Breast Lift (Mastopexy) in South Africa | Dr Deon Weyers
A breast lift raises and reshapes breasts that have lost firmness, and repositions the nipple higher on the breast. Dr Deon Weyers performs mastopexy at Life Fourways Hospital in Johannesburg for patients from across South Africa.
Breasts change shape over time. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change and the natural loosening of skin all allow breast tissue to settle lower on the chest. A mastopexy removes stretched skin and reshapes the tissue that remains, so the breast sits higher and the nipple faces forward again.
How much lifting you need, and therefore which incision pattern is used, depends on how far the breast has descended. That is assessed in person at the Fourways practice. Every consultation, operation and follow-up visit is with Dr Deon Weyers himself.
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Breast Lift Surgery in South Africa
A breast lift is a reshaping operation, not a size-changing one. It suits women who are happy with the volume of their breasts but not with where that volume sits.
During a mastopexy, excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is lifted and reshaped with internal stitches, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The areola can be made smaller at the same time if it has stretched. Where volume has been lost as well, a lift can be combined with an implant; that option has its own page on breast lift with implants.
- Mastopexy
- Nipple repositioning
- Areola reduction
- Hospital setting
- Single surgeon
Patients travel to Fourways from across South Africa for this procedure. For Gauteng patients, the breast lift Johannesburg page covers local planning in more detail. Patients from further away can start with an online photo review before booking a trip.
Shape settles gradually. Swelling eases over the first few weeks, while the final position of the breast and the softening of scars continue for six to twelve months.
How Far Has the Breast Descended?
Surgeons describe sagging by where the nipple sits relative to the fold beneath the breast. In mild cases the nipple is level with the fold; in moderate cases it sits just below it; in more advanced cases it points downward and sits well below the fold. Some women have pseudoptosis, where the nipple is in a good position but the lower breast has slid down.
The further the breast has descended, the more skin needs to be removed and the longer the scar pattern tends to be. Dr Deon Weyers confirms the degree of sagging and the matching approach at your consultation.
A breast lift changes position and shape. It does not add meaningful volume on its own, and it does not stop the breast from continuing to age.
Mild Sagging vs More Advanced Sagging
Mild Sagging
When the nipple sits close to the breast fold, a smaller amount of skin needs to be removed. A shorter scar pattern, such as one around the areola, may be enough.
These lifts tend to have a shorter operation and recovery. They suit patients with good skin quality and a modest change in position.
More Advanced Sagging
When the nipple sits well below the fold or points downward, more skin has to be removed to reshape the breast. A vertical or anchor-shaped scar pattern is usually needed.
The scars are longer, but they allow a more significant change in shape. They are placed to sit within a bra or bikini top and fade over many months.
| Aspect | Mild Sagging | More Advanced Sagging |
|---|---|---|
| Nipple position | At or near the breast fold | Below the fold, often pointing downward |
| Skin removed | Small amount | Larger amount, in two directions |
| Typical scar pattern | Around the areola, sometimes with a short vertical scar | Around the areola, vertical and sometimes along the fold |
| Change in shape | Subtle lift and tightening | Marked lift and reshaping |
| Anaesthetic | General anaesthesia in hospital | General anaesthesia in hospital |
| Decided by | Consultation and examination | Consultation and examination |
How a Mastopexy Is Performed
A breast lift is done under general anaesthesia at Life Fourways Hospital, and usually takes two to three hours. Dr Deon Weyers performs every step himself.
Assessment
Dr Deon Weyers examines skin quality, breast volume and nipple position, measures both breasts and discusses whether a lift alone or a lift with an implant suits your goals.
Markings
On the day of surgery the new nipple position and the incision lines are marked with you standing, so the plan reflects how the breasts sit upright.
Reshaping
Excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is lifted and shaped with internal stitches, and the nipple and areola are moved to their new position.
Closing
The incisions are closed with stitches, surgical tape or skin adhesive. Small drains may be used for a day or two to remove fluid.
Going home
Many patients go home the same day in a surgical support bra, with a follow-up schedule at the practice. Before-and-after photographs of individual cases are in the breast lift gallery.
Is a Breast Lift Right for You?
A mastopexy is usually considered by women in good general health who are bothered by the position or shape of their breasts rather than their size.
