of the pectoral muscle. Treatment options include surgery, replacement, or removal of the implant. However, capsular contracture can also recur after surgical procedures performed to treat it.

    Smoking
    Patients who smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products (such as nicotine patches and gum) at the time of surgery are at greater risk for complications such as skin necrosis and impaired wound healing. People exposed to secondhand smoke may also be at increased risk for similar complications. Furthermore, smoking can have a negative effect on anesthesia, potentially resulting in an increased risk of bleeding. People who are not exposed to tobacco smoke or nicotine-containing products have a significantly lower risk of such complications. It is important to refrain from smoking for at least four weeks before surgery and to continue abstaining throughout the entire recovery process.

Real results from breast lifts performed on our patients

Take a look at the results of patients who have had a breast lift at our clinic before you. The before-and-after photos provide a realistic picture of what this treatment can achieve.

View all results

In the hands of our experienced specialists

Our team of plastic surgeons combines years of experience with personalized care.
During a consultation, we take the time to discuss your wishes and provide honest advice about the options that are right for you.

Meet Our TeamIcons
Drs. T.H.J. van de Kar

How much does a breast lift cost?

The exact price depends on the treatment that’s best for you. Because every body and every goal is different, we’ll develop a treatment plan during a personal consultation, including a clear, transparent price.

  • Breast lift
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €3,900
  • Breast lift with breast reduction
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €5,500
  • Breast lift with round silicone implants
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €5,200
  • Breast lift with anatomical implants
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €5,400
  • Extended breast lift
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €5,500
  • Extended breast lift with round silicone implants
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €6,800
  • Extended breast lift with anatomical silicone implants
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €8,300
  • Benelli breast lift
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €3,800
  • Benelli breast lift with round silicone implants
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €5,100
  • Benelli breast lift with anatomical silicone implants
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €5,300
  • Breast lift with implant removal
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €6,200
  • Breast lift with implant removal
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €7,000
  • Breast lift with implant replacement (round implants)
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €7,000
  • Breast lift with implant replacement (anatomical implants)
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €8,500
  • Breast lift with capsulectomy and implant replacement (round implants)
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €9,000
  • Breast lift with capsulectomy and implant replacement (anatomical implants)
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €10,500
  • Surcharge for Mentor Coh II implants
    Procedure under general anaesthesia
    €600
  • Surcharge for Motiva Ergonomix implants
    €1,500
  • Surcharge for Motiva Ergonomix2 implants
    €2,500
  • DBIR registration per implant
    €35

Our patients' experiences

Every patient has their own story. Read about how they experienced the breast lift process at Boerhaave.

Plan a free consult with a specialist

Every body is different. During a free consultation, an experienced specialist will take the time to discuss your wishes and expectations in detail. You’ll receive personalised treatment advice, a clear explanation of the process and a transparent cost estimate.

You can also easily ask Bo, our AI medical assistant, any questions you may have.

Plan your free consultAsk Bo
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • In a breast lift, excess skin is removed from the breast and both the breast tissue and the nipple are repositioned higher. Women who consider a breast lift often do so because: The breasts have started to sag; The breasts have little volume; or The breasts are uneven.
  • In a Benelli breast lift, a doughnut-shaped piece of skin around the nipple is removed, allowing the breast to be lifted to a limited extent. This treatment is used for slightly sagging breasts and is suitable for women with a smaller breast volume.
  • It is never possible to say for certain what effect a breast lift will have on breastfeeding. There is a chance that this will no longer be possible, and you will need to take this into account to avoid disappointment. However, if you were able to breastfeed before the breast lift, the chance is very high that you will still be able to do so after the treatment.
  • We advise women aged 40 and over to have a mammogram carried out before the treatment. This is not necessary if you have had one in the past year.

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