Donut Breast Lift Cost and Procedure Guide

When sagging breasts affect your confidence but dramatic surgery feels excessive, a donut breast lift may offer a solution. Also known as a circumareolar or periareolar mastopexy, this mini breast lift boosts the bustline, repositions your nipples and potentially reduces areola size for enhanced breast proportion.¹

This guide discusses the donut lift procedure, including plastic surgery techniques, cost considerations, and recovery expectations. You'll learn how this approach differs from more extensive breast lift procedures and determine if it lines up with your surgical goals.

What Is a Donut Breast Lift?

A donut breast lift is a surgical procedure for mild sagging that restores your breasts’ natural perkiness through a donut-shaped incision that follows the natural outline of your areola. While it doesn’t mean that your scars will be smaller, they may be less noticeable because the incisions are hidden along the edge of your areola within the natural color variation of your breast skin.²

There are several types of breast lifts available based on the degree to which your breasts have dropped.¹ The Regnault classification is a system used to assess breast ptosis, or sagging, based on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold or IMF (the crease under the breast).³

3 Degrees of Breast Ptosis

In cases of asymmetry, where nipples feature varying degrees of sagging, each breast is evaluated individually. This approach ensures a tailored treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of each breast.³

Since the donut technique lifts each breast by about 2 centimeters, it’s ideal for correcting sagging without changing breast volume. You may be a good candidate if you are looking for subtle refinement over dramatic transformation.¹ However, your surgeon will ultimately recommend specific breast lift techniques according to the degree of sagging. The chart below provides an overview of the different types of breast lifts:¹

Donut vs. other types of breast lifts

How Much Does a Donut Breast Lift Cost?

The national average cost* of a donut breast lift is $5,921, but prices can range from $3,000 to $10,250 based on factors like surgical expertise, case complexity and facility fees.⁴ When combined with breast reduction or breast implants or as part of a more comprehensive procedure like a mommy makeover, costs may be significantly higher.⁵

Calculate the cost of a donut breast lift near you*

Average cost for a donut breast lift by state/district

Geographical location is a major factor in determining your actual costs. Here are the average costs* for donut breast lift procedures in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.⁴

Does Health Insurance Cover a Donut Breast Lift?

Health insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically classify breast lifts as elective cosmetic surgeries, which excludes them from standard coverage. Since this surgery addresses aesthetic concerns rather than medical conditions, most policies do not cover the costs of this procedure.⁶

Some insurers might consider coverage when breast ptosis causes functional problems. If you plan to pursue coverage, you should document all physical symptoms, such as back pain or skin irritation beneath the breasts. This might support partial coverage claims. Above all, work with your plastic surgeon’s office to explore pre-authorization possibilities.⁶

How a Donut Breast Lift Works

A donut breast lift works by removing excess, stretched skin, reshaping breast tissue and repositioning the nipple and areola. The ultimate goal is restoring a more youthful breast contour.²

To determine if a periareolar breast lift is suitable, start with an initial consultation. During this visit, your surgeon will develop a personalized surgical plan, explain pre-operative steps, outline the procedure and guide you through recovery.²

The following information is intended as a general guide to help you feel confident and prepared to take the first steps toward your goals.

Consultation and physical exam

Prepping for plastic surgery starts with a comprehensive examination and imaging. You’ll discuss what you’d like to change about your breasts, such as their shape, size or both. This helps both of you explore the best surgical options for achieving your desired results.³

Your surgeon will evaluate your breast tissue and skin quality, measure current positioning and discuss your aesthetic goals.³ In addition to the physical exam, your team will order important baseline testing, such as a mammogram.⁷

A member of your surgeon’s team will take clinical photographs of your breasts to help guide surgical planning.³ You may want to ask about 3D imaging. This innovative technology leverages artificial intelligence to help you understand what is possible and better manage your expectations.⁸

Prior to surgery

Before your surgery, it’s important to discuss all medications you’re taking with your surgeon, as some may need to be stopped or adjusted to ensure your safety. Medications like blood thinners, certain supplements and over-the-counter drugs can increase the potential for complications, such as excessive bleeding or interactions with anesthesia.⁹

Your surgeon will provide specific guidance on when to stop these medications and may recommend alternatives if needed. Following these instructions carefully helps minimize risks and supports a smooth recovery.⁹

If you haven’t already, stop smoking and using any type of tobacco products during this period, as nicotine reduces blood flow and slows healing.¹⁰

Procedure

During the donut lift procedure, your surgeon will create a circular incision around the edge of your areola. They then remove a ring of skin, typically measuring 2 to 3 centimeters in width, depending on your specific needs. This may include a small portion of the areola itself. Once the excess skin is removed, they will close the incision carefully. The resulting scar is discreetly positioned around the areola and will fade over time. ¹¹

Recovery timeline

Healing from a donut breast lift evolves over the course of six months as follows:

Day one

After your breast lift, you may experience mild to moderate discomfort, which is normal. The pain should subside by the end of the first week. Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort during this time.¹²

During the first 24 hours following an incision, it is important to care for your incision sites. Be careful not to lie on your stomach or side, as this can put pressure on your breasts. Keep the area clean and dry. To reduce swelling, sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated.¹²

Week one

Swelling and bruises are common during the first few days as your body heals. To improve circulation and reduce swelling, avoid salty foods and take short, gentle walks. Wear a compression bra to support your breasts and minimize swelling.¹²

By the end of the first week, your discomfort should start to decrease, and the swelling and bruising will begin to fade. Often, this is the first time you will see the results of your breast lift, but the final results won’t be fully visible for several months.¹²

Weeks two to four

Most of the swelling should start to go down, and you’ll likely feel more comfortable resuming light, non-strenuous activities. However, avoid lifting heavy objects or raising your arms above your head, as this can strain the chest area. Continue wearing a compression bra to support the healing process.¹²

Weeks five to eight

As soon as your surgeon clears you to exercise, begin walking and light cardio exercises. After your surgeon approves, you may begin working on your upper body. As residual swelling resolves, you will notice the lifted position of your bustline feeling increasingly natural. Scar care begins during this time. Silicone sheets or gels may help optimize healing.¹²

Months two to six

Over the next few months, your breasts will continue to heal and settle into their new, more natural shape. Swelling will further decrease, and your incision lines will begin to fade. By the six-month mark, your breasts should be fully healed, and you’ll be able to enjoy the final results of your breast lift.¹²

Is a Donut Breast Lift Right for You?

When you’re satisfied with the size and volume of your natural breasts but still want a boost, a donut mastopexy is worth consideration. By using circular incisions that follow the natural contour of the areola, you’ll be left with fewer scars than a traditional breast lift. The donut lift effectively addresses nipple asymmetry and mild sagging, leaving you with a perkier, tighter and rejuvenated appearance.

Financing a Donut Breast Lift With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a donut breast lift and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.