Patients with B or C cup ptotic breasts who are not interested in augmentation mammoplasty can choose areolar breast lift to correct the problem. This procedure repositions the areola and nipples upward to lift saggy breast tissues, thus the name areolar breast lift. A periareolar incision is made to excise some mammary tissue in the upper half of the breasts. Then, the lower half of the breast tissue is fixed and stitched to the excised space at the top. Finally, the relatively loose periareolar skin is partially removed to have the combined effect of areola reduction.

This surgery is limited to the periareolar tissue. Although the procedure is less invasive and implants are avoided, the effect of ptosis correction is limited, with the rate of correction normally only at 60%–70%. It is ideal for patients who desire a natural look and local improvement. The effects of surgery last for as short as 2–3 years or as long as 6–8 years, depending on the patient’s age and breast conditions. If longer lasting results are desired, then partial breast reduction can be performed in conjunction to reduce breast weight. Another characteristic of this procedure is that the incision is periareolar; thus, areola reduction can be achieved at the same time.