Breast Lift with Implants

A breast lift with implants is a combination of two complementary cosmetic procedures. Together, they enhance the breast size and shape and reverse the effects of aging to create a fuller and more youthful appearance to the breasts. The medical term for these procedures is mastopexy with breast augmentation or breast augmentation mastopexy.

By itself, breast lift surgery improves the shape and position of the breasts without making them larger. It involves removing excess skin to pull the breasts up and adjust their form. It can make the breasts look rounder and fuller with a more youthful projection but with no added volume. You can learn more about this procedure and the surgical techniques used on AW Plastic Surgery’s Breast Lift page.

Breast implants (or breast augmentation surgery), on their own, add volume to the breasts and enhance their shape. They can be used to restore breast volume that has been lost due to childbearing and breastfeeding, menopause, or weight loss. They can also be used to augment small breasts.

Many plastic surgeons, including Dr. Wilson, use Sientra Gel Silicone breast implants, a biocompatible material that closely mimics the look and feel of natural breast tissue. A “gummy bear” breast implant, is filled with a firmer form of silicone that maintains its shape. We use silicone implants over saline implants as they tend to offer better results. You can learn more about implants on AW Plastic Surgery’s Breast Augmentation page.

The combined augmentation mastopexy procedure can often be more effective in creating a look of full, round, and youthful breasts. It not only lifts a sagging breast but also adds volume and shape as well.

The breast lift with implant augmentation procedure is ideal for women who want to restore the firmness and round shape of their breasts and enhance their volume. You are likely to be a good candidate for a breast lift with implants if you have:

• • sagging breasts (breast ptosis), with nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease

• • breasts that are flattened or elongated

• • skin that has stretched because of aging or weight loss

AND

• • lost volume in your breasts

• • breasts that you consider to be too small

The combined procedures can also be the answer for women who have asymmetrical breasts.

To be a good candidate for the combined procedures, you should also be in good health, close to your ideal weight, and a nonsmoker. You can disclose all this information when you provide Dr. Wilson with your medical history.

Cosmetic breast surgery is best done after you’re finished having children, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the size and shape of your breasts and cause the skin to stretch. If you do wish to have more children after your procedure, bring that up in your initial consultation with Dr. Wilson. If possible, he will personalize your

A breast lift with implants procedure is done under general anesthesia. The breast will be reshaped, and the nipple-areola complex position will be adjusted with artfully placed incisions and the selective removal of skin. Implants are then placed either above or below the pectoral muscle. Fine stitches are used to close the incisions to minimize visible scarring.

The procedure usually takes between two and four hours. You will be groggy from the anesthesia, so you will need to arrange for a friend or family member to bring you home.

More details on the two procedures can be found on the Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation pages.

After your combined breast lift and breast augmentation, you will need a full week of downtime— possibly two weeks, depending on the breast lift procedure — and should arrange to have help with ordinary household tasks. You will need to avoid reaching for things and lifting anything heavier than five pounds. Sleeping upright, propped on pillows, can help reduce swelling. Dr. Wilson will provide pain medication and supportive garments to ease any discomfort.

Most patients can return to office-type work after a week. If your work involves lifting or other physical activity, you may need to take more time off.

After four to six weeks, you will be able to resume more strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and exercise. Dr. Wilson will provide you with detailed recovery instructions to ensure proper healing and to keep scar tissue at a minimum. He will also provide a plan for follow-up care as part of his consultations before and after the procedure