Procedure guide · 43 listed FRACS surgeons
Breast lift (mastopexy) in Australia: cost, recovery and surgeon checklist
Mastopexy (breast lift) reshapes and elevates breast tissue without significantly reducing volume. It is typically used to address breast ptosis (sagging) from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes or age. Around 6,000 to 8,000 mastopexies are performed annually in Australia. Often combined with breast augmentation (augmentation-mastopexy) for women who want both restored fullness and a lifted shape.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Mastopexy (breast lift) reshapes and elevates breast tissue without significantly reducing volume.
- ✓Typical Australian cost: $11,000 to $20,000 all-inclusive (Medicare not rebated).
- ✓43 FRACS-qualified plastic surgeons in our directory list breast lift (mastopexy) among their specialisations.
- ✓Source: ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory, AHPRA Cosmetic Surgery Standard 2023, Medicare Benefits Schedule. Last updated 17 May 2026.
What it is
What breast lift (mastopexy) actually involves
Three main mastopexy techniques: periareolar (incision around the areola only - suitable for minimal ptosis), vertical / lollipop (periareolar + vertical scar down to fold - moderate ptosis), and anchor / inverted-T (periareolar + vertical + horizontal scar in fold - significant ptosis). Choice depends on the degree of nipple descent below the breast fold.
Mastopexy alone has no MBS item number - it is considered cosmetic surgery and never Medicare-rebated, even when performed after pregnancy. The exception is post-mastectomy reconstruction or contralateral symmetrisation surgery (MBS 45558, partial rebate). Bringing your surgeon a deviated-septum complaint to bundle mastopexy into a rhinoplasty MBS claim is illegal and Medicare will recover the funds.
Combined augmentation-mastopexy is more complex than either procedure alone and carries elevated revision risk (around 15-25% vs 5-10% for either procedure alone). Some surgeons prefer to stage the two procedures 6-12 months apart for better long-term outcomes. Discuss explicitly at consultation.
Who is a candidate
- Stable weight for 6 months and not actively trying to conceive in the next 12 months
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding completed (mastopexy reverses with subsequent pregnancy)
- Smoking ceased at least 4-6 weeks pre-op - mastopexy wound complications are nicotine-sensitive
- BMI ideally under 30 for best healing
- Realistic expectations about scarring
- Two-week minimum cooling-off period observed
Typical recovery timeline
Day 0-3
Day stay or overnight. Surgical bra 24/7. Pain typically less than reduction or augmentation. Drains uncommon.
Week 1
Return to desk work at 5-7 days. No lifting more than 2kg. Surgical bra continued.
Week 2-4
Light walking, no upper body exercise. Stitches dissolve or removed at 1-2 weeks.
Month 1-3
Light cardio at 4 weeks, upper body training at 6-8 weeks. Sports bra during day, no underwire for 6-8 weeks.
Month 6-12
Scars fade from red to pink to silvery white. Final shape settled at 6 months. Scars continue to mature for 12-24 months.
See the full day-by-day timeline: Breast lift (mastopexy) recovery timeline
Cost in Australia 2026
Mastopexy alone: $11,000 to $18,000. Combined augmentation-mastopexy: $18,000 to $26,000. Never Medicare-rebated except in post-mastectomy reconstruction context.
Questions to ask at consultation
- What technique do you recommend - periareolar, vertical or anchor - and why for my anatomy?
- Do you recommend mastopexy alone or combined with augmentation? What is your revision rate for each?
- If combined, do you stage the procedures or do them in one operation?
- How will you preserve nipple sensation?
- What is your written quote with itemised surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and out-of-pocket?
- What scar management protocol do you recommend (silicone tape, sun avoidance)?
See our complete guide: 10 questions to ask any plastic surgeon
Red flags to walk away from
- ✗ Claims of Medicare rebate for cosmetic mastopexy (not legitimate)
- ✗ Combines mastopexy with augmentation without discussing elevated revision risk
- ✗ Office-based theatre rather than accredited hospital
- ✗ No discussion of nipple sensation or breastfeeding considerations
- ✗ Promises a permanent result with no acknowledgement of pregnancy / weight effects
Regulatory note
AHPRA s133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law restricts cosmetic procedure advertising. We do not display before-and-after images or testimonials on this site. Verify any surgeon at ahpra.gov.au and cross-check ASPS membership at plasticsurgery.org.au before booking any procedure.
