Two-in-One: The Benefits of Combining Breast Lift with Augmentation

Women seeking breast enhancement often have different goals in mind—some wish to improve the shape of sagging breasts, while others aim to increase their breast size. However, many women desire both benefits simultaneously, leading to a common question: can you achieve these two goals in one surgery? The answer lies in combining breast augmentation with a breast lift. This dual procedure offers a transformative solution for those looking to enhance both the shape and volume of their breasts in a single surgical session. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the numerous benefits, important considerations, and what to expect when opting for a combined breast lift and augmentation. Whether you're looking to restore your pre-pregnancy figure, counteract the effects of aging, or simply achieve the look you've always desired, understanding this comprehensive approach to breast enhancement can be the first step toward realizing your aesthetic goals. 

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Over time, factors such as aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and genetics can cause the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness. A breast lift addresses these changes by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, and repositioning the nipple and areola to a more youthful height. The primary goal of a breast lift is to create a more lifted, firm, and aesthetically pleasing breast contour.

This procedure involves incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the crease. The extent of the incisions depends on the degree of sagging and the desired outcome. A breast lift provides a more youthful and lifted appearance but does not significantly change the size of the breasts.

What is a breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. This is typically achieved by placing implants behind the breast tissue or chest muscles. Women opt for breast augmentation for various reasons, including increasing breast size, restoring volume lost due to weight reduction or pregnancy, achieving better breast symmetry, and enhancing overall body contour.

Breast augmentation involves making an incision (usually under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit), creating a pocket, and placing the implant. The choice of incision and placement depends on the type of implant, desired size, patient anatomy, and surgeon preference. It provides increased breast size and improved shape, enhancing overall body proportions and boosting self-confidence.

Is it common to combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation?

It is quite common to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation or breast implants. Many women seeking breast enhancement have multiple aesthetic goals, such as addressing sagging and increasing breast volume simultaneously. Combining these two procedures in a single surgery can offer a comprehensive solution, providing both a lifted and fuller appearance to the breasts.

Benefits of combining the two procedures

Combining a breast lift with breast implants offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for women looking to enhance both the shape and size of their breasts in a single, efficient, and effective procedure.

• Addressing multiple concerns simultaneously: For women experiencing multiple breast issues, such as sagging due to aging or pregnancy and volume loss due to weight fluctuations, combining the procedures offers a one-stop solution. It effectively tackles various concerns in one go, providing a more satisfactory and complete outcome.
• Single surgery and recovery: Opting for both procedures in a single surgery means patients undergo only one round of anesthesia and one recovery period. This reduces the overall downtime and inconvenience, allowing patients to return to their daily activities more quickly.
• Cost efficiency: Performing both procedures together can be more cost-effective than having them separately. By combining the surgeries, patients can save on various costs such as operating room fees, anesthesia, and surgeon fees.
• Optimal and harmonious results: A combined procedure enables the surgeon to plan and execute a more balanced and harmonious enhancement. By addressing both the lift and volume at the same time, the final results are more cohesive, with the breasts looking naturally proportionate and aesthetically pleasing.
• Customized enhancement: The combined procedure allows for a highly personalized approach to breast enhancement. Surgeons can tailor the size and type of implants and the degree of lift to meet the specific needs and aesthetic goals of each patient, ensuring a customized result.
• Improved self-confidence: Achieving the desired breast shape and size can significantly boost a woman’s self-esteem and body image. The combined procedure can enhance overall appearance, making clothes fit better and helping patients feel more confident in their bodies.

Is a combined breast lift-breast augmentation right for me?

Suitable candidates for a combined breast lift and breast augmentation surgery are:

Post-pregnancy or post-weight loss women

Women who have experienced significant changes in their breast shape and volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or substantial weight loss are often ideal candidates. These life events can lead to sagging and a loss of fullness, which a combined procedure can effectively address.

Aging individuals

As women age, they may notice that their breasts lose volume and begin to sag. A combined breast lift and augmentation can help restore a more youthful appearance by lifting the breasts and enhancing their size and shape.

Women with sagging and volume loss

Those who have both sagging breasts and a desire for increased volume are prime candidates for this dual procedure. If a woman’s breasts have lost their youthful position and fullness, a combined approach can provide a comprehensive solution.

Women seeking improved symmetry

Women with asymmetrical breasts—whether in terms of size, shape, or nipple position—can benefit from a combined procedure. The surgeon can adjust each breast individually to achieve a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.

Women with good physical health

Ideal candidates should be in good overall health. This means they should not have any conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery, such as uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart conditions, or bleeding disorders.

Non-smokers

Smoking can significantly affect healing and increase the risk of complications. Non-smokers, or those willing to quit smoking before and after the surgery, are better candidates for any surgical procedure, including combined breast lift and augmentation.

Women with realistic expectations

Candidates should have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. While a combined procedure can provide significant improvements, individuals need to understand the potential outcomes and limitations.

Individuals with stable weight

Women who have maintained a stable weight for at least six months are ideal candidates. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the surgery, so stability in weight ensures longer-lasting results.

