Non-Invasive (Scarless) Breast Lift Cost and Procedure Guide

Are sagging breasts impacting your comfort, confidence or how your clothes fit? A variety of factors — from changes in weight, pregnancy and breastfeeding to age and simple gravity — can lead to a desire for a little lift.

According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a traditional, surgical breast lift is the most popular procedure after breast augmentation.¹ But if the price, procedure and recovery time of a traditional breast lift doesn’t sound like a fit, you may want to consider a scarless breast lift.

What Is a Scarless Breast Lift?

A non-surgical, or “scarless,” breast lift is designed to lift and firm sagging breasts without the invasiveness and recovery required for a traditional surgery.

Patients that are looking for a minimally invasive procedure with limited downtime and modest results may be a candidate for a scarless breast lift. Individuals with poor skin laxity, significant sagging or asymmetrical or elongated tubular breasts may need to explore other treatment options.² Discuss with your surgeon the best procedure to achieve your desired goals.

Types of treatments

One treatment used in a scarless breast lift is radiofrequency, such as in a BodyTite™ breast lift. This minimally invasive procedure only requires a small incision and limited downtime to liquify excess fat, stimulate collagen production and tighten the surrounding breast tissue.³

In addition to radiofrequency, there are other methods designed to boost collagen production, tighten skin and/or improve breast contour that may also be labeled as scarless breast lift treatments, including:

• Circumareolar breast lift. This is a surgical breast lift that hides the incision along the areola.⁴
• Dermal fillers. These can be injected to temporarily plump and lift the breast tissue.⁵
• Fat transfer lift. Fat is removed from the abdomen or another part of the body and injected into the breast tissue to create lift.⁶
• Laser treatments. These treatments use heat to tighten the breast skin and lift the tissue.⁵
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Also known as a vampire breast lift, a patient’s own blood is drawn to isolate the PRP, which is then injected into the skin and fatty tissue of the breast.⁷
• Vacuum breast lift. A suction device, often combined with light therapy and microcurrent, is used to help lift sagging breasts.⁵ 

Talk with your provider to determine which scarless breast lift treatment may be best to meet your goals. In some cases, combining treatments such as a breast reduction and a breast lift may help to achieve the desired results.

Scarless vs. traditional breast lift

A scarless breast lift can offer many advantages over a traditional surgical breast lift, including:²

• Achieves a lift without the need for large incisions
• Can be performed even before completing childbearing
• Can be repeated for ongoing results
• Little to no downtime
• Minimally invasive 
• Performed in-office as a quick outpatient procedure
• Provides visible lifting and tightening that can last up to two years
• Stimulates collagen production to strengthen and support skin

If you are looking for a modest amount of lift, a scarless breast lift may be an option for you.

How Much Does a Scarless Breast Lift Cost?

The national average cost* of a scarless breast lift is $5,349, with costs ranging between $2,750 and $9,500.⁸ The final price you pay will depend on multiple factors, including your surgeon's fees, your geographic location and the complexity of the procedure.⁸

Calculator the cost of a scarless breast lift procedure near you*

Average cost of scarless breast lift by state/district

Here’s the average cost* of scarless breast lift for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁸

Does Insurance Cover Scarless Breast Lifts?

Since a breast lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, most health insurance companies will not cover the procedure.

How a Scarless Breast Lift Works

Here’s what you might expect before, during and after a scarless breast lift procedure.

Preparation

Minimal preparation is required for a scarless breast lift. During a consultation, a doctor will ask you about your medical history, perform a breast exam and discuss your desired results. Your doctor may also suggest you stop taking certain medications before the procedure and abstain from smoking and drinking.²

Procedure

During a scarless breast lift procedure, a local anesthetic will first be given to limit any discomfort. Then a surgeon will make a 2-millimeter incision in the breast to insert a very small tube called a cannula. The cannula emits radiofrequency waves to the surrounding breast tissue, melting away fat, encouraging collagen production and tightening the surrounding tissue, resulting in visibly tightened and lifted breasts. The procedure usually takes two to three hours.²

Recovery

Although a scarless breast lift is an outpatient procedure, you may need to take a day or two off work or from your normal routine to recover. Swelling and bruising for at least a week are common. Your surgeon may require you to wear a support bra or tape during your recovery, and it is best to sleep on your back while your breasts heal.²

Is a Scarless Breast Lift Right For You?

If you are looking for a minimally invasive way to lift your breasts without traditional surgery, then a scarless breast lift may be an important option to consider. Talk with your surgeon to discuss whether a scarless breast lift can help you achieve the results you desire.

Financing a 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 breast lifts 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

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women’s Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.