What Is Internal Mastopexy?

After breast augmentation or reconstructive breast surgery, many women begin to notice subtle but frustrating changes. Their breasts may feel heavier, look uneven, or lose upper fullness. Some describe a deflated look near the nipple or a stretching of the breast skin along the lower breast or breast crease. These are often signs of internal breast sagging, a condition known as breast ptosis, caused by the weight of implants, weakened tissue, or changes from weight loss or aging. It is a concern many patients share but may not have a name for until they are told it can be corrected.

Internal mastopexy is a surgical procedure that addresses this issue at the source in selected patients. Rather than lifting the breast by tightening excess skin or adding a vertical incision, this breast lift technique works from the inside in. The breast tissue is restructured and anchored internally, helping to restore a more natural breast shape and upper pole fullness without needing new external scars. For many patients, it is a discreet and effective way to repair the deep structure of the breast while preserving the outer appearance.

Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons in Phoenix performs internal mastopexy using a combination of careful tissue repositioning and suture support, often referred to as an internal bra. The approach can be especially helpful after breast implants have shifted or contributed to glandular separation. Some women benefit from combining this with fat grafting, implant exchange, or even other procedures such as a tummy tuck to address body shape more comprehensively.

Benefits of Internal Mastopexy

Most women seeking internal mastopexy want more than just a lift. Unlike traditional breast lift surgery, which focuses on removing excess skin and gland, this internal breast lift procedure reinforces the breast structure where it matters most: at the level of the chest wall and pectoralis fascia. By using your own tissue and existing incisions, internal mastopexy can improve symmetry, projection, and upper breast contour without adding new scars. It is also a great option for minimizing scarring in patients who have already undergone breast augmentation or breast surgery in the past.

Benefits of internal mastopexy may include:

Restores support to the breast tissue from within
Reduces the look of breast sagging or breast ptosis
Maintains or improves breast lift results without a vertical incision
Preserves breast skin and minimizes scarring
Can be combined with implant exchange or fat grafting
Helps correct shape changes after breast implants
Creates a more balanced, beautiful shape using your own tissue
Shorter recovery period compared to traditional breast lift procedures

Internal Mastopexy Candidates

Internal mastopexy is especially helpful for patients who have had prior breast augmentation or breast reconstruction and are now noticing subtle or moderate changes in their breast shape. For many women, these changes are the result of implant weight over time, stretching of the lower breast, or shifts in tissue due to weight loss or aging. It is common to see mild sagging or moderate ptosis that does not quite require a traditional breast lift procedure.

Good candidates often describe a scooped or sunken appearance in the upper breast, a stretched breast crease, or a general loss of volume and projection following implants. If you are noticing that your breasts feel unbalanced, sit lower on the chest wall, or have developed a softer, unsupported shape, but your skin still has decent elasticity, you may be a strong candidate for this lift technique. Many patients also have an existing periareolar or inframammary incision that can be used, avoiding the need for a new vertical incision.

As always, realistic expectations are key. Internal mastopexy works best when the goal is to improve structure and shape without dramatically altering breast size. During your consultation, we will also explore whether additional procedures such as fat grafting, breast reduction, or a tummy tuck could support your goals.

Consultation and Preparation

Your consultation is the starting point. We will begin with a full assessment of your breast anatomy, previous surgeries, implant type, and breast skin quality. We will examine how your tissue responds to movement, where the weight is sitting, and how best to lift and reshape from the inside. In many cases, an internal mastopexy can be performed using the same type of incision from a prior breast surgery, avoiding the need for additional surface scars.

You will also have the chance to talk through any concerns about breast size, shape, or future plans. Many patients considering this procedure are also thinking about downsizing implants, restoring lost volume with fat grafting, or improving the balance between their breasts and body shape. We will guide you through all options clearly.

In preparation for surgery, you will be given detailed pre-op instructions. This typically includes pausing certain medications, arranging time off for the healing process, and making adjustments to maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to your procedure.

The Internal Mastopexy Procedure

Internal mastopexy is performed under general anesthesia in our Phoenix surgical suite and typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. It is often done using an existing periareolar incision or a hidden fold incision at the breast crease, which means no new visible scars for most patients.

During the procedure, your surgeon lifts and secures the breast tissue using deep sutures to reshape the internal structure. The goal is to reduce sagging, improve projection, and create a natural, supported contour. The internal bra technique may be used to provide long-lasting lift and support. If needed, the implant is exchanged or fat grafting is added to restore lost volume.

Minimal to no skin is removed, and most of the work happens beneath the surface. The incision is closed carefully to support optimal healing and minimize visible scarring.

Results, Recovery, and Aftercare

You will notice a difference in shape and support right away, although swelling and tightness are expected in the first few days. Most patients return to normal physical activities within four to six weeks, with light activity allowed after about a week. The recovery time is typically shorter than with traditional breast lift surgery, especially since there is no need for an inverted T or anchor scar.

You will be fitted with a surgical bra to help your breasts heal in the correct position. Our team will provide guidance on incision care, activity restrictions, and signs of healing progress. The healing process is steady, and most women feel back to themselves within a few weeks.

Final breast lift results settle in gradually as the tissue adjusts and the internal support takes hold. You will continue to see improvement over the course of a few months.

How Much Does an Internal Mastopexy Cost?

The cost of internal mastopexy in Phoenix depends on several factors, including the complexity of the tissue repair, whether the procedure involves implant exchange or fat grafting, and whether additional surgeries like a tummy tuck or breast reduction are being performed at the same time. Your estimate will include all standard surgical costs, such as the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, operating facility charges, and any recovery-related items like surgical garments or post-operative visits. Our team will provide a detailed, transparent quote during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Why Choose Southwest Breast & Aesthetics?

At Southwest Breast & Aesthetics, internal mastopexy is not just a modified breast lift. It is a specialized, precise breast lift technique developed for women who have already had breast surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience correcting capsular contracture, revising breast augmentation results, and reshaping the breast tissue after drastic changes from weight loss or aging.

Our practice is trusted by women from across Arizona for complex breast revision, reconstruction, and aesthetic refinement. We focus on delivering thoughtful, tailored results using techniques that preserve your natural shape and minimize scarring whenever possible.

Internal Mastopexy FAQS

Is Internal Mastopexy surgery painful?

Mild discomfort is common for the first few days, but most women find it manageable with prescribed medication.

What are the risks associated with Internal Mastopexy surgery?

As with any breast surgery, there is a low risk of bleeding, infection, or asymmetry. Careful planning reduces complications.

What is the downtime after Internal Mastopexy surgery?

Most patients return to light activity within a week and resume full normal physical activities by four to six weeks.

How soon will I see Internal Mastopexy results?

You will see early improvements right away, but final breast lift results take a few months to fully settle.

How long will my Internal Mastopexy results last?

With stable implants and proper support, internal mastopexy results are long-lasting, especially when supported by a healthy lifestyle.

Better Begins Today

Your journey to better begins with a consultation at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics. Our plastic surgeons set the standards for plastic surgery through their innovative procedures and meticulous attention to detail. Discover a better experience by booking your consultation at Southwest Breast and Aesthetics today.

Internal Mastopexy In Phoenix, AZ