What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes and raises sagging breasts by repositioning breast tissue and nipples. It results in a more perky and youthful appearance. Breast lifts are among the top 5 most popular plastic surgeries for women. Plastic surgeons worldwide perform over 900,000 breast lifts each year—that’s like every woman in San Francisco getting a breast makeover.
Breast lift surgery can:
✅ Restore perkiness lost due to age, pregnancy, or weight changes.
✅ Enhance breast shape and symmetry.
✅ Minimize skin irritation and chafing from sagging.
✅ Be combined with breast augmentation or reduction.
✅ Provide long-lasting results (10+ years).
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Is It Safe to Have a Breast Lift in Mexico?
Yes—when performed by a board-certified surgeon in a reputable clinic, a breast lift in Mexico is just as safe as in the US or Canada.
In Mexico, breast lift surgeons perform over 40,000 procedures every year. They have 15+ years of experience, American and European training, and certifications from:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS);
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS);
- Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER).
Mexico Breast Lift Techniques
1️⃣ Crescent lift – For minimal sagging
- Involves a small incision along the upper edge of the areola.
- Combined with breast augmentation.
2️⃣ Periareolar (donut) lift – For mild sagging
- A round incision around the areola.
- Ideal for small breast lifts and areola reduction with minimal scarring.
- Often paired with breast implants.
3️⃣ Vertical lift (lollipop lift) – For moderate sagging
- An incision around the areola and a vertical cut down the breast.
- Lifts the breasts and removes excess skin without the need for implants.
- Popular after pregnancy or weight loss.
4️⃣ Anchor lift (inverted-T lift) – For significant sagging
- An incision around the areola, down the breast, and along the crease.
- Provides the most extensive reshaping and repositioning.
- Recommended after major weight loss or multiple pregnancies.
Breast Lift vs. Similar Procedures: What’s the Difference?
Breast lift surgery alone raises and reshapes the breasts but doesn’t add or reduce volume. Breast augmentation and breast reduction are better suited to tackle these issues.
| Surgical procedure |
What it does |
Best for |
| Breast lift procedure |
Removes excess skin, lifts breasts, and repositions nipples. |
Sagging breasts and stretched skin. |
| Breast augmentation |
Adds breast volume with implants or fat transfer. |
Small, asymmetrical breasts. |
| Breast reduction |
Removes tissue and fat to reduce breast size and improve shape. |
Large, heavy breasts causing back or neck pain. |
Can you combine a breast lift with other cosmetic surgeries in Mexico?
Yes! Common combinations available in Mexico include:
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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift in Mexico?
You may undergo breast lift surgery if:
✔️ You have sagging breasts.
✔️ Your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease.
✔️ You have stretched or enlarged areolas.
✔️ You have asymmetrical or tubular-shaped breasts.
✔️ You’re 18+, and your breasts have finished developing.
✔️ You are in good health with a stable weight (being close to your ideal weight and not smoking is ideal).
✔️ You have a BMI under 30.
✔️ You are not breastfeeding and not planning to have children (future pregnancies can undo the results, and you might have trouble producing milk).
What’s Involved in a Breast Lift Procedure in Mexico?
|
Duration
|
Anesthesia
|
Hospital stay
|
|
2–4 hours
|
General
|
Outpatient or 1 night
|
Preparation
✔️ Get medical tests (e.g., blood work, EKG, imaging).
✔️ Get a baseline mammogram (one before surgery and another afterward to monitor future breast changes).
✔️ Attend a consultation. The surgeon will check your medical history and test results, as well as consider your breast shape and skin elasticity.
✔️ Stop smoking & alcohol at least 2-4 weeks before surgery.
✔️ Adjust your medications as advised by the doctor. Avoid blood thinners, aspirin, and herbal supplements.
✔️ Maintain a stable weight.
✔️ Arrange help during recovery. You might need a friend or family member to help you with daily activities during the first days after surgery.
Breast lift surgery steps
1️⃣ General anesthesia ensures a pain-free experience.
2️⃣ The surgeon makes incisions (around the areola, vertical, or anchor-shaped).
3️⃣ The medical team lifts breast tissue, repositions nipples, reduces areolas (if needed), and removes excess skin.
4️⃣ The surgeon sutures the incisions and bandages the area.
Breast Lift Recovery Period
| Time |
What happens |
| Days 1–3 |
Breasts swell and bruise. Take pain pills and rest. |
| Week 1 |
The surgeon will remove your stitches during a follow-up visit if they aren't dissolvable. |
| Days 6–10 |
Safe to fly home for international patients, but avoid lifting luggage.
