This procedure is designed solely to lift sagging breasts. It does not subtract or add tissue. It is usually done for women whose breast tissue has collapsed following weight loss, aging or pregnancy, and if the nipple has fallen below the breast creases. Surgery involves elevating both the nipple and the breast tissue, which leaves a noticeable and permanent scar. Because of the skin's natural tendency to settle, the tissue will give slightly after a few months and some sagging will reoccur, but not to the extent of the original state.

Risks are rare but may include loss of the nipple, infection, severe scarring, loss of nipple erectile ability and nipple numbness. Nipple numbness has been known to be permanent and this could hamper future ability to breast-feed.