Breast lift surgery, medically known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes and elevates the breasts to create a more refreshed and lifted appearance. Over time, life events such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, ageing, and genetics can cause the breasts to lose firmness and sit lower on the chest wall. Mastopexy addresses this by removing excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a more central position.
Dr. Gary Kode, a leading Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in Melbourne, offers mastopexy using refined techniques tailored to each individual. His focus is on achieving proportionate, natural-looking results with attention to safety, longevity, and the patient’s unique anatomy. Every procedure is personally performed by Dr. Kode from start to finish, without the use of surgical assistants—ensuring continuity of care, surgical precision, and personalised outcomes.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
Breast lift surgery may be suitable if you are experiencing visible breast ptosis, often referred to medically as ptosis. This can occur as a result of stretched skin, volume loss, or both, and may present with the nipples falling below the breast crease, pointing downward, or appearing asymmetrical.
You may be a good candidate for mastopexy if:
- Your breasts have lost their shape, volume, or firmness over time and you are seeking to improve a more age-appropriate contour.
- Your nipples or areolas sit below the level of the breast fold or point downward, indicating moderate to severe drooping.
- You experience breast asymmetry or changes following breastfeeding, pregnancy, or significant weight loss, and wish to improve balance and positioning.
- You have stretched or enlarged areolas that you would like to reduce as part of the overall aesthetic outcome.
- You are in good general health, at or near a stable weight, and free from underlying medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risk.
- You do not smoke, or you are willing to cease smoking before and after surgery to support optimal healing.
- You have realistic expectations and understand the limitations of surgery, as well as the importance of maintenance over time.
During your consultation, Dr. Gary Kode will assess your breast shape, skin elasticity, and goals to determine whether mastopexy is appropriate. A breast lift is a highly customisable procedure and is often life-enhancing for patients who feel self-conscious or limited by breast changes.
Types of Breast Lift Procedures
There are several mastopexy techniques, each offering different benefits depending on the level of lift required, skin quality, and patient preference. Dr. Gary Kode will select the most appropriate approach based on a thorough physical examination and detailed consultation.
Wise Pattern (Anchor Lift)
This is the most comprehensive mastopexy technique. It involves three incisions: one around the areola, one vertically down to the breast crease, and one along the natural fold of the breast. This approach allows for the removal of a significant amount of excess skin, reshaping of breast tissue, and repositioning of the nipple. It is best suited for patients with severe ptosis or those who have experienced dramatic weight loss. The anchor lift provides excellent control over breast shape and is known for its reliability in achieving long-term results.
Lollipop (Vertical) Lift
The vertical or lollipop lift involves two incisions—around the areola and a vertical line from the areola to the breast crease. It is ideal for moderate drooping where some skin removal and reshaping are needed, but without the necessity for a horizontal incision. This method allows for excellent reshaping while limiting scarring to a more confined area. It may not be suitable for patients requiring significant volume adjustment or extensive skin tightening.
Peri-Areolar (Donut) Lift
This technique involves a single circular incision around the areola. It is most effective for patients with mild ptosis, where a modest lift and areolar reshaping are required. It’s often used for correcting tubular breast deformities or reducing areola size. While scarring is minimal, the degree of lift is limited, and it is not appropriate for patients with significant skin laxity.
In certain cases, Dr. Kode may recommend combining mastopexy with breast augmentation using implants to improve upper pole fullness and achieve more dramatic reshaping. This is typically performed in a single-stage procedure to minimise recovery time and improve symmetry.
The Mastopexy Surgery Process
Mastopexy surgery is conducted under general anaesthesia and typically takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of correction required and whether augmentation is included. The procedure is performed in fully accredited Melbourne hospitals such as Glenferrie Private Hospital or Masada Private Hospital, ensuring high safety standards and sterile conditions.
The surgery involves several key steps:
- Prior to surgery, the new nipple position is carefully marked while the patient is standing, to account for natural breast movement.
- Once the patient is under anaesthesia, excess skin is removed to tighten the envelope of the breast.
- The underlying breast tissue is reshaped and lifted to improve contour.
- The nipple and areola are repositioned higher on the breast mound and, if necessary, the areola is reduced in diameter to improve proportion.
- Incisions are closed with layered sutures to support long-term shape and minimise tension on the skin.
- Dressings and a supportive bra are applied to protect the area and support healing.
Dr. Gary Kode performs every aspect of the surgery himself—his approach is never delegated—allowing him to oversee every detail with surgical consistency and patient-focused care.
Photos/Gallery of Breast Lift Surgery
We encourage prospective patients to view our before-and-after gallery, which showcases a selection of breast lift outcomes performed by Dr. Gary Kode. These photographs are intended to highlight the variety of possible results depending on a patient’s starting point, anatomy, and surgical goals.
All images are shared with the informed, written consent of the patient. Please note that results vary from person to person, and these examples are designed to illustrate the individualised approach that Dr. Kode brings to every procedure.
The gallery serves as a visual tool to support your consultation discussion and helps patients understand what can be realistically achieved based on their needs.
Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery
Recovery is an important phase of your surgical journey. The healing timeline may vary slightly from person to person, but most patients can follow this general progression:
Week 1:
- Expect some swelling, bruising, and tightness across the chest.
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity is normal and can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
- A soft, front-fastening surgical bra is worn 24 hours a day to provide support and reduce strain on incisions.
- You will be encouraged to rest and avoid any lifting, straining, or upper body movement during this initial phase.
Weeks 2 to 4:
- Most patients can return to light, non-strenuous work after 7 to 10 days.
- Sutures are removed if they are not absorbable.
- Walking and light household tasks may resume, but overhead lifting and vigorous activities should still be avoided.
- Swelling continues to decrease, and the breast shape becomes more defined.
Weeks 5 to 6:
- Gradual return to low-impact exercise is permitted, though heavy lifting and chest-focused workouts should be delayed until cleared by Dr. Kode.
- Scars begin to mature and lighten in colour, particularly with ongoing care.
- Breast positioning continues to settle into a more natural, lifted shape.
Throughout your recovery, Dr. Gary Kode will monitor your healing progress through follow-up appointments in his Melbourne clinic and provide ongoing guidance tailored to your recovery stage.
Results of Breast Lift Surgery
Initial improvements in breast shape and nipple position are visible soon after surgery, though final results typically take three to six months to fully emerge. During this time, swelling resolves, incisions fade, and breast tissues soften into their new contour.
The most common outcomes reported by patients include:
- A firmer, perkier breast appearance with improved position on the chest
- Better symmetry between breasts, even in cases with significant preoperative differences
- Improve comfort and self-assurance, both in and out of clothing
- Improved posture and ease of movement, particularly if the original breast droop had caused physical strain
Results are designed to be long-lasting, especially with healthy lifestyle habits and weight stability. However, ongoing ageing and gravity may gradually affect breast position over time. Many patients maintain their results for a decade or more without further intervention.
Scars with Breast Lift Surgery
While scars are an expected part of any breast lift, Dr. Kode is highly experienced in surgical techniques that minimise their appearance. Incisions are placed along natural breast contours to ensure they are as discreet as possible, often hidden within clothing or undergarments.
- Initially, scars may appear pink or red, slightly raised, or firm to the touch.
- Over the next 6 to 12 months, they typically fade into pale, flat lines.
- Dr. Kode recommends the use of Hypafix tape or silicone-based gels and dressings to support scar maturation.
- Patients are advised to avoid sun exposure and refrain from applying harsh skincare products to the area during healing.
With time, the majority of patients find their scars become inconspicuous and are outweighed by the aesthetic improvements of the lift.
Cost of Breast Lift Surgery
The total cost of breast lift surgery in Melbourne can vary depending on several factors:
- The surgical technique required based on breast size, degree of ptosis, and complexity
- Whether the procedure is combined with augmentation (implants)
- Anaesthetist and hospital facility fees
- Duration of the hospital stay, if an overnight admission is needed
A detailed quote is provided following your in-person consultation with Dr. Gary Kode. In some medically indicated cases—such as significant breast asymmetry or skin issues caused by breast ptosis—private health insurance may provide partial reimbursement for eligible components, such as hospital admission.
To ensure compliance with AHPRA guidelines, specific pricing is not listed on this page. All financial discussions will be tailored to your individual treatment plan.
Risks of Breast Lift Surgery
While mastopexy is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, like all surgical procedures, it carries risks. These include:
- Bleeding, bruising, or haematoma formation (a collection of blood beneath the skin)
- Infection at the surgical site, which may require antibiotics or further treatment
- Delayed wound healing, particularly in patients who smoke or have underlying health conditions
- Scarring that may be more prominent, thickened, or irregular in shape
- Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Breast asymmetry or irregularities in contour that may require revision surgery
During your consultation, Dr. Gary Kode will clearly outline all potential risks and provide honest, professional advice. His meticulous surgical technique and careful patient screening process are designed to reduce the likelihood of complications and ensure patient safety is prioritised at all times.
About the Surgeon – Dr. Gary Kode
Dr. Gary Kode is a respected Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon based in Melbourne. With over 25 years of surgical experience across South Africa and Australia, he is known for delivering natural, refined results through ethical practice and technical excellence.
Dr. Kode’s approach is based on:
- Total surgical ownership – He performs all operations himself from start to finish.
- Patient-first values – Every decision is made with the patient’s wellbeing and goals in mind.
- Specialisation in aesthetic breast and facial procedures, with techniques refined over decades of practice.
Dr. Kode consults at fully accredited hospitals, adheres to strict safety protocols, and offers ongoing support throughout each patient’s journey—from the initial conversation to the final stages of recovery.
FAQs About Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Considering a Breast Lift in Melbourne?
If you are exploring breast lift (mastopexy) surgery and want an expert, honest opinion, Dr. Gary Kode welcomes you to schedule a confidential consultation at his Melbourne practice.
He will guide you through your options, answer all questions, and provide a tailored surgical plan to help you feel confident and informed every step of the way.