Home/Breast Procedures/Breast Lift with Augmentation

Breast Lift with Augmentation

For patients who experience breast volume deficiency in conjunction with the appearance of sag, undergoing a breast augmentation or breast lift procedure respectively often cannot provide the desired improvement for both concerns. A breast lift can elevate the breasts to a more rejuvenated positioning, but the surgery is not intended to increase an individual’s breast size. Similarly, an augmentation procedure is designed to increase breast volume, but cannot significantly improve the look of ptosis (sag).

To address these common aesthetic breast concerns while avoiding two separate operations, Santa Barbara plastic surgeon Wesley Schooler, MD offers the breast lift with implants procedure to yield the benefits of both a breast augmentation and a breast lift at once. Often considered the ultimate rejuvenation option for an individual’s breast aesthetic, this combination surgery can be a powerful solution for women who seek to enlarge the size of their breasts while simultaneously correcting the look of sag.

What is Breast Lift with Augmentation?

A breast lift with augmentation, commonly referred to as an augmentation-mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the size, positioning, shape, and projection of the breasts. This comprehensive improvement is achieved by raising the breasts to a more central positioning on the chest wall while subsequently adding volume through placement of implants. The surgery utilizes the same implant options that are associated with the breast augmentation procedure and Dr. Schooler will help you decide the most beneficial implant size, type, and placement location for your goals. Many women who desire breast enhancement gravitate towards an augmentation-mastopexy because the procedure typically involves less expense than undergoing both breast surgeries separately, and also has the benefit of requiring only one recovery period.

What are the Benefits of a Breast Lift with Implants?

Depending on your aesthetic goals, a breast lift with implants can provide extensive rejuvenation of your breast appearance as well as your silhouette. The procedure can generally:

Increase breast volume and fullness
Reshape and firm the breasts
Minimize the appearance of breast sag
Increase breast projection
Resize and/or reposition the nipple-areolar complexes, if desired

Is a Breast Lift with Implants Right for Me?

Ideal candidates for a breast augmentation mastopexy desire an increase in breast size while experiencing some degree of breast sag which they seek to resolve. Our plastic surgeons have found that women who have undergone pregnancy and/or breastfeeding typically achieve exceptional results with the procedure, as the physical changes associated with childbearing often include deflated breast volume as well as heightened skin and breast tissue laxity. A breast lift with implants can be performed alone or as part of a complete Mommy Makeover to restore a youthful breast aesthetic and undo the effects of pregnancy, genetics, gravity, weight fluctuation, or the natural aging process.

Preparing for a Breast Lift with Implants

A breast lift with augmentation is personalized to achieve your unique cosmetic goals. Once it has been confirmed that an augmentation-mastopexy is the ideal procedure for you, Dr. Schooler will have a thorough discussion with you about your reasons for surgery. This can allow him to fully understand your aesthetic wishes and provide a beautiful final outcome that appears harmoniously with your figure.During this consultation, Dr. Schooler will discuss your breast implant options. We carry both silicone and saline implants, which are the most frequently utilized implants available. While both can achieve very natural-looking results for patients, silicone implants are known to more closely resemble the look and feel of natural breast tissue.

Dr. Schooler will also help you determine an ideal size for your implants. This decision will depend on your preferences, cosmetic goals, and body proportions, as the general goal of breast augmentation is to produce a result that looks as natural as possible. To help you visualize the potential outcome of your surgery, we encourage you to explore Dr. Schooler’s before-and-after photos.

Types of Breast Implants

Saline and silicone implants can both add volume to the breasts with beautiful results, but the best fill-material for you will depend on your wishes for the outcome. Dr. Schooler will thoroughly discuss your breast implant options with you in person, but the main differences between saline and silicone implants generally include:

Saline
FDA-approved for patients 18 years old and over, saline implants have provided a beautiful enhancement for countless women interested in breast augmentation. With the ability to be filled after insertion into the implant pocket, saline implants typically require shorter incisions when compared to silicone implants. In addition, saline offers visible indications of rupture if there is a tear or leak in the implants.
Silicone
Silicone gel-filled implants are among the most popular breast implant options. FDA-approved for individuals 22 and older, silicone gel often provides a look and feel akin to natural breast tissue. Silicone implants also tend to keep their shape in the event of rupture, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant to possible changes in the appearance of your breasts.

Dr. Schooler will help you determine the best type and size of implant for your needs and goals. While saline and silicone implants offer unique pros and cons, both options can provide a natural-looking result or a more dramatic transformation depending on what you envision for the outcome

What Incisions are Used During a Breast Lift with Implants?

Breast augmentation-mastopexy generally uses the same incisions as a breast lift, and the best technique for your procedure depends on several factors, such as the size of your implants and the extent of “lift” necessary to achieve your goals. During your consultation, Dr. Schooler will explain potential incision options and recommend the most ideal approach to rejuvenate your breast shape. The types of incisions available for a breast lift with implants include:

Periareolar: A circular incision is made around the perimeter of the areolas, in the natural area of transition between the skin and pigmented region. This incision is usually only possible when there is only mild breast sag present.
Vertical: Often resembling a keyhole, this technique includes an incision encircling the areolas along with a short vertical incision extending downward towards the breast crease. Due to the pattern, this approach is commonly referred to as a “lollipop” incision.
Anchor-Shaped: Ideal for individuals who require a full breast lift, the anchor-shaped technique combines the vertical incision with another horizontal incision made along the natural breast crease.

After listening to your needs and evaluating your concerns, Dr. Schooler can work with you to develop a custom treatment plan and bring your aesthetic goals to fruition. In most cases, a breast lift is performed prior to implant placement, but surgical details vary from patient to patient based on their unique needs.

