Dr Armand AzencotBreast surgery · Bordeaux
The procedures
01Augmentation with implants02Composite augmentation03Breast fat transfer04Breast lift05Breast reduction06Asymmetry and tuberous breasts07Implant replacement08Areola and inverted nipple09Gynecomastia
Breast reconstruction
R1Breast reconstructionR2Immediate reconstructionR3Delayed reconstructionR4Fat grafting in reconstructionR5Flap reconstructionR6Prophylactic mastectomyR7Nipple and areolaR8Sequelae of conservative treatmentR9Opposite breast symmetrisation
Minimally invasive techniquePreservéA 2 cm micro-incision, no muscle detachment, under local anaesthesia with sedation.
Consultation

Clinique Esthétique Ferrère
16 ter rue Ferrère, 33000 Bordeaux

05 56 79 02 02Book a consultation

Procedure 04

Breast ptosis and breast lift

Breast lift and reshaping mastopexy, with or without an implant depending on the volume available. Firmer, higher breasts after pregnancies or weight changes.

Book a consultationSee results
Duration
2 h 30 min
Anaesthesia
General
Stay
1 night
Recovery
10 days

Figures confirmed by the surgeon; they vary from case to case and are specified in consultation.

The essentials

The four questions that come up

What is a breast lift?
A reshaping: the gland is tightened and lifted, the stretched skin removed, the areola repositioned. The aim is firmer, higher breasts, without necessarily changing their volume.
Who is it for?
Patients whose breasts have changed after one or more pregnancies, or after significant weight changes: stretched skin with stretch marks, widened areolas, a gland that has dropped and a hollowed upper breast.
Is an implant always needed?
No. Reshaping the gland is often enough to recreate volume with what is there. If not, fat transfer or an implant is proposed — this is composite mastopexy.
Can scars be avoided?
In some cases of mild ptosis, a suitable anatomical implant or a fat transfer may be enough to correct the appearance and thus avoid scars.

A frequent request that calls for careful analysis

This is a fairly frequent request that requires particular expertise and a precise analysis of the indication and of the goals to be achieved. It touches on breast reshaping, implants and, today, fat transfer: choices have to be made between the necessary scars, volume and final shape.

A breast lift often concerns patients whose breasts have changed after pregnancies or significant weight changes. The consequences are stretched skin with stretch marks, widened areolas, a downward sagging of the gland and areolas, a loss of volume of the gland, which spreads out, and a hollowing of the upper breast.

The request is aesthetic: the patient wishes to regain firm, lifted and fuller breasts.

The three degrees of ptosis

The surgical indication is broadly defined by the position of the nipple in relation to the inframammary fold.

  • Degree 1 — nipple above the inframammary fold: periareolar lift with or without an implant, or augmentation with an implant or fat, without a scar.
  • Degree 2 — nipple level with the fold: periareolar lift with an additional vertical scar. An implant or fat is added depending on the case.
  • Degree 3 — nipple below the fold, with sagging of the gland: J-shaped or inverted-T scar, possibly with the addition of a breast implant.

When volume is lacking

An increase in volume may be wished for, or may be necessary to the success of the operation.

In that case, reshaping the gland may be enough to provide volume by recreating a curve with the existing tissue, through glandular reshaping. If not, we will propose an additional fat transfer or a breast implant: this is mastopexy with implant, or composite mastopexy.

It may also be a request for augmentation accompanied by sagging. The surgeon will then explain that a simple augmentation is not enough, and that the sagging will also have to be corrected with a periareolar or vertical scar.

A highly technical operation

The implants must be selected with rigour and finesse, as must the technique used — often the dual plane, with the implant partly under the muscle. The necessary scars are often decided during the operation, once the implant is in place.

A judicious choice of anatomical implant can help correct the sagging while reducing the scars. Fat transfer, for its part, is useful to fill the frequent lack of volume in the upper pole of the breast, that is to say the cleavage.

A subject the surgeon teaches

The combination of mastopexy and implants is the subject of Dr Azencot’s talk as invited faculty at the joint BAAPS and ESAPS congress (London, October 2026), of his talk at SLICE, the SOFCEP seminar for young practitioners (Paris, 2026), and of his SOFCEP distance-learning course on breast lifting (2023).

