Dr. Shell and his staff are respectful. The staff is awesome and kind. I love the welcome when you come in, and when you leave, they are very helpful. I love the staff and am joyous and happy when I come there. They know what they are doing and are not mean people at all. I recommend my family to go there.
Breast Lift
At Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center in Memphis, TN, a breast lift—formally known as mastopexy—is a transformative solution for women experiencing sagging or loss of firmness in their breasts. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dan H. Shell III, this outpatient procedure elevates and reshapes the breasts for a more youthful contour, while often repositioning the nipple and reducing areolar size. Each breast lift is fully customized to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, with results that look natural, feel balanced, and last for years.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift restores firmness and height to sagging breasts by removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissue, and elevating the nipple to a more natural position. Whether your concerns stem from aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or genetics, mastopexy rejuvenates the bustline without significantly altering breast size. If you also desire added volume or a smaller cup size, a breast lift can be combined with augmentation or reduction for comprehensive enhancement.
This outpatient procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and lasts one to two hours. Most patients return home the same day with minimal downtime and noticeable improvements in breast shape and position.
What Are the Benefits?
Breast lift surgery can significantly improve the appearance and feel of your breasts. Many women experience increased confidence, improved posture, and greater ease in finding flattering clothing. Sagging breast tissue is lifted, nipples are repositioned to a youthful height, and stretched areolas can be reduced. The overall result is a firmer, more symmetrical bustline that looks natural and rejuvenated.
The Surgical Process: What to Expect
General anesthesia is first administered to respect your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Shell then makes precise incisions to access the underlying breast tissue. Depending on the technique chosen, excess skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is lifted and reshaped to create a firmer, more youthful contour. The nipple and areola are also repositioned to a more natural and youthful height. Finally, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures, and a surgical bra or dressings are applied to support the healing process.
Recovery and Aftercare
Post-operative recovery is generally smooth. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common during the first week but are managed effectively with medication and proper care. Most patients can return to light activities within seven to ten days, while full recovery—including a return to exercise—typically takes four to six weeks. Dr. Shell provides thorough aftercare guidance and follow-up visits for optimal healing and long-term results.
Many patients find that wearing a supportive bra and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous motion during the healing phase helps them maintain their outcome.
Long-Term Results
While a breast lift does not stop the aging process, results are long-lasting—especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. Over time, gravity and hormonal changes may affect the breasts again, but many patients enjoy their lifted, youthful silhouette for a decade or more. Dr. Shell will provide strategies to extend your results, including scar management and ongoing wellness care.
Request A Consultation
Why Choose Dr. Dan Shell III?
Choose Dr. Shell for trusted, personalized cosmetic surgery. His highly regarded clinic specializes in body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast enhancement. Discover expert cosmetic solutions that put your beauty and wellness first. Schedule your consultation today!
Professional Credentials:
- MD from University of Mississippi School of Medicine
- Board Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Member, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Over 50 years of surgical experience
- Outstanding Resident Award recipient (1981)
Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself!
From the initial consultation to almost a year later, they all have been a dream! Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself! If no one has said this to you all lately, thank you for everything! My life has forever changed!
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well. Thank you again Dr. Shell and staff!
The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring
I received a drainless tummy tuck. I am happy with my results so far. I am only 2 months postoperation. I am so happy I chose to stay close to my home rather than travel somewhere farther. I am able to get all the postoperation care that I need. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring. I love my belly button, lol.
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job. Whatever he tells you, believe it and follow it, and he’s going to make it happen. I am 6 days post abdominalplasty, and I am in love with my results! Dr. Dan is this BEST!!
Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms
After being turned down by multiple surgeons here in Memphis for a simple removal, Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms. The environment is clean & professional. I felt comfortable and feel like I made a great decision reaching out to him & his staff. I’m soooo happy & relieved right now. Thanks a lot, Dr. Shell & nurse!
Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours
I had piercings that were embedded in my face and had to be cut out. Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours. I am very grateful for him and the entire staff at the surgery center. Thank you so much, Dr. Shell.
DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
I love Dr. Shell I had surgery and I was so terrified but in true Dr. Shell fashion he came in made me laugh and the next thing I knew he was done. I’m loving what I see so far still swollen but excited to see the end result. Brandi is great she is always willing to answer questions and to put your mind at ease. No need to go to other states or over seas when we have and outstanding plastic surgeon right in Memphis, TN. DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery. I was super nervous the day of surgery, but everything he said and did made the experience one of the easiest things I had done. He is very knowledgeable and experienced, and has a reason for the ways he does things. It was a bit of a leap of faith to trust him but 10/10 I would do it again. He and his staff have been so helpful and given me all kinds of advice and support. I read complaints of people have to wait to see him – I never once have had this issue.
My healing process has been so, so easy, and the scarring is minimal – not even a factor. I am beyond happy with the work Dan Shell did and would recommend him to anyone.
If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell
Dr. Shell, and his staff are absolutely amazing. Brandi is hands down the best ever! His nurse is amazing too! Every staff member exceeded my expectations. They sealed the deal in my decision to chose Dr. Shell as my doctor. If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell.
Love Love Love Dr. Shell & Staff!
Complimentary Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful location, resulting in a firmer and more contoured appearance. While it doesn’t significantly change breast size, it can be combined with augmentation or reduction if desired.
Ideal candidates are women with sagging, deflated breasts—often resulting from age, pregnancy, or weight loss—who are in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations. If your nipples point downward or fall below the breast crease, or if your breasts have lost their youthful shape, you may benefit from a breast lift.
You can expect to resume light activity within a week and return to most daily tasks in about 10 days. Full healing and clearance for exercise typically occur around four to six weeks post-op. Swelling and bruising subside gradually, and Dr. Shell will monitor your recovery closely at scheduled follow-ups.
Results from a breast lift are long-lasting, often 10 years or more, depending on lifestyle, skin elasticity, and hormonal factors. Maintaining a stable weight and avoiding pregnancy after surgery can help preserve your results even longer.
Pricing varies depending on your individual needs and whether you combine the procedure with other treatments such as implants. At your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss financing options that work with your budget.
What You Can Expect
Expect to feel lighter, lifted, and more confident in your own skin. At the Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center, your breast lift will be personalized, precise, and performed with a deep commitment to natural-looking results. We understand that every woman’s body is unique—so is her vision of beauty. Let us help you align the two.
Schedule your private consultation at www.drshellcosmeticsurgery.com/contact and take the first step toward elevated, elegant confidence.
Request A Consultation