Breast Implant Placement Options

Breast implants can either be placed above or below the pectoral (chest) muscles. Under-the-muscle placement, also referred to as submuscular placement, generally offers more coverage for the implant. This can help provide a more natural-looking outcome, particularly for patients who have a thin body frame or a larger implant size. Submuscular placement also reduces the likelihood of implant rippling, which refers to the ability to see or feel the edges of an implant.

In contrast, over-the-muscle placement requires a patient to have an adequate amount of breast tissue to provide coverage for the implant. Although the risk of rippling is relatively higher, an over-the-muscle or “subglandular” placement generally allows for less discomfort during the recovery period. Dr. Schooler will evaluate your needs and discuss the best location for your implant pocket during your consultation.

How is the Augmentation-Mastopexy Procedure Performed?

A breast augmentation mastopexy is typically an outpatient procedure utilizing general anesthesia. Generally speaking, the incisions used to access the breast tissue and place the implants are the same as those employed in a traditional breast lift. Depending on the extent of lift necessary to achieve the desired result, your incision location may surround the borders of the areola, encircle the areola with an additional incision extending to the breast crease, or appear in an anchor-shaped fashion around the areola and along the breast fold. In any case, Dr. Schooler takes great care to discreetly place incision marks around the natural contours of the breast for a natural-looking result.

At the time of operation, Dr. Schooler will remove excess skin and fat that may be causing the appearance of sag, and subsequently tighten remaining tissue. The breasts will then be reshaped and elevated to a more youthful position. Following the lift portion of the procedure, your breast implants will be inserted through a pocket created either under or over the chest muscle, depending on your unique needs. Dr. Schooler will adjust the breast shape to yield the desired outcome and, if preferred, he will then resize and/or reposition the nipple areolar-complexes.

What is Recovery from Breast Lift with Augmentation Like?

After surgery, patients should receive plenty of rest to facilitate the healing process. Individuals may experience normal bruising, swelling, numbness, or stiffness, but these reactions are temporary and should subside as recovery progresses. Those who undergo a breast lift with implants can typically make a full return to normal activities within one to two weeks, but strenuous activity and aerobic exercise should be avoided for approximately six weeks. While the results of surgery can be immediately apparent, it may take some time for your implants to fully settle; however, patients usually report immense satisfaction at their younger-looking breast appearance once the final outcome is realized.

Does a Breast Lift With Implants Leave Scars?

Although every procedure can result in scarring to some extent, Dr. Schooler always aims to place incisions in inconspicuous locations whenever possible. Often, scars left after incisions are fully healed can be easily hidden underneath a bra or bathing suit. Additionally, more pronounced scarring will typically lighten in the weeks following surgery, provided you adhere to Dr. Schooler’s aftercare instructions.

How Long Will a Breast Lift with Implants Last?

Breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, and typically provide good results for at least 10 to 15 years or longer. For most women, their implants do not need to be replaced as long as there are no complications, such as rippling or capsular contracture. Meanwhile, the results of mastopexy can last for decades; however, certain life events — such as childbirth or the natural effects of aging — may cause some degree of breast sag. For optimal results, Dr. Schooler recommends that you do not undergo a breast augmentation mastopexy until after you are finished having children and/or breastfeeding.

How Much Does a Breast Lift with Augmentation Cost?

The cost of a breast augmentation mastopexy is contingent upon a number of factors, including the expertise of your plastic surgeon as well as the geographic location where your procedure is taking place. Other details unique to your treatment plan will ultimately determine the price of your breast lift with implants, such as:

The type of implants utilized
The surgical technique used
The extent of surgical work required
The overall complexity of the procedure

Once your needs are assessed in a consultation, a member of our team will be able to break down the total cost of surgery and provide you with a personalized quote. Our office accepts a range of payment methods—including cash, check, and credit cards—and would be happy to speak with you personally about our breast surgery costs. Please don’t hesitate to contact our practice for any questions you may have about the price of treatment.

Is a Breast Lift with Implants Safe?

As long as your procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, a breast augmentation-mastopexy is considered a safe cosmetic surgery with years of research and clinical results to support its efficacy. With a qualified plastic surgeon, patients can feel confident that their doctor is able to identify whether they’re a good candidate for a breast lift with implants and develop the most optimal treatment plan for their unique needs. Depending on each person’s situation, Dr. Schooler may recommend performing your procedure in separate stages to maximize both your safety and the final results. While every surgical procedure comes with some degree of risk, an aesthetic plastic surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) has generally received the highest level of training in breast and body procedures, giving him or her the specialized experience necessary to perform your surgery with the highest safety standards possible.

Alternatives to a Breast Lift with Implants

A breast lift with implants integrates two separate cosmetic procedures, but it’s not the only combination treatment plan available. If you’d like to address several aesthetic concerns at once, Dr. Schooler also performs:

Mommy Makeover: Women who have had children commonly incorporate a breast lift with implants into a larger Mommy Makeover, which can improve changes caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding in the abdomen, breasts, and body contours. A tummy tuck is typically a key treatment in a Mommy Makeover, which can be combined with breast implants and/or mastopexy if desired.
Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring: Whether achieved through bariatric surgery or natural dieting and exercise, weight loss is an incredible accomplishment. That said, rapid weight loss can also leave behind loose, hanging skin that doesn’t resolve naturally without treatment. Post-weight loss body sculpting procedures can help tighten and redefine parts of the body affected by excess skin, such as the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, breasts, and abdomen.

Rest assured that your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon will help you discover the best treatment plan to achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to discuss any goals you may have with Dr. Schooler during your appointment.

If you would like to learn more about a breast lift with implants, or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schooler, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice today.