The scars

Note: in some cases of mild ptosis, a suitable anatomical breast implant, or a fat transfer, may be enough to correct the appearance and thus avoid scars.

For an isolated mastopexy, the operation is similar to that of breast reduction, with little or no removal of gland but above all a reshaping of the gland. The scars are shorter: periareolar only, or periareolar and vertical, or J-shaped, or the classic inverted T.

Fees

The price depends on what accompanies the lift.

  • Mastopexy alone: from €5,400.
  • Mastopexy with implants: from €6,300.
  • Mastopexy with fat transfer: from €6,700.
  • Mastopexy with implants and fat transfer: from €7,500.

These prices include the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees, operating theatre and hospital stay costs, any implants, and follow-up for three months. The cost of your operation is set out in a quote given at the consultation, then French law requires a cooling-off period of at least fifteen days.

Cosmetic ptosis correction is not covered by the French national health insurance. A mastopexy for a malformed breast may be: the excess fees then start from €3,400. All amounts are on the Fees page.

Frequently asked questions

What patients ask

These answers reflect the content written and validated by the surgeon. Each one is written to stand alone, question by question.

Will I lose volume?
No: the aim is to lift and tighten. If the volume available is not enough for the desired result, fat transfer or an implant is added.
Where will the scars be?
It depends on the degree of ptosis: periareolar only for degree 1, periareolar and vertical for degree 2, J-shaped or inverted T for degree 3.
What is the round block technique?
The round block is a technique that lifts the breasts through an areolar scar only. Removing the excess skin only at the centre of the breast requires gathering the suture, and can lead to a widened scar or areola, or to a flattened breast. To be performed only in very specific cases.
Can sagging be corrected without a scar?
In mild ptosis, yes: a suitable anatomical implant or a fat transfer may be enough. The clinical examination determines this.
What is a composite mastopexy?
The combination of a breast lift and added volume — implant or fat transfer — when reshaping alone is not enough.
Why does the cleavage remain hollow?
Hollowing of the upper pole is a frequent consequence of ptosis. Fat transfer is particularly useful to fill it.
When are the scars decided?
Often during the operation itself, once the implant is in place: the result obtained determines the extent of skin correction required.
How is the degree of ptosis assessed?
By the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold: above it for degree 1, level with the fold for degree 2, below it — with ptosis of the gland — for degree 3. This degree guides the technique and the scars.
Can a breast augmentation alone correct sagging breasts?
Not always. When a request for augmentation comes with ptosis, a simple augmentation is not enough: the ptosis must also be corrected with a periareolar or vertical scar.
Where is the implant placed in a breast lift with implant?
Often in a dual plane, that is to say in a partial submuscular position. The implants and the technique are selected with care, and choosing an anatomical implant can help reduce the scars.
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
An isolated breast lift is performed like the operation for hypertrophy, with little or no removal of gland but above all a reshaping of it. The scars are shorter: periareolar only, periareolar and vertical, J-shaped, or classic inverted T.
Why do breasts sag after pregnancy?
Pregnancies and significant weight changes stretch the skin, with stretch marks, enlarge the areolas, lower the gland and the areolas, reduce the volume of the gland as it spreads, and hollow the upper chest.
What anaesthesia, and how long in hospital?
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and lasts about 2 h 30. The stay is one night, and activities are resumed after about 10 days.
What are the risks and complications of a breast lift?
Minor complications such as asymmetry of shape or volume, or an unsightly scar, which are easily corrected. Haematomas, infections or necrosis are rare but must be mentioned.
Which bra should I wear after a breast lift, how should I sleep, when can I resume sport?
A specific soft, shaping bra without underwire for one month. Sleep on your back or side for 6 to 12 weeks. Sport between 6 and 12 weeks.
Can I breastfeed or become pregnant after a breast lift?
Yes, but wait at least one year before breastfeeding.
Is a mammogram possible after a breast lift?
Yes, radiological follow-up is not affected.
Can a breast lift be repeated?
It can be repeated if necessary, which remains rare except with extreme weight changes.
Does the surgeon teach this surgery?
Yes. Combining a breast lift with implants is the subject of his talk as invited faculty at the joint BAAPS and ESAPS congress (London, October 2026), of his talk at SLICE, the SOFCEP seminar for young surgeons (Paris, 2026), and of his online course for SOFCEP on breast lifting (2023).
How much does a breast lift cost in Bordeaux?
Mastopexy alone starts from €5,400. With implants, from €6,300. With fat transfer, from €6,700. With implants and fat transfer, from €7,500.
What does the price include?
The surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees, operating theatre and hospital stay costs, any implants, follow-up visits and care for three months. The exact amount is shown on the quote given at the consultation.
Is a breast lift reimbursed?
No, when it is cosmetic. A mastopexy for a malformed breast can be covered by the French national health insurance: the excess fees then start from €3,400.
How long between the consultation and the operation?
At least fifteen days after the quote is given: this is the cooling-off period required by French law for cosmetic surgery. The appointment with the anaesthetist is mandatory and takes place at least eight days before the operation.
Can fat be used instead of an implant?
Yes. After the reshaping, the missing volume can be provided by fat, for a natural breast. It is useful for filling the upper part of the breast, the cleavage. Mastopexy with fat transfer starts from €6,700.
I have implants and my breasts have sagged: what can be done?
During an implant replacement, a mastopexy can be added when the skin has slackened. The implants can also be removed and replaced with fat, with a mastopexy: this starts from €7,400.
My breasts are heavy and sagging: lift or reduction?
A breast that is too large often sags as well. A breast reduction removes gland and corrects the ptosis. A lift removes little or no gland. The consultation determines which of the two suits you.
How do the scars evolve?
A scar takes about a year to reach its final appearance. Red at first, it gradually fades. How it evolves depends on skin type and on protection from the sun.

