Table of contents

• The Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Procedure: A Detailed Overview
• Best Clinics in Korea for Breast Ptosis Grade Ii
• Navigating a Breast Lift in South Korea: A Medical Tourist's Guide
• Cost Analysis: Breast Lift in South Korea vs. Global Destinations
• Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing Issues for Grade II Ptosis
• Conclusion
• References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

---

Breast ptosis, often called saggy breasts or drooping breasts, is a normal change experienced by many women due to several life events and aging. It happens when the skin and supportive tissues of the breast stretch and weaken, causing the breast to droop. The degree of sagging is classified by healthcare providers to help decide on the best treatment.

The grade of breast ptosis is determined by the nipple’s position compared with the inframammary fold (the crease under the breast). Grade II breast ptosis, considered moderate, means the nipple falls below this crease but most breast tissue is still above the fold. In Grade I (mild), the nipple is roughly at the crease, while in Grade III (severe), it’s well below, along with most of the breast tissue.

Women with Grade II ptosis typically notice less fullness in the upper breast, downward-pointing nipples, stretched skin, and an overall decrease in firmness.

Common Pseudonyms and Contributing Factors

Breast ptosis is also known as Cooper’s droop in addition to the more common “saggy” or “drooping breasts.” Multiple factors contribute, including:

• Aging: Leads to weaker skin and ligaments.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Breasts enlarge and shrink, stretching supporting skin.
• Weight Fluctuations: Weight changes stretch out and stress skin.
• Genetics: Some people inherit less elastic breast tissue.
• Smoking: Reduces skin elasticity by damaging collagen.
• Larger Breast Size: Heavier breasts are naturally prone to more droop.
• Poor Breast Support: Inadequate bra support increases movement and strain.

Grade II ptosis is a good time to consider intervention, as surgical correction is often less extensive at this stage. Educating patients about the factors involved can help slow further sagging. Thorough evaluation also allows surgeons to tailor treatment plans, likely leading to better long-term results.

Table 1: Breast Ptosis Classification (Regnault Classification)

Grade	Nipple Position Relative to Inframammary Fold (IMF)	Description/Severity
Grade I	At the level of the IMF	Mild ptosis; nipple at the fold, minor sag
Grade II	Below the IMF, above lower breast contour	Moderate ptosis; nipple below fold but most tissue still above
Grade III	At the lower breast contour	Severe ptosis; nipple well below fold, often pointing downward
Pseudoptosis	At or above the IMF	Nipple at or above crease, lower breast sags; often post-breastfeeding volume loss

The Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Procedure: A Detailed Overview

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to address breast ptosis by lifting and reshaping the breasts. For Grade II ptosis, this operation works well to improve appearance and can also remedy related discomfort.

Purpose and Goals of a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

The aim of a breast lift is to raise and reshape breasts, countering effects from gravity, age, pregnancy, or weight changes:

• Elevation and Reshaping: Removes extra skin and reshapes tissue for a firmer, higher chest appearance.
• Nipple and Areola Repositioning: Lifts nipples to a more natural spot.
• Areola Size Reduction: Reduces stretched areola size as needed.
• Addressing Physical Discomfort: Helps resolve infections or rashes from sagging.
• Enhancing Self-Confidence: Restores perkiness and symmetry, often boosting self-esteem.

Surgical Techniques and Incision Patterns

Surgical technique decisions depend on breast size, shape, skin quality, degree of ptosis, and areola characteristics:

• Donut/Periareolar: Circular cut around areola. Good for mild sagging. Minimal scarring.
• Crescent: Along top of areola, removing a crescent of skin. Provides a subtle lift.
• Keyhole/Lollipop/Vertical: Around the areola and vertically to crease below. Ideal for moderate sagging (Grade II) and results in moderate scarring.
• Anchor/Inverted T: Around areola, vertical to and along crease. Used for severe sagging (Grade III); more visible scarring.
• Scarless Lift: Uses energy or threads for minimal lifting—best for minor cases, with only small, hidden incisions.

Choosing the right incision balances needed lift against the amount of resultant scarring. For Grade II ptosis, the "Keyhole" or "Lollipop" incision often offers the best balance.