- Breasts that sit lower than before – Often after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss
- Nipples that point downward – Or sit below the fold beneath the breast
- Stretched areolae – That have widened along with the breast skin
- Uneven breasts – Where one breast sits noticeably lower than the other
- A stable weight – Close to the weight you expect to maintain
- Non-smoker – Or willing to stop well before and after surgery
If your main concern is that the breasts feel too heavy, a breast reduction lifts and reduces at the same time and may be the better fit.
Getting the Timing Right
When you have a breast lift affects how long the result lasts. These are the points worth thinking through before you book.
- Pregnancy plans.A future pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch the breasts again. Many women wait until they have finished having children.
- Breastfeeding.Breasts usually need several months after breastfeeding ends to settle to their resting size before they are assessed.
- Weight.Reaching a stable weight first means the lift is planned around the breasts you will keep.
- Combining procedures.A lift is often part of a mommy makeover after pregnancy, which can change the recovery plan.
What a Breast Lift Costs in South Africa
The practice’s breast lift price guide gives a range of R80,000 to R90,000 for a breast lift. A breast lift combined with implants is listed at R90,000 to R100,000 on the breast lift with implants prices page.
Your figure depends on the extent of the lift, whether an implant is added and the length of your hospital stay. A written quote is provided after consultation, and items such as tests, garments and medication may be listed separately.
A breast lift done for appearance is generally self-funded, as South African medical aids do not usually cover cosmetic surgery.
Common Misunderstandings About Breast Lifts
A few assumptions come up often at consultations.
Risks and Possible Complications
Recognised Risks of a Breast Lift
General surgical risks: bleeding, a collection of blood that may need draining, infection and delayed healing, particularly where incisions meet.
Scarring: scars are permanent. Some thicken or widen before they fade, and how they mature varies from person to person.
Shape and symmetry: small differences between the breasts can remain, and the breasts can settle lower again over time.
Nipple and areola: sensation may be reduced or heightened, and rarely the blood supply to the nipple is affected.
Breastfeeding: most women can still breastfeed after a lift, but this cannot be assured.
Anaesthesia: the anaesthetist explains anaesthetic risk at your pre-operative assessment.
Lowering Your Risk
- Stop smoking – well before surgery; nicotine restricts blood flow to healing skin.
- Share your medication list – so blood thinners and supplements can be paused at the right time.
- Wear the support bra – day and night for the period you are given, to support healing tissue.
- Protect your scars – from the sun and use the scar care advised at follow-up.
Contact the practice urgently if one breast becomes much more swollen or painful than the other, if redness spreads, if you develop a fever, or if a wound or the nipple changes colour or starts to leak fluid.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general information and does not replace a face-to-face consultation. Surgical decisions require an in-person assessment, a full consent discussion and the individual medical advice of your surgeon and anaesthetist.
Breast Lift South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is a breast lift performed?
At Life Fourways Hospital in Johannesburg, where Dr Deon Weyers has his only practice. Patients travel from across South Africa for consultation, surgery and follow-up.
Will a breast lift change my cup size?
Not much. A lift removes skin and reshapes the breast, so the breast may look fuller and firmer, but volume stays similar. An implant can be added if you want more volume.
How long does a breast lift last?
The lift is long-lasting, but your breasts continue to age. Keeping a stable weight and avoiding further pregnancy help the result last longer.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Many women can, because the nipple usually stays connected to the underlying tissue. It cannot be assured, which is one reason many women wait until they have finished having children.
How long is the recovery?
Swelling peaks in the first days and eases over about two weeks. Most patients return to desk work within one to two weeks and avoid strenuous exercise for around six weeks.
What does a breast lift cost in South Africa?
The practice’s published range for a breast lift is R80,000 to R90,000, or R90,000 to R100,000 with implants. Your exact figure is confirmed in a written quote after consultation.
Speak to Dr Deon Weyers About a Breast Lift
Dr Deon Weyers is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and a member of APRASSA. He sees breast lift patients from across South Africa at the practice’s single location at Life Fourways Hospital, Johannesburg.
Call 011 875 1694
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Image credits: Hero, context and final panel image: about-the-practice-fourways-life-hospital-johannesburg.jpg, drdeon.co.za media library.