A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure that aims to physically reposition sagging or drooping breasts to restore a more youthful-looking figure. This procedure is highly popular, being the fourth most widely performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the country in 2022 and 2023. (1, 2)
If you are interested in revitalizing your chest, look no further than The Maercks Institute in Miami, Florida!
Dr. Rian A. Maercks is a board-certified aesthetic, craniofacial, and reconstructive plastic surgeon trained in a wide variety of advanced procedures and techniques. Known for producing stunning, natural-looking results, Dr. Maercks has changed the lives of thousands of patients.
To schedule your breast lift consultation with Dr. Maercks, please call our Miami office at (305) 328-8256 or contact us online.
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Before and After Photos
About Breast Lifts
A breast lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that aims to restore the appearance and shape of the breasts by repositioning them on the chest and removing excess skin. Sagging breasts, or breast ptosis, can occur for many reasons, including aging, pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, as well as certain lifestyle factors. (3) Additionally, patients may also be experiencing downward-facing nipples and areolas. With Dr. Maercks’s innovative techniques, patients can undergo specialized treatments that restore their silhouettes in short timeframes.
Histiocentricity
At the Maercks Institute, one of our defining principles is the concept of histiocentricity. Developed by Dr. Maercks himself, histiocentricity is the concept of using the minimal amount of tissue dissection to achieve the best possible results. By placing incisions only where necessary, unnecessary trauma to the breast tissue can be avoided, and the risk of complications is reduced.
Benefits of Breast Lifts
There are many benefits to undergoing a breast lift procedure. Patients will be able to experience a more lifted, firm, and contoured chest, restoring a more revitalized, yet natural-looking appearance. The nipples may also be re-positioned to achieve a more perky, youthful look. Many women also find that improving their proportions allows their clothes to fit more easily, potentially leading to an improvement in self-esteem. Additionally, Dr. Maercks uses specialized techniques that leave no visible scarring on the breasts.
To learn more about how a breast lift may benefit you, please schedule a personal consultation by calling (305) 328-8256 or contacting us online.
Ideal Candidates
The ideal candidates for a breast lift are women who are unsatisfied with the positioning and appearance of their breasts. Candidates include those with sagging or deflated breasts, as well as those experiencing downward-pointing or low-hanging nipples. Patients may also be experiencing loose skin around the chest as well as an overall disproportionate figure.
All candidates interested in a breast lift should be in good overall health with realistic expectations as to what a breast lift can accomplish. Women should be finished planning their families, as pregnancy can alter the results of the procedure. Patients should also be nonsmokers or be prepared to refrain from use until further healed. Dr. Maercks will determine each patient’s candidacy at their consultation.
Personal Consultation
Each patient will be asked to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Maercks before undergoing their breast lift. He will first explain the details of the procedure before asking about each patient’s concerns, treatment goals, and medical history. Collecting this information will allow him to find the best strategies to help each patient. Dr. Maercks will then examine the breasts to evaluate their overall condition before crafting each patient’s customized treatment plan. He will also provide preoperative and postoperative guidelines to help each patient prepare and recover, in addition to an all-inclusive price quote.
Patients are asked to prepare questions, as each consultation is time dedicated specifically to them and their personalized procedure. Our team is more than happy to address any concerns, no matter how big or small.
To schedule your personal consultation at our Miami office, please call (305) 328-8256 or contact us online.
We also conduct virtual consultations for our out-of-state and international patients, or patients who cannot make the trip to the office.
Preparation
Dr. Maercks will provide a set of preparation instructions at each patient’s consultation to help each patient prepare for their breast lift. Patients must follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery and ideal outcome.
Patients who have recently lost a significant amount of weight should ensure they are at a stable, maintainable weight before choosing to undergo their procedure, as fluctuations in weight may alter the results of their breast lift. Additionally, women should have finished planning their families, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can also impact results. Certain patients may be asked to temporarily discontinue the use of certain medications or supplements, specifically those that contain blood-thinning properties. The use of nicotine, as well as the consumption of alcohol, should also be ceased until fully healed to avoid any potential complications. (4)
FEMMA-S Pectoral Sling
The Footprint Elevation Mamodermal Masto-Autoaugmentation with Sling Support, also known as the FEMMA-S, or FEMMA-S pectoral sling, is a specialized breast lift technique developed by Dr. Maercks himself. This procedure is designed to add fullness to the upper breast by repositioning the excess breast tissue underneath the pectoralis major muscle instead of removing it.