Table 2: Common Breast Lift Incision Patterns and Their Suitability

Incision Pattern Name	Incision Description	Suitability	Scarring Level
Donut / Periareolar	Around areola only	Mild sagging, asymmetry, with/without implant	Least
Crescent	Upper half of areola, crescent skin removed	Minor sagging, often with augmentation	Minimal
Keyhole / Lollipop	Around areola, vertically to crease	Grade II, moderate ptosis, can treat severe	Moderate
Anchor / Inverted T	Around areola, vertical plus crease incision	Severe sagging, combination with reduction	Most

General Steps of the Procedure

Breast lifts are usually outpatient procedures, often with general anesthesia. The steps include:

• Preparation: Pre-op tests, stop smoking and certain medications.
• Incisions: Surgeon marks and makes chosen incisions.
• Reshaping: Removes excess skin, reshapes tissues, and lifts nipples/areolas. Stitches hold reshaped tissue.
• Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures, tape, or adhesives.

The choice to combine a breast lift with implants (breast augmentation) is common if volume has also been lost. When both are done, results are usually more satisfying with possibly less scarring and a more natural shape.

Potential Risks and Complications

Possible risks after a breast lift include:

• Scarring: Scars usually fade over 1–2 years, but thick or wide scars can occur, sometimes needing revision.
• Sensation Changes: Sensation usually comes back within 12 months, but permanent changes can occur—though rarely.
• Uneven Shape/Size: Some minor differences can happen post-surgery.
• Partial or Total Loss of Nipples/Areolas: This rare complication involves blood supply problems.
• Trouble Breastfeeding: Some may have difficulties producing milk.
• Seroma, Infection, Hematoma: Swelling, infection, or bleeding can occur infrequently.

Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they see signs of infection or other severe symptoms.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery Timeline

Proper post-surgical care helps minimize complications and improves results:

• Days 1-7: Compression bra, maybe drains. Expect swelling, bruising, and mild pain. No lifting or arm-raising. Walk lightly.
• Weeks 2-3: Swelling/bruising fade. Resume gentle activity, but no heavy exercise yet.
• Weeks 4-6: Most swelling resolved; can return to moderate work and light exercise.
• Months 2-3: Nearly all swelling gone; results are visible; scars maturing.
• Long-Term: Scars fade over a year. Results can change with time, pregnancy, or big weight changes.

Careful post-op care and following instructions makes for a better, longer-lasting recovery and result.

Table 3: Breast Lift Recovery Timeline (Week-by-Week)

Timeframe	Expected Symptoms	Activities Allowed/Restrictions	Key Care Instructions
Days 1-7	Swelling, bruising, tightness	Rest, light walking, avoid lifting, no overhead	Wear surgical bra, keep incisions covered, pain meds
Weeks 2-3	Swelling and bruising fade	Gentle activity, no intense exercise	Continue compression garment, suture removal
Weeks 4-6	Scars begin fading, swelling decreased	Resume normal mild activities, light cardio	Start scar care, switch to supportive bra
Months 2-3	Final results visible	Return to all activity (with clearance)	Continue scar and skin care
Long-Term	Scars mature over one year	Usual activities, protect scars from sun	Maintain healthy lifestyle

Best Clinics in Korea for Breast Ptosis Grade Ii

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for breast ptosis grade ii:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website	Breast-focused surgical perspective with a system built for consistent, high-standard care; four dedicated floors designed to support the entire process from consultation to surgery and post-operative care; Dr. Lee, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, with extensive experience at leading hospitals nationwide; director surgeons Dr. Jeong and Dr. Kim recognized internationally for research, education, and society leadership; emphasis on personalized communication and safety.	Natural-looking, long-lasting outcomes; careful planning and refined technique; dependable results from consultation to post-operative care.
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website	Dedicated Breast Center with advanced options for Breast Ptosis Grade II (Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, and Nipple Correction); sincerity, precision, and individualized treatment planning; focus on creating natural-looking, long-lasting improvements; comprehensive aesthetic journey from consultation to recovery; Dr. Cho leads with deep expertise and ongoing academic work; capable of handling complex and severe cases that may require significant reduction; thorough aftercare designed to protect results, support healing, and maintain breast shape and balance over time.	Handling complex and severe cases requiring significant reduction; thorough aftercare designed to protect results, support healing, and maintain breast shape and balance over time.
Banobagi Plastic Surgery Website	Long-established expertise, a patient-centered philosophy, and a specialized, large-scale medical environment built to deliver consistently reliable results; first established in February 2000 by four plastic surgery specialists from Seoul National University Hospital; Banobagi was created to be a hospital loved and recognized by patients for warm medical philosophy and strong surgical skills; extensive infrastructure—a 6-story main building and 5-story annex with dedicated centers including a breast surgery center; full renovation of the building in 2008 into a modern medical environment; avoids recommending unnecessary or excessive surgeries for profit, prioritizing treatment decisions that fit the patient’s needs.	Customized 1:1 treatment; tailored surgical planning; avoidance of unnecessary surgeries; emphasis on patient-centered care.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