Light desk work may be possible. |
| Weeks 2–4 |
Swelling, bruising, and numbness around nipples decrease.
Patients can return to non-physical jobs within 2 weeks.
No upper-body workouts or sexual activity. |
| Weeks 4–6 |
Most activities, including light exercise, can resume. |
| Weeks 6–8 |
You can replace the compression bra with a regular bra. |
Breast lift recovery tips
✔️ Wear a surgical support bra 24/7 for the first 3–4 days, then switch to a soft support bra.
✔️ Sleep on your back using pillows for support to avoid pulling on incisions.
✔️ Avoid lifting, bending, or straining for at least 2 weeks. Don’t pick up anything over 5 lbs for 4–6 weeks.
✔️ Use silicone tape or gel to help scars fade.
✔️ Keep scars out of the sun for at least 6 months—UV rays can make them darker.
Breast Lift Risks & Complications
A breast lift is a safe and routine procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Over 95% of patients achieve positive results and don’t require revision surgery. However, like any surgery, it comes with some risks:
- scarring;
- infection;
- numbness;
- fluid buildup (seroma/hematoma);
- asymmetry.
Your breast lift doctor will help solve any issues through in-person follow-ups or virtual check-ins.
Bookimed can connect you with the best doctors and clinics offering a breast lift in Tijuana, Mexico City, Mexicali, Guadalajara, and other cities.
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Breast Lift Mexico: Results
Although changes are visible immediately, the final shape will settle over the next 3–6 months.
⟢ Appearance. Your breasts will look firmer and perkier. They will appear higher and rounder right away but then soften into a natural shape.
⟢ Scaring. Scars fade over 1–2 years to thin, light lines. They can be hidden under a bra or bikini.
⟢ Longevity. A breast lift is long-lasting but doesn’t stop the natural aging process. Over time, skin loses elasticity, and some sagging may return. However, patients can enjoy their results for 10–15 years by maintaining a stable weight and having good skin care.
If sagging returns, you can have a revision breast lift. Revision is less complex than the first surgery and involves minor tweaks.
Traveling to Mexico for a Breast Lift
➢ Entry. US and Canedey citizens do not need a visa for visits under 180 days.
➢ Plan for a 5–10 day stay. Most clinics require you to arrive at least 1 day before surgery for pre-op tests and consultations. You’ll also need to stay in Mexico for 3–6 days after surgery to attend follow-up appointments.
➢ Payment & currency. Not all clinics in Mexico accept credit or debit cards. Be prepared to bring cash (USD or MXN) or make a bank transfer.
➢ Travel & transport. Some cities are within driving distance (e.g., San Diego to Tijuana is just a 30-minute drive). Tijuana and Mexicali clinics provide cross-border shuttles from San Diego and Yuma. Flights take 1-3 hours—comparable to flying between states. Clinics may include airport and local transfers, so check what’s included in your package.
➢ Traveling alone vs. with a companion. Although some clinics provide concierge services for assistance, you might need help with completing daily tasks and lifting bags after your discharge.
➢ Packing. Pack light to avoid carrying heavy luggage and prepare loose, button-up clothing.
How Much Is a Breast Lift in Mexico?
A breast lift in Mexico costs $5,000–$6,000. If combined with breast implants, the price ranges between $7,400 and $9,200.
In the US, a simple breast lift procedure costs around $9,000–$15,000. The cost of a breast lift with implants is between $10,000 and $20,000.
US clinics charge extra for facility use, anesthesia, and surgical supplies, adding thousands to the final bill. The cost of breast lifts in Mexico is over 60% more affordable since it usually includes these expenses.
What do Mexico’s breast lift packages include?
Although packages vary by clinic, the breast lift cost in Mexico may include:
✅ Consultations with the surgeon
✅ Anesthesia and hospital fees
✅ Hospital and hotel stays
✅ Lab tests and EKG
✅ Postoperative medication & wound care
✅ Compression bra
✅ Transfers
✅ Personal assistance
Additional breast lift costs in Mexico
💲 Cross-border transfer (e.g., San Diego/Yuma to Tijuana – $300)
💲 Pre-op tests ($100–$130, if not included)
💲 Extra hotel nights ($130–$160 per night)
💲 COVID-19 test (~$60, if required)
💲 Compression garment (~$130, if not included)
Bookimed's Finance Policy guarantees that all listed prices for a breast lift in Mexico match official clinic rates.
Resources
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (2023). International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Breast lift.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Breast Lift.
- JPRAS Open. (2024). MAMAS (mastopexy–augmentation made applicable and safer): A standardized template of pre-operative marking and step-by-step surgical procedure.