Will a breast lift change my bra size? Mastopexy FAQs, Answered by a Top Breast Surgeon
August 26, 2025 - Rhys Branman, MD
Considering a Little Rock breast lift? This is an ideal procedure to restore youthful shape after pregnancy, weight loss, aging, or for simply improving your breast contour. At Cosmetic Surgery Center in Little Rock, we understand that you may have questions about a breast lift, and we want to make sure you feel fully informed and confident at every step.
Here, top Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman answers some of the most common (and important!) questions his breast lift patients ask.
What does “drooping” or “ptosis” mean, and how is it measured?
Breast ptosis (pronounced toe-sis) refers to sagging or drooping of the breast tissue. It’s a common and natural change that happens over time due to aging, gravity, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, a loss of skin elasticity—often all of these combined.
Dr. Branman evaluates ptosis by measuring the nipple’s position in relation to the breast crease (inframammary fold). There are three primary grades:
- Mild: the nipple sits at the level of the crease
- Moderate: the nipple falls below the crease
- Severe: the nipple points downward and rests well below the crease
- Based on your degree of ptosis, Dr. Branman will recommend the most effective surgical plan to restore your desired breast shape and position.
Will a breast lift change my bra size?
While a breast lift doesn’t significantly alter your overall breast size, the procedure removes excess skin and reshapes the remaining tissue to achieve a firmer breast feel, and allows the breasts to sit higher on the chest. Some patients find they wear a smaller cup size post-surgery—not because their breasts are considerably smaller, but because they no longer need to accommodate sagging tissue in the bra cup.
If you are happy with the amount of breast tissue you have, a breast lift may be the only procedure you need to achieve a lifted, perkier look. But if you’re also hoping to add or reduce volume, Dr. Branman can combine your lift with a breast augmentation (to increase breast size) or breast reduction (to decrease breast size) to fully customize your results.
How long do breast lift results typically last?
Most patients enjoy their breast lift results for 10-20+ years, especially when maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras. Over time, gravity, hormonal changes, and decreased skin elasticity may subtly change the shape of your breasts. While no surgery can stop the natural aging process, your improved breast shape will age more gracefully following a lift.
The longevity of your results will also largely depend on your cosmetic surgeon’s skill and experience. It is very important to choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Branman who has the skill and experience to achieve ideal results that you can enjoy for years to come.
What type of anesthesia is used for breast lift surgery?
Dr. Branman performs breast lift surgery at our accredited surgical facility using general anesthesia so that you will be asleep and completely pain-free throughout the procedure. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist closely monitors your safety and comfort from start to finish, and we discuss detailed pre- and post-op instructions with you to ensure you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
What happens to nipple sensation after a breast lift?
Some temporary changes in nipple sensation are common after a breast lift—you might experience numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity. Nipple sensation gradually returns to normal within a few months for most patients.
Dr. Branman has a deep knowledge of breast anatomy and uses refined surgical techniques to preserve nipple sensation whenever possible.
“Dr. Branman is an artist when it comes to breast augmentation. The scars are almost faded already and my breasts are so perky and youthful. I feel feminine and pretty in a swim top, and I love my new breasts as if I’d had them my whole life. They are proportionate and balanced in every way. I feel like I went to the best cosmetic breast augmentation surgery center in the state.”
What are the different incision techniques used in a breast lift?
Dr. Branman chooses the best incision pattern for your unique anatomy, goals, and degree of breast ptosis. Here are the most common techniques:
- Crescent lift: a small incision at the top of the areola (for very mild sagging)
- Peri-areolar lift: a circular incision around the areola
- Vertical or “lollipop” lift: around the areola and down to the breast crease
- Anchor lift: around the areola, down vertically, and along the breast fold (used for more advanced ptosis)
No matter which incision approach is used, we will provide you with detailed scar care guidance and offer treatments to support optimal healing.
Can I still breastfeed after a breast lift?
In some cases, yes. Many women can successfully breastfeed after breast lift surgery, especially when the nipple and milk ducts remain connected. However, some patients may notice reduced milk supply or be unable to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is part of your future plans, Dr. Branman will tailor your procedure to help preserve this function as much as possible while still achieving a beautiful lift.
When can I have sex after a breast lift?
Dr. Branman generally recommends waiting 2 to 3 weeks before having sex after breast lift surgery. It’s crucial that you allow your body enough time to sufficiently heal before resuming intimate, and several other normal activities. Dr. Branman will clear you for different activity levels during your post-op appointments—but it is perfectly fine to wait longer if you are not yet comfortable. Once you do resume intimacy, avoid pressure or strain on the chest area until you’re fully healed, which will be around the 4-6 week mark.
“Dr. Branman and his staff are absolutely wonderful. They all made me feel so comfortable and always willing to answer any questions or concerns I had. I am extremely pleased with the post surgery results of my breast augmentation surgery. I am thankful I chose to come here instead of somewhere else. I would highly recommend Dr. Branman for any cosmetic needs.”
If you’re considering a breast lift in Little Rock, we invite you to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Branman. He has over 30 years of experience performing breast procedures and specializes in tailoring every aspect of surgery to align with your unique anatomy and goals. Call us today at (501) 227-0707 or contact us online to schedule your consultation at our Little Rock cosmetic surgery office.
