Breast Aesthetic Surgery
Breast aesthetic surgery covers cosmetic procedures to change the size, shape, or position of the breasts: augmentation adds volume with implants, reduction removes excess tissue to relieve size, and an uplift (mastopexy) raises and reshapes sagging breasts. These elective procedures leave scars, results vary, and a thorough consultation is essential.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Breast aesthetic surgery is a group of cosmetic procedures that change the size, shape, or position of the breasts. Augmentation uses implants to add volume or improve symmetry; reduction removes excess breast tissue and skin to relieve the discomfort of very large breasts and reshape them; and an uplift, or mastopexy, raises and firms breasts that have begun to sag, often after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. Some people combine an uplift with augmentation or reduction.
These are elective procedures performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, and each one leaves scars whose pattern depends on the technique used. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed; breasts continue to change with age, weight, and gravity over time. A thorough consultation is essential to match the right procedure to your anatomy and goals and to set realistic expectations. This is cosmetic surgery and is separate from cancer-related breast surgery such as mastectomy or reconstruction.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges your consultation and helps plan the visit. A surgeon can review your photos and medical history remotely for general guidance, but the final plan needs an in-person assessment. Because surgery raises the risk of blood clots, it is important not to fly too soon afterward; your coordinator advises on length of stay and safe travel timing.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults in good general health with realistic goals for breast size, shape, or position
- For augmentation: those wanting more volume or improved symmetry who understand implants may need future surgery
- For reduction: those with physical discomfort or self-consciousness from very large breasts
- For an uplift: those with sagging or a stable weight who accept the scars involved; non-smoking or willing to stop before and after surgery
What happens
- 1
Consultation & assessment
Your surgeon examines your breasts, discusses whether augmentation, reduction, or an uplift best fits your goals and anatomy, and explains the scar patterns, implant options where relevant, risks, and realistic outcomes.
- 2
Planning & preparation
You receive guidance on stopping smoking, adjusting medications, and preparing for anesthesia. Depending on your age and history, breast imaging may be advised, and the plan and incisions are confirmed before surgery.
- 3
The procedure
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon places implants, removes and reshapes tissue, or lifts and repositions the breasts and nipples, according to your agreed plan. Incisions are placed to keep scars as discreet as the technique allows.
- 4
Recovery & follow-up
You wear a supportive surgical bra and avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks. Swelling settles and the breasts take their final shape over months, with your team reviewing healing and scar care at follow-up.
Benefits
- Tailored options to increase, reduce, or reshape and lift the breasts
- Reduction can relieve neck, shoulder, and back discomfort from very large breasts
- Augmentation can improve volume or asymmetry with a range of implant choices
- Incisions placed to keep scars as discreet as the chosen technique allows
Risks & considerations
- Scarring, with a pattern that depends on the procedure
- Asymmetry, changes in shape, or need for revision surgery
- Blood clots — why safe travel timing after surgery matters
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or lasting
- Effects on breastfeeding, particularly after reduction or uplift
- For implants: risk of rupture, capsular contracture, or future surgery to replace them
- Risks associated with general anesthesia
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Breast Aesthetic Surgery — frequently asked questions
Augmentation adds volume using implants; reduction removes excess breast tissue and skin to relieve the weight of very large breasts and reshape them; and an uplift (mastopexy) raises and firms sagging breasts without changing size much. Some people combine an uplift with augmentation or reduction. Your surgeon advises which suits your goals.
No. Breast aesthetic surgery is elective cosmetic surgery to change size, shape, or position. It is separate from cancer-related breast surgery such as mastectomy or reconstruction, which is treated within our relevant medical and reconstructive services.
It can. Reduction and uplift, and sometimes augmentation, may affect the ability to breastfeed and can change nipple or breast sensation, either temporarily or permanently. If future breastfeeding matters to you, tell your surgeon so it can be considered in your plan.
A coordinator arranges your consultation and prepares a plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before you travel. A surgeon can review photos and your history remotely, but the final plan needs an in-person assessment. Because surgery raises clot risk, your coordinator advises on length of stay and when it is safe to fly.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after a consultation and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual. Most people return to light activity within one to two weeks and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks, with the final shape settling over months. Your coordinator confirms recovery and safe travel timing.
Considering breast aesthetic surgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.