Glossary

The words on this page

The terms used here, each defined in a sentence in the site’s glossary.

Gallery

Breast lift, before and after

Cases operated on by Dr Azencot, photographed before and after surgery, in front and three-quarter views. Drag to compare. The captions are the surgeon’s own.

Mastopexy and composite augmentation, ergonomic implants 220 cc, 280 cc fat — before and after photo, Dr Armand Azencot, Bordeaux
BeforeAfter
Mastopexy and composite augmentationErgonomic implants 220 cc, 280 cc fat
Mastopexy and composite augmentation, another view — before and after photo, Dr Armand Azencot, Bordeaux
BeforeAfter
Mastopexy and composite augmentationAnother view
Mastopexy and ergonomic implants, 240 cc, breast lift — before and after photo, Dr Armand Azencot, Bordeaux
BeforeAfter
Mastopexy and ergonomic implants, 240 ccBreast lift
Mastopexy and ergonomic implants, 240 cc, another view — before and after photo, Dr Armand Azencot, Bordeaux
BeforeAfter
Mastopexy and ergonomic implants, 240 ccAnother view
Mastopexy and breast augmentation, ergonomic implants, moderate profile, 160 cc — before and after photo, Dr Armand Azencot, Bordeaux
BeforeAfter
Mastopexy and breast augmentationErgonomic implants, moderate profile, 160 cc
Mastopexy and ergonomic implants, 270 cc, moderate profile, fat transfer, 280 cc per breast — before and after photo, Dr Armand Azencot, Bordeaux
BeforeAfter
Mastopexy and ergonomic implants, 270 cc, moderate profileFat transfer, 280 cc per breast

Photographs for information only — neither a commitment nor a guarantee of result. Every situation is unique and assessed in consultation.

Go further

Related procedures

01Breast augmentationSilicone gel implants, round or anatomical.05Breast reductionTreatment of hypertrophy, with correction of the associated sagging.03Breast fat transferTransfer of your own fat, useful in the upper pole.

Meet us

Consultation

A first consultation is there to understand your request and tell you what is possible — including when the answer is that it is better to do nothing.

Clinique Esthétique Ferrère

16 ter rue Ferrère
33000 Bordeaux

05 56 79 02 02
Book on DoctolibCall the practice
ConsultationsBy appointment, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm
Quotegiven in consultation
Cooling-off period15 days minimum
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The reception, 16 ter rue Ferrère

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