For Breast Ptosis Grade II in Korea, THEPLUS Plastic Surgery stands out because it pairs a truly breast-focused surgical perspective with a system built for consistent, high-standard care. At the center is Dr. Lee, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, with extensive experience at leading hospitals nationwide, including serving as a Surgery Specialist at Seoul National University Hospital; she is also active in major Korean plastic surgery societies, and is known for an approach that prioritizes natural-looking, long-lasting outcomes that support sustained patient satisfaction. This expertise is backed by THEPLUS’s world-class environment in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul, spanning four dedicated floors designed to support the entire process from consultation to surgery and post-operative care, with an emphasis on personalized communication and safety. With director surgeons such as Dr. Jeong and Dr. Kim recognized internationally for research, education, and society leadership, the clinic’s culture of academic involvement and continuous advancement further strengthens its ability to deliver careful planning, refined technique, and dependable results for patients seeking correction of moderate breast drooping.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic in Korea operates a dedicated Breast Center with advanced options for patients concerned about Breast Ptosis Grade II, including Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, and Nipple Correction. With an approach rooted in sincerity, precision, and individualized treatment planning, the clinic focuses on creating natural-looking, long-lasting improvements rather than a one-time procedure, guiding patients through a comprehensive aesthetic journey from consultation to recovery.

Breast surgery at Okay Plastic Surgery is led by Dr. Cho, a surgeon widely recognized for deep expertise in breast procedures and ongoing academic work through continuous study and published research. In addition to standard breast enhancement techniques, Dr. Cho is known for handling complex and severe cases that may require significant reduction—procedures that many clinics are not equipped to perform—supported by thorough aftercare designed to protect results, support healing, and maintain breast shape and balance over time.

Find more about this clinic here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Banobagi Plastic Surgery

For patients seeking correction of Breast Ptosis Grade II in Korea, Banobagi Plastic Surgery stands out as the best clinic because it combines long-established expertise, a patient-centered philosophy, and a specialized, large-scale medical environment built to deliver consistently reliable results. First established in February 2000 by four plastic surgery specialists from Seoul National University Hospital with an artisan spirit for beauty, Banobagi was created to be a hospital loved and recognized by patients for both warm medical philosophy and strong surgical skills—values that matter when Grade II ptosis typically requires careful evaluation and a tailored surgical plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Banobagi’s extensive infrastructure—a 6-story main building and 5-story annex with dedicated centers including a breast surgery center—supports 1:1 customized treatment and field-specific professional medical equipment, while the full renovation of the entire Banobagi building on October 7, 2008 into a modern medical environment further reflects its commitment to safe, up-to-date care. Just as importantly, Banobagi strictly avoids recommending unnecessary or excessive surgeries for profit, prioritizing treatment decisions that fit the patient’s needs, which has helped make it a representative, reliable, and famous plastic surgery brand in Korea.

Find more about this clinic here: Banobagi Plastic Surgery Website

Navigating a Breast Lift in South Korea: A Medical Tourist's Guide

South Korea is recognized globally for advanced plastic surgery services, making it an appealing choice for international patients. If you’re considering traveling there for a breast lift, knowing the entire process is key.

The Process: From Initial Consultation to Post-Surgery Discharge

The patient journey usually follows these steps:

• Initial Contact and Virtual Consultation: Submit photos and a medical history, discuss goals and get preliminary advice and pricing.
• Preparing for Surgery: Stop certain meds, arrange post-op support, and pack suitable recovery clothes and supplies.
• Surgical Day: Meet with the surgeon for final markings, undergo anesthesia, and have the procedure. After surgery, pain is minimized and most patients go home the same day.
• Immediate Recovery in Korea (First Week): Nurses and translators support you. Drains are removed within days, gentle walks are encouraged, and activities remain limited.
• Stitches Removal and Return Home: Stitches are usually removed after 14 days, with swelling mostly resolved by this time.

Practical Considerations for International Patients

What makes South Korea attractive for medical tourists:

• Medical Excellence: High density of skilled, board-certified surgeons and advanced tech.
• Language Services: English, Mandarin, and other language support is common.
• Accommodation: Recovery hotels or short-term rentals with recovery-friendly features.
• Visa Support: Clinics may assist in securing medical visas for extended stays.
• Travel Recommendations: Avoid holidays for easier scheduling; mild seasons preferred.
• Payment: Most clinics accept multiple payment types, sometimes with tax refunds for foreigners.
• Communication Apps: Real-time updates via apps like WhatsApp, LINE, KakaoTalk.
• Supportive Packages: Most clinics offer “all-inclusive” bundles with surgery, aftercare, translation, and hospital stay, reducing stress and hidden costs.

