Last fact-checked: 23 November 2025

A breast lift (mastopexy) reshapes and raises the breasts by removing stretched skin and tightening tissue. Chiang Mai offers experienced plastic surgeons, modern facilities, and a calmer recovery environment—often at a lower overall cost than major Western cities. This extended guide covers candidacy, techniques, combining with implants, recovery, risks, costs, choosing a surgeon, travel planning, transport, payments, and FAQs.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes the breasts by removing stretched skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. The aim is a more youthful position and contour after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging. Clinics in Chiang Mai commonly provide English-speaking support, transparent pricing, and structured follow-up plans for international patients.

• Lower total cost vs. US/UK/Australia while maintaining high standards.

• Relaxed city vibe that many patients find recovery-friendly.

• English-speaking surgeons and patient coordinators.

• Modern facilities with imaging, labs, and accredited theatres.

• Hotels and cafés near clinics; easy airport access via CNX.

The combination of value, professionalism, and a peaceful environment is a major advantage. Many patients book a pre-op consult, schedule surgery, and then focus on rest with gentle walks, room service, and follow-up visits before flying home.

Candidacy: Is a Breast Lift Right for You?

• You are healthy, at a stable weight, and a non-smoker or willing to pause nicotine.

• You have breast sagging (ptosis), stretched skin, or downward-pointing nipples.

• You understand scar patterns and realistic outcomes.

• You can follow activity limits during recovery.

• Your breasts are fully developed; pregnancy and weight changes can affect results.

Your surgeon will assess skin quality, nipple position, breast volume, and symmetry. If volume is sufficient but the position is low, a lift alone can be ideal. If you want more fullness—especially in the upper pole—adding an implant may help, but it modifies risk and cost.

• Periareolar (“donut”) lift: circular incision around the areola—best for mild lifting and areolar resizing.

• Vertical (“lollipop”) lift: around the areola plus a vertical line to the fold—effective for moderate sagging.

• Inverted-T (“anchor”) lift: around the areola, vertical line, and along the fold—used for more significant sagging.

• Auto-augmentation flap: uses your own lower breast tissue to enhance upper fullness without an implant (case dependent).

• Areolar resize and nipple repositioning: refined to match chest proportions.

Your surgeon will tailor the technique to your anatomy and goals. Scar length and placement depend on how much lifting is required. Expect detailed pre-op marking on surgery day to guide precise reshaping.

Breast Lift With or Without Implants

• Lift only: improves position and shape when volume is adequate.

• Lift + implant: adds volume and upper-pole fullness with lifting.

• Staging: some patients stage lift and augmentation to simplify healing.

• Implant choices: silicone vs. saline, round vs. anatomic, smooth vs. textured (clinic-specific).

• Trade-offs: combined surgery can increase complexity and cost—discuss safety and scar strategy.

If you want a fuller look, your surgeon may recommend a dual-plane approach with an implant or an auto-augmentation that repositions your own tissue. Your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences guide the safest plan.

Surgery Day & Anesthesia

• Commonly a day surgery; some patients stay overnight.

• General anesthesia is typical; local with sedation in select cases.

• Operating time is usually 2–3 hours depending on technique.

• Compression garments or supportive bras are often provided.

• Written aftercare and emergency contact details are supplied.

Before surgery you will review consent, confirm goals, and take pre-op photos. After surgery, staff monitor you in recovery and ensure you’re comfortable with wound care and medications prior to discharge.

Recovery Timeline & Activity Plan

• Days 1–3: swelling, soreness, chest tightness; short indoor walks; sleep slightly elevated.

• Days 4–7: gradual comfort gains; light desk work is often possible.

• Weeks 2–4: increase daily activities; avoid heavy lifting and high-impact exercise.

• Weeks 6–8: most exercise resumes with surgeon clearance.

• Months 3–6: scars soften and fade; shape settles (“drop and fluff”).

Your clinic will review dressing changes, showering, and how to wear a support bra. Keep all follow-ups and report increasing redness, fluid, or unusual pain promptly.