Directory · FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeons
43 listed surgeons who include breast lift (mastopexy) in their specialisations
Cross-referenced against AHPRA Specialist Register and ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory. We list FRACS-qualified specialists only.
Melbourne · Berwick
FRACSDr Rebecca Wyten
Dr Rebecca Wyten Plastic Surgery
Female specialist plastic surgeon focused on post-pregnancy and post-weight-loss body restoration. Mentors female plastic surgery trainees.
Sydney · Randwick
FRACSDr Marc Langbart
Randwick Plastic Surgery
Master of Surgery (Hand Surgery) from University of Sydney. Trained in complex reconstruction at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London.
Geelong · Geelong
FRACSMr Rafael Acosta-Rojas
Australian Skin Face Body
Mr Acosta-Rojas specialises in hand surgery, providing the latest non-surgical or minimally invasive alternatives where possible for conditions such as carpal t…
Sydney · Gordon
FRACSDr Shagun Aggarwal
Mode Plastic Surgery
Mode Plastic Surgery is a comprehensive reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery practice based in Sydney’s north shore and inner west, founded by Dr Shagun …
Sydney · Frenchs Forest
FRACSDr Chris Ahn
Northern Beaches Hospital Specialist Suites
FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising in Frenchs Forest, Sydney.
Sydney · Westmead
FRACSDr Harith Alani
Dr Harith Alani
Dr Harith Alani is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in the field of Plastic Surgery.
Brisbane · South Brisbane
FRACSMr James Allan
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Dr James Allan is a respected Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with Australia’s highest level of surgical training, Fellowship of the Royal Austral…
Brisbane · Ipswich
FRACSDr Neil Allen
St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital
Dr Allen is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon located in Ipswich..
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSDr Dirck Martin Ananos Flores
Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre
Dirck completed his medical training at the Cayetano Heredia University in Peru, South America in 2002, graduating with degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bach…
Melbourne · Bulleen
FRACSDr Namrata Anavekar
Dr Namrata Anavekar Plastic Surgery
Ms Namrata Anavekar is a qualified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Sydney · St Leonards
FRACSDr Richard Atkinson
North Shore Private Hospital
FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising in St Leonards, Sydney.
Newcastle · Newcastle
FRACSMr Gary Avery
Avery Reconstructive & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Dr Gary Avery is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who completed his medical, surgical, and specialty training in Australasia, working in various …
Perth · Murdoch
FRACSDr Sandeep B.
Plastic Surgery Department
Dr Sandeep is a fully accredited specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Perth.
Melbourne · Essendon Fields
FRACSMr Mark Baldwin
Horizon Plastic Surgery
Dr Mark Baldwin graduated at the top of his clinical school on 1992.
Melbourne · Kew
FRACSMr Richard Barton
Niche Plastic Surgery
Richard Barton is a Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon with a particular focus on facial aesthetic surgery, including facelift, neck lift, brow lift, blepharo…
Brisbane · Greenslopes
FRACSDr Paul Belt
Nicholson Street Specialist Centre
Dr Paul Belt completed his undergraduate medical studies in Oxford University.
Brisbane · South Brisbane
FRACSDr Theo Birch
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Dr Birch is a fully qualified plastic surgeon and a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSMr Lewis Blennerhassett
Subiaco Plastic Surgery
Dr Lewis Blennerhassett has been a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon since 2000.
Brisbane · Newstead
FRACSDr Andrew Broadhurst
Enhance Plastic Surgery
“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients.
Perth · West Perth
FRACSDr Adrian Brooks
Dr Adrian Brooks Plastic Surgery
Special interest in body contouring, weight loss and breast surgery, including explant, as well as all aspects of melanoma and complex tumor surgery..
Hobart · East Launceston
FRACSDr Daniel Bunker
Dr Daniel Bunker Plastic Surgery
Daniel is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.
Melbourne · Kew
FRACSDr Jonathan Burge
Niche Plastic Surgery
Jonathan Burge completed his plastic surgical training in New Zealand then undertook a further two years of subspecialty training in craniomaxillofacial surgery…
Melbourne · Malvern
FRACSMr James Burt
Cabrini Medical Centre
James Burt (Jamie) attended the University of Melbourne and graduated with MBBS in 1988.
Sydney · Potts Point
FRACSDr David Caminer
The Larmont Building
Dr David Caminer is committed to excellence.
Adelaide · Kent Town
FRACSDr Andrew Campbell-Lloyd
Dr Andrew Campbell-Lloyd Plastic Surgery
Dr Andrew Campbell-Lloyd (FRACS) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon whose practice is dedicated to complex breast surgery.