South Korea’s all-inclusive approach and high standards, combined with competitive prices, make it popular for those seeking breast lift surgery abroad. Thorough advanced planning with your clinic ensures a smooth experience.

Cost Analysis: Breast Lift in South Korea vs. Global Destinations

Understanding costs is vital when planning a breast lift as a medical tourist.

Average Costs in South Korea and Typical Inclusions

The average breast lift price in Seoul is about $11,512, but actual prices range widely from $4,000 to over $20,000 depending on the clinic and surgeon. Common inclusions in South Korea:

• Pre-op consultations and basic tests
• Surgery and anesthesia
• Post-surgery hospital stay and immediate care
• Medications and follow-ups
• Translation services

Some special tests may cost extra. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance.

Comparative Costs with Other Countries

Here’s how costs compare:

• United States & Canada: $7,000–$15,000 (itemized fees)
• Turkey: $2,500–$5,500 (usually all-inclusive, with possible hotel and transfer)
• Thailand: $3,000–$7,000 (strong medical tourism support)
• Mexico & Brazil: $3,500–$8,000 (affordable for regional patients)

South Korea’s pricing compares well internationally, especially for high-quality, all-inclusive care.

Table 4: Comparative Breast Lift Costs for Medical Tourists

Country	Average Cost (USD)	Key Inclusions	Notes
South Korea	$4,000 – $11,512	Surgery, anesthesia, care, translation	Wide range, varies by package
US/Canada	$7,000 – $15,000	Itemized services	Highest cost, not always all-in
Turkey	$2,500 – $5,500	All-inclusive, plus possible accommodation	High value, intense competition
Thailand	$3,000 – $7,000	Surgery and most care	Good value, strong tourism sector
Mexico/Brazil	$3,500 – $8,000	Most services included	Good for nearby travelers

Factors Influencing Pricing for Medical Tourists

Pricing depends on:

• Location: Living costs, regulations, competition
• Surgeon Experience: Renowned surgeons charge more
• Clinic Standards: Modern clinics with better amenities may cost more
• Procedure Complexity: Combining with implants or fat transfer raises cost
• Package Content: What’s included varies—always double-check

Consider not only surgery fees but also travel, accommodation, and recovery time in your total cost analysis for the best value.

Patient Experiences and Outcomes: Addressing Issues for Grade II Ptosis

Breast lift surgery is a proven solution for Grade II breast ptosis, bringing significant aesthetic and confidence benefits.

Effectiveness of Breast Lift for Moderate Ptosis

For Grade II ptosis, the vertical "lollipop" lift is often preferred. It effectively removes excess skin, elevates tissue, and improves nipple/areola position. If breast fullness is also lacking, adding implants during the lift can produce a rounder, perkier result and may require less aggressive lifting, thus reducing scarring.

Patient Satisfaction and Common Results

Most patients report high satisfaction and improved shape, nipple placement, and overall confidence. Key points:

• Enhanced Appearance: Firmer, lifted, more proportioned breasts.
• Confidence Boost: Improved body image and self-esteem.
• Scarring: Scars are common but often fade and can be hidden. Scar dissatisfaction (6%) is the main reason for revisions.
• Sensation: Most feel normal sensation after recovery, though numbness may persist for several weeks to months.
• Revision Rates: Around 8.6% need revision, mostly for minor scar adjustments.

Addressing Specific Concerns and Expectations

Patients must understand that only a breast lift corrects sagging, while volume restoration may need implants. Scars are a reality, but proper care helps minimize them, and most patients will regain normal sensation. Good pre-surgical education helps align expectations for lasting satisfaction.

Long-term, results endure, but factors such as aging and future pregnancies can impact shape or necessitate further adjustment. Diligent aftercare and honest consultation with a skilled surgeon are the cornerstones of success.

Conclusion

Grade II breast ptosis, marked by moderate sag and a lowered nipple, is common and treatable. Mastopexy offers effective correction, particularly when tailored to the individual’s degree of sag and, if needed, combined with augmentation for volume. South Korea’s advanced clinics, comprehensive care packages, and competitive costs make it a strong option for medical tourists seeking breast lift procedures. Success depends on clear patient education, realistic expectations, and committed post-operative care.

References

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28