Quick Facts
- Cost in Medellín: $3,000–$6,500 (vs. $7,000–$15,000 USA)
- Procedure time: 2–3 hours
- Recovery stay: 10–14 days recommended
- When safe to fly: 7–14 days post-op
A breast lift—medically called mastopexy—raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. It's one of the most popular procedures in Medellín, often combined with implants for patients who want both lift and added volume.
Colombia's SCCP-certified surgeons perform thousands of breast lifts annually using the same techniques as top U.S. practices—at 50-65% lower cost. Here's what you need to know before booking.
What This Guide Covers
Types of Breast Lifts
The type of lift you need depends on how much your breasts have dropped (ptosis). Your surgeon will assess this during your consultation and recommend the appropriate technique.
Crescent Lift
Best for: Minimal sagging (grade 1 ptosis)
A small crescent of skin is removed above the areola. The least invasive option with minimal scarring—but only works for very mild cases. Often combined with augmentation.
Peri-Areolar (Donut) Lift
Best for: Mild sagging (grade 1-2 ptosis)
A circular incision around the areola removes a "donut" of excess skin. Scar is hidden at the areola border. Good for patients who also want to reduce areola size.
Vertical (Lollipop) Lift
Best for: Moderate sagging (grade 2 ptosis)
Incision circles the areola plus a vertical line down to the breast crease—shaped like a lollipop. The most common lift technique in Medellín. Provides significant reshaping with moderate scarring.
Anchor (Inverted-T) Lift
Best for: Significant sagging (grade 3 ptosis)
Three incisions: around the areola, vertical to the crease, and horizontal along the crease. The most extensive lift—necessary for significant ptosis. Results in more scarring but provides the most dramatic improvement.
Pricing: Medellín vs. USA
Breast lift costs in Medellín run 50-70% less than comparable procedures in the United States. Here's the breakdown:
| Procedure | Medellín | USA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Lift (without implants) | $3,000–$5,500 | $7,000–$15,000 | 50–65% |
| Breast Lift + Implants | $4,000–$6,500 | $13,000–$15,000 | 55–70% |
| All-Inclusive Package* | ~$8,950 | N/A | All-in |
*All-inclusive packages typically include lift + implants + recovery suite + nursing care + follow-ups.
What's Typically Included
Most Medellín surgery packages include:
Standard Package Inclusions
- Surgeon's fees
- Anesthesiologist's fees
- Facility/hospital fees
- Pre-operative labs
- Compression surgical bra
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments (2-4 visits)
- Implants (if applicable)
Usually NOT Included
- • Flights and travel
- • Accommodation (unless all-inclusive package)
- • Lymphatic massage sessions
- • Extended recovery house stay
- • Travel insurance
Recovery Timeline
Breast lift recovery is relatively straightforward compared to body procedures. Here's what to expect:
Maximum swelling and tenderness. Surgical bra worn 24/7. Limited arm movement—no reaching overhead. Pain managed with prescribed medication.
Drains removed if placed. Continue limited arm movement. Light walking encouraged. Most patients feel comfortable with basic activities. First follow-up appointment.
Return to light activities. May be cleared to drive. Can usually fly home with surgeon approval. Continue wearing compression bra.
Most restrictions lifted. Can transition to underwire bras. Resume exercise (with clearance). Return to full normal activities.
Final breast shape visible. Scars continuing to fade. Implants (if placed) fully settled.
Lift With vs. Without Implants
One of the most common questions: should you combine your lift with implants? The answer depends on your goals.
Lift Only
Best if you:
- • Want to restore your pre-pregnancy/weight-loss shape
- • Are happy with your breast size when they were fuller
- • Prefer to avoid implants entirely
- • Want shorter surgery and simpler recovery
Note: Lift only will raise and reshape, but won't add volume. Some women feel their breasts look smaller after a lift because the tissue is more compact.
Lift + Implants
Best if you:
- • Want both lift AND increased volume
- • Have lost significant breast volume
- • Want fuller upper pole (top of breast)
- • Are comfortable with implant maintenance over time
Note: Combining procedures is cost-effective—one surgery, one recovery. Most Medellín surgeons are experienced with this combination.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for breast lift in Medellín typically meet these criteria:
Good Candidates
- Breasts that sag or have lost volume after pregnancy/breastfeeding/weight loss
- Nipples that point downward or fall below the breast crease
- At or near stable weight (not planning significant weight loss)
- Done having children (pregnancy can affect results)
- Non-smoker (or willing to quit 4-6 weeks before/after)
- Realistic expectations about scarring and results
May Not Be a Good Candidate
- • Planning to get pregnant (wait until after)
- • Currently breastfeeding
- • Active smoker unwilling to quit
- • Uncontrolled medical conditions
- • Unrealistic expectations about scarring
The Bottom Line
Breast lifts in Medellín deliver excellent results at 50-70% less than U.S. prices. The procedure is well-established, recovery is manageable, and Colombian surgeons perform thousands annually. The key is choosing an SCCP-certified surgeon operating in an accredited facility. Your consultation should clarify which lift type you need and whether implants make sense for your goals.