Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Reshapes and raises sagging breasts.
At New City Clinic, Breast Lift is performed in Istanbul by specialist physicians at partner hospitals licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Breast Lift in Istanbul: overview
A breast lift reshapes breasts that have sagged after childbirth, breastfeeding, weight change or with age: excess skin is removed, the nipple is moved higher and the breast tissue is gathered. Volume does not change; where more fullness is wanted, it can be combined with implants. The incision pattern depends on the degree of sagging.
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 2–3 hours |
| Hospital stay | 1 night |
| Stay in Türkiye | 6–8 days |
| Back to work | 10 days |
| Back to sport | 6 weeks |
| Compression garment | 6 weeks |
| Final result | 6 months |
| Scar | Around the areola and vertically downwards |
Who is it for?
A breast lift (mastopexy) is for breasts that have dropped and lost shape, with the nipple pointing downwards or sitting below the breast fold, typically after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or with age. It reshapes the breast and raises the nipple; it does not add significant volume, so it is combined with an implant or fat transfer when more fullness is wanted.
Types of lift and their scars
The technique depends on how much the breast has dropped:
- Periareolar (donut) lift: a scar around the areola, for mild drooping
- Vertical (lollipop) lift: around the areola and down to the fold, for moderate drooping
- Anchor (inverted-T) lift: also along the fold, for significant drooping or large breasts
- Lift with implants or fat transfer: when volume is also wanted
How long the result lasts
The new shape is long-lasting, but the breast continues to age, and weight changes, pregnancy and gravity affect it over time. A well-fitting bra and a stable weight help maintain the result. The scars are red at first and fade over a year or so.
Travelling from the UK or Ireland for a breast lift
Plan about 5 to 7 days in Istanbul for the operation and a wound check before flying. Wear the support bra on the four-hour flight to London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Dublin and avoid lifting heavy luggage. Tell your GP before you go; afterwards, the scars and shape are followed up with photos and video calls, and your reports are provided in English.
Your journey in Türkiye, step by step
- 01
Free preliminary assessment: a physician reviews your photos and medical history and you receive a written plan and quote.
- 02
Day 1 – arrival in Istanbul: you are met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
- 03
Examination day: physician's examination, blood tests and anaesthesia assessment; the plan is finalised.
- 04
Procedure day: the procedure takes about 2–3 hours under general anaesthesia. Hospital stay: 1 night.
- 05
Check-up: dressing change and follow-up examination after discharge.
- 06
Return: total stay in Türkiye is 6–8 days; your physician clears you to fly. Follow-up continues remotely.
New City Clinic health tourism services
- Airport welcome and hospital–hotel transfers
- Accommodation at partner hotels close to the hospital
- Support in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish
- Scheduling of examination, tests and surgery
- Post-operative check-ups and remote follow-up once you are home
- Dedicated complication insurance for operations
Recovery
Hospital stay: 1 night. A compression garment is worn for 6 weeks. Desk work is usually possible within 10 days and sport after 6 weeks; the final result appears in about 6 months.
What you should know
- Temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness
- Risk of infection and bleeding, as with any surgical procedure
- Results vary with individual anatomy and healing
Every medical procedure carries risk. Your physician will explain the risks specific to you during your examination.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Breast Lift cost in Turkey?
The cost depends on the scope of the procedure, the technique, the hospital and your accommodation choice. After a physician's assessment, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote; getting a quote is free.
What does an all-inclusive Breast Lift package include?
Your quote lists the hospital and physician fees, required tests, check-ups, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and, on request, hotel accommodation as separate items. Flights are not included; we can help organise them if you wish.
How long does Breast Lift take?
The procedure takes about 2–3 hours. Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia.
How long do I stay in hospital and in Turkey?
Hospital stay: 1 night. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 6–8 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.
Is Breast Lift in Turkey safe? What are the risks?
Every medical procedure carries risk: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related problems and healing that differs from what was expected are the main ones. To reduce risk, the procedure is performed by a specialist at a licensed hospital after pre-operative tests. Your physician explains the risks specific to you at your examination.
When can I go back to work and exercise?
Desk work is usually possible within 10 days and sport after 6 weeks. These times vary from person to person.
Will there be scars?
Around the areola and vertically downwards. Scars are noticeable in the first months and fade with time; how they heal depends on your skin.
When will I see the result?
The first change is visible as swelling settles; the final result appears in about 6 months. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see before and after photos?
Out of respect for patient privacy and under healthcare regulations, patient photos are shared only with the patient's consent. In your consultation the physician explains what is realistic in your case.
How do I choose the best clinic for Breast Lift in Istanbul?
There is no single “best clinic” for everyone; for a safe choice, check these: a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, the name of the hospital and the operating surgeon, a written plan based on a physician's assessment, an itemised quote and aftercare. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye; it publishes its authorisation, TÜRSAB and ISO certificates on this site and gives you all of this in writing with your quote.
Do I need implants with a breast lift?
Not necessarily. A lift alone reshapes and raises the breast; implants or fat are added if you also want more volume, especially in the upper part.
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
Often yes, because the nipple usually stays attached to the underlying tissue, but it cannot be guaranteed.
Are the scars noticeable?
They are visible at first and fade over time. Their length depends on the type of lift, which the surgeon explains at the examination.
Is Breast Lift in Turkey safe?
Like any operation, Breast Lift carries risks, and the risk depends far more on where and by whom it is done than on the country. The serious cases reported in the press have mostly involved unlicensed premises, non-specialists or too many procedures in one session. A safe choice means a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, a named specialist surgeon, an anaesthetist, pre-operative tests and a long enough stay. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye, and you receive the hospital and surgeon details in writing before you travel.
Why is Breast Lift cheaper in Turkey than in the UK?
The difference comes mainly from lower operating and staff costs and the exchange rate; implants, materials and techniques follow the same international standards. Even so, do not choose on price alone: check the hospital licence, the surgeon’s specialty and exactly what the package includes.
Get your free quote today
Send your photos and questions; a surgeon’s assessment and your quote usually arrive within 24 hours. The consultation is free and without obligation.
- A surgeon’s assessment and quote, usually within 24 hours
- Free and without obligation
- We reply on WhatsApp in your language
Guides on this procedure
Articles you may want to read before deciding.

Breast Lift in Istanbul, Turkey: Mastopexy Explained
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