Pricing varies with technique, surgeon experience, facility, anesthesia, and whether implants or fat grafting are added. The table below shows typical ranges and estimated savings. Request an itemized quote to confirm inclusions like garments, meds, and follow-ups.

Location	Typical Price Range (USD)	Notes	Estimated Savings vs. US
Chiang Mai, Thailand	$3,000 – $5,200	Day surgery or 1-night stay; supportive garment; follow-ups while in Chiang Mai	50–65%
United States (private)	$6,500 – $12,000	Large metro areas often higher; facility and anesthesia may be itemized	—
United Kingdom (private)	$6,000 – $9,500	Private sector only (not NHS); regional variation	40–55%
Australia (private)	$5,800 – $9,000	Hospital, anesthesia, and garment policies vary	35–50%

Verify whether garments, initial medications, and follow-ups are included. Ask for written revision/complication policies and whether airport transfers or hotel discounts are available.

How to Choose a Chiang Mai Breast Lift Surgeon

• Credentials: Thai board certification; fellowships; society memberships.

• Experience: annual breast lift volume; before/after images with consistent lighting.

• Facility: licensed OR, anesthesia team, emergency readiness.

• Communication: clear English, realistic size/shape advice, scar education.

• Aftercare: structured follow-ups, 24/7 contact, remote check-ins.

• Transparency: itemized quotes, warranty/revision terms in writing.

Shortlist two or three clinics and schedule video consults. Choose the surgeon whose plan you understand and who explains trade-offs clearly.

• Airport: Chiang Mai International (CNX) with connections via Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur.

• Stay near your clinic to reduce car time post-op.

• Request quiet rooms, elevators, and room service options.

• Use ride-hailing/taxis door-to-door after surgery.

• Pack front-zip tops, soft bras (per surgeon), and slip-on shoes.

Popular neighborhoods include Nimmanhaemin (modern cafés, malls) and the Old City (walkable). Allow buffer days for follow-ups before your return flight.

Helpful Medical Departures Links

• Compare plastic surgery clinics across Thailand
• Explore Chiang Mai clinics (all specialties)
• Breast augmentation in Thailand (for lift + implant research)

1) How long should I stay in Chiang Mai after a breast lift?

Short answer: Plan 7–10 days for checks and early healing.

Expanded: Many patients are cleared to fly around a week after surgery, but your exact timeline depends on healing and whether you combined procedures. Always follow your surgeon’s guidance.

2) Do clinics offer warranties or guarantees?

Short answer: Some offer limited policies—get terms in writing.

Expanded: Clarify what’s covered (e.g., OR, anesthesia, garments) and time limits. Manufacturer warranties apply only if implants are used.

3) What transport is best after surgery?

Short answer: Pre-booked taxi or ride-hailing door-to-door.

Expanded: Keep rides short and smooth. Wear the seatbelt low across the lap and avoid crowded, shared vehicles right after surgery.

4) What payment methods do clinics accept?

Short answer: Major cards, bank transfers, and THB cash; some e-wallets.

Expanded: Ask about card surcharges, deposit timing, and refund rules. Bring a backup card and notify your bank of travel dates.

5) Will a breast lift reduce my cup size?

Short answer: A lift primarily reshapes and raises; small size changes can happen.

Expanded: Some skin and tissue are removed which may slightly reduce size. If you want more fullness, discuss adding implants or fat grafting.

6) What will the scars look like?

Short answer: Permanent but usually soften and fade.

Expanded: Patterns depend on technique (donut, lollipop, anchor). Good scar care and sun protection help scars mature over 6–12 months.

7) Can I combine a lift with implants?

Short answer: Yes, commonly for added volume.

Expanded: Combining increases complexity and cost and may change recovery. Some patients stage the procedures for simpler healing.

8) When can I exercise again?

Short answer: Light walks right away; most workouts after 6–8 weeks.

Expanded: Follow your surgeon’s phased plan and avoid heavy lifting until cleared to protect incisions and shape.