Brisbane · Brisbane
FRACSDr David Campbell
Dr David Campbell Plastic Surgery
Dr David Campbell is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with a special interest in breast surgery, rhinoplasty surgery, laser surgery and skin cancer surgery.
Melbourne · Warrnambool
FRACSDr Robert Capstick
Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Rob Capstick is a specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, joining the Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in March 2022.
Hobart · Hobart
FRACSMr Andrew Castley
Macquarie Plastic Surgery
Mr Andrew Castley graduated with honours from the University of Tasmania in 2000.
Sydney · Mosman
FRACSDr Alice Chang
Dr Alice Chang Plastic Surgery
Dr Ling-Yun Alice Chang has multiple appointments in both public and private adult hospitals, catering for both adult and paediatric patients.
Brisbane · Auchenflower
FRACSDr Ajay Chauhan
Alexandra
I am a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, trained and experienced in all aspects of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.
Gold Coast · Southport
FRACSDr Paul Cheng
The Layt Clinic
Dr Paul Cheng is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, now practicing on the Gold Coast, QLD and in Ballina, NSW.
Sydney · Northbridge
FRACSDr Ellis Choy
Zilver Lining Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Dr Ellis Choy is a renowned Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Perth · West Leederville
FRACSMr David Colbert
David Colbert Plastic Surgery
My aim is to provide safe, compassionate, and comprehensive treatment to each patient I meet.
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSDr Brigid Corrigan
Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre
Dr Corrigan is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon trained in Western Australia with additional post fellowship training in Oxford, UK and Melbourne, Australia.
Gold Coast · Southport
FRACSDr Drew Cronin
The Coastal Clinic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
Dr Drew Cronin is a Queensland trained and fully certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.
Perth · West Perth
FRACSDr Mark Duncan-Smith
CosMedicWest
Private practice is primarily cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.
Sunshine Coast · Maroochydore
FRACSDr Grant Fraser-Kirk
Fraser-Kirk Plastic Surgery
Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons, and is a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with an interest in skin and…
Gold Coast · Benowa
FRACSDr Isolde Hertess
Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery
As a female I can relate to female concerns and expectations.
Wollongong · Wollongong
FRACSDr Robert Knight
ISPA Clinic
"I have always believed that if you love what you do for a living, you need not work a day in your life.
Newcastle · Charlestown
FRACSDr Yezdi Mistry
Dr Mistry Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising in Charlestown, Newcastle.
Newcastle · Newcastle
FRACSDr Kirstin Miteff
Aspire Plastic Surgery
Dr Miteff utilises her expert training, experience and compassion to help patients achieve their unique aesthetic goals.
Canberra · Deakin
FRACSDr Alastair Taylor
The CAPS Clinic
Dr Taylor has been working as Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Canberra for 20 years.
Canberra · Barton
FRACSDr Anthony Tonks
Dr Anthony Tonks Plastic Surgery
Dr Tonks initially worked in a private practice in Sydney, and has worked in both the private and public sector in Canberra for 15 years.
Common questions
Breast lift (mastopexy) - common questions
Does mastopexy require implants?
No - mastopexy alone reshapes and lifts existing tissue without adding volume. If you are happy with your current size but want a lifted shape, mastopexy alone is appropriate. If you also want more volume or upper pole fullness, you may want a combined augmentation-mastopexy or staged procedures.
Will my mastopexy reverse with pregnancy?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch breast tissue and reverse some of the mastopexy lift, so most surgeons recommend completing your family before mastopexy if practical. The lift result is most durable in women with stable hormonal status and stable weight.
How is mastopexy different from reduction?
Mastopexy reshapes and elevates without significantly reducing volume; reduction removes tissue volume to physically reduce breast size. Many patients want both - a reduction-mastopexy is one procedure that achieves both. Reduction is sometimes Medicare-rebated when physical symptoms are documented; mastopexy alone never is.
How long do the results last?
Tissue continues to respond to gravity and hormonal change over years. A primary mastopexy typically holds shape for 10 to 20 years before any noticeable re-descent, longer in women with denser tissue and stable weight. Future revision is possible but not common in the first decade.
What scar will I have?
Periareolar: a circle around the areola. Vertical: circle plus a vertical line down to the fold (lollipop shape). Anchor: vertical pattern plus a horizontal scar along the fold (hidden in the inframammary crease). All scars fade significantly over 12-24 months but never fully disappear. Most patients consider the trade-off worth it.