This method begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure each patient’s comfort before an incision is made. The breast is then rotated upwards, with the excess breast tissue being placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This allows Dr. Maercks to enhance the fullness of the breast without the use of implants or other foreign materials. A sling is then created using the pectoralis major muscle and other tissue, securing the newly positioned breasts in place.
After the breasts have been repositioned, Dr. Maercks may alter the shape and size of the nipples and areolas before placing them at a more proportional height. The incisions are then carefully closed using techniques to help minimize scarring. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and often lasts several hours in duration.
Scarless Breast Lift
The Cold Subfascial Breast Augmentation© is another innovative breast lift technique Dr. Maercks uses to help achieve a more youthful-appearing contour. Also called the “Scarless Breast Lift,” this procedure utilizes implants to help increase the shape and lift of the breasts, while also using discreetly placed incisions to hide any visible scarring.
This procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure each patient feels fully relaxed. An incision will then be made in the armpit (transaxillary), allowing Dr. Maercks to access the underlying tissue and muscle in the breast without needing to make an incision on the breast itself.
Dr. Maercks will create a pocket in between the connective tissue, or fascia, and the pectoral muscle, before placing the implant in. The fascia will help keep the implant in place internally, while also creating a much more natural contour. If needed, the nipple and areola will also be repositioned or reshaped to help create a cohesive appearance. Dr. Maercks will then carefully close the incisions with sutures, leaving no visible scarring.
Recovery
Each patient’s recovery timeline will vary depending on several factors, most notably which breast lift method is being used. A set of recovery guidelines will be provided at each patient’s consultation to help facilitate a smooth recovery. Patients will need transportation home after their procedure and assistance around the home for the first 24 hours of healing. It is common to experience swelling and bruising around the treated area, with effects gradually subsiding on their own. Any discomfort can be managed through the use of pain medications under the guidance of Dr. Maercks. Patients will need to limit their activities for several weeks and will receive guidance from Dr. Maercks regarding when work and other intensive tasks may be fully resumed.
Results
The results of each patient’s breast lift will manifest after any residual swelling subsides. Patients will be able to enjoy a firmer, more lifted appearance in the breasts, in addition to more youthful-looking nipples and areolas. The results of each breast lift are long-lasting, but patients should still implement healthy lifestyle habits to maintain their effects. (3)
Corresponding Procedures
Many corresponding procedures can be performed alongside a breast lift to offer more enhanced results. The most common include breast augmentation and breast reduction.
- Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation is a procedure that uses artificial implants to help enhance the volume and size of the breasts. Dr. Maercks uses a specialized technique called cold-subfascial breast augmentation to leave patients with perfect cleavage, preserved muscle function, and virtually no scarring.
- Breast Reduction: Breast reduction is the removal of excess fat and skin to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, while simultaneously alleviating any irritation or discomfort caused by enlarged breasts.
To learn more about the different procedures we offer, please read Dr. Maercks’s blog.
Cost of a Breast Lift in Miami, Florida
The cost of each breast lift procedure can vary depending on several factors, as each patient’s breast lift is customized to help them achieve their desired look. The average cost of a breast lift at the Maercks Institute starts at $10,500, but after Dr. Maercks has a chance to craft each patient’s treatment plan, he will also be able to provide a more accurate estimation.
The Maercks Institute is also partnered with multiple reputable lending partners to help qualifying patients finance the cost of their procedure.
To unlock the full cost of your breast lift and schedule a personal consultation, please call our Miami office at (305) 328-8256 or contact us online.
FAQ
Will I be able to breastfeed following a breast lift procedure?
Women usually can breastfeed after their breast lift. Any concerns you may have should be discussed with Dr. Maercks before your procedure.
Does the scarless breast lift require the use of incisions?
Yes, the scarless breast lift requires incisions; however, they are made in the armpit to hide any visible scarring.
What is the FEMMA-S breast lift?
The FEMMA-S breast lift is an innovative technique that utilizes excess breast tissue to help lift and contour the shape of the breasts, all without leaving any visible scars. This procedure is one of two breast lift methods used by Dr. Maercks.
Can a breast lift improve the size of my breasts?
A breast lift cannot enhance the size of the breasts. Patients interested in augmenting the size of their breasts are recommended for our breast augmentation procedure.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Procedural Statistics Data Insights Partners: 2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2022/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2022.pdf
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. Accessed March 8, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610682/
- Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057