How is the procedure performed?

Combining a breast lift with breast augmentation is a detailed and complex surgical procedure. It starts with a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this initial consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine the best approach for your surgery. Based on these discussions, the surgeon will create a customized surgical plan that includes decisions about the type of implants, the incision pattern for the breast lift, and the overall strategy to achieve the desired outcome.

On the day of the surgery, anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and pain-free during the surgery. The surgeon will then make the necessary incisions. For a combined procedure, the incisions usually involve areas around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease. The specific pattern depends on the degree of lift required and the type of implants used.

Also Read: 4 Types of Breast Implant Surgery Incisions: Which Technique is Right for Me?

The breast lift, or mastopexy, involves lifting and reshaping the breast tissue to create a more youthful and elevated contour. The surgeon will remove excess skin and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher location. 

Following the lift, the surgeon creates a pocket either behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or under the chest muscle (submuscular placement) to insert the implants. The choice of placement depends on factors such as your anatomy, the type of implants, and your desired outcome. The selected implants, whether silicone, saline, or gummy bear, are then inserted into these pockets. The surgeon carefully positions the implants to achieve the desired size and symmetry. Once the implants are in place and the breasts are lifted, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape, aiming to ensure minimal scarring and optimal healing. 

Also Read: Breast Implants Shapes and Profiles

After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. The surgeon will provide detailed postoperative instructions on how to care for your incisions, activities to avoid, and when to schedule follow-up appointments. 

What’s the recovery like?

Recovering from a combined breast lift and breast augmentation involves several stages, each requiring careful attention to ensure optimal healing and results. Here's what you can generally expect during the recovery process:

Immediate post-Surgery

Immediately after the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where medical staff will monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. You might feel groggy and experience some pain and discomfort, which is normal. Pain management will be provided through prescribed medications.

The first week

The first few days are crucial for recovery. You will likely experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort in the chest area. The surgeon may place drains to help remove excess fluid, which will be removed after a few days. It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions on how to care for your incisions and any bandages or dressings. You will also be advised to wear a surgical bra to support your breasts as they heal.

During this period, you should rest and avoid any strenuous activities. Simple movements and light walking are encouraged to promote blood circulation but avoid any lifting, pushing, or pulling.

The first few weeks

Over the next few weeks, the initial swelling and bruising will begin to subside. You may still experience some discomfort, but it should gradually decrease. Your surgeon will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.

You should continue wearing a supportive bra and follow any additional instructions provided by your surgeon. Most patients can return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, but it's important to avoid any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks.

Long-term recovery

Full recovery from a combined breast lift and augmentation can take several months. While you will notice improvements soon after surgery, it can take several months for the swelling to fully subside and the implants to settle into their final position. Scars will continue to fade over time, although they may take a year or more to mature fully.

During this period, continue to follow your surgeon’s guidelines on activity restrictions and scar care. Protecting your scars from the sun and using recommended scar treatments can help minimize their appearance.

Final Results

Patience is key during the recovery process. Final results will be more apparent after a few months, once the breasts have settled into their new shape and position. Most patients find that the results of a combined breast lift and augmentation are long-lasting, especially when maintaining a stable weight and following a healthy lifestyle.\

What are the risks of having a breast lift and breast implants combined?

Combining a breast lift with breast augmentation involves potential risks and complications, as with any surgical procedure.  Surgical risks include anesthesia complications, which might involve reactions such as respiratory issues or allergic responses, though these are rare. There is also the possibility of infection, a common risk in surgeries, which can be minimized by adhering to proper post-operative care instructions. Additionally, excessive bleeding or the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood outside the blood vessels) can occur, potentially requiring further medical intervention or surgery.

Healing and recovery risks involve poor wound healing, where some patients might experience delayed healing or complications related to the incisions, such as tissue separation or necrosis. Scarring is inevitable, although surgeons aim to minimize it. The extent and visibility of scars can vary based on individual healing factors and the surgical technique used.

Aesthetic risks include asymmetry, where the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical after surgery due to differences in healing, implant placement, or surgical technique. Changes in breast and nipple sensation are also possible, ranging from increased sensitivity to numbness, which may be temporary or permanent. There are also specific risks related to breast implants, such as rupture, deflation, shifting, or capsular contracture (the formation of scar tissue around the implant that can cause hardness or distortion).

Combining the procedures increases surgical time, which inherently raises the risk of complications associated with prolonged anesthesia exposure. The higher complexity of the combined approach requires more intricate surgical techniques and precise planning to achieve optimal results, which can increase the risk of complications. Additionally, the body must heal from both procedures simultaneously, putting extra strain on the healing process and potentially resulting in prolonged swelling, bruising, or discomfort.

General health risks include the possibility of developing blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), particularly during longer surgeries. There is also the risk of adverse reactions, which can vary based on individual health conditions and responses to surgery

To minimize these risks, it’s essential to choose a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon. Following all pre-operative and post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon is crucial. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and discussing any pre-existing health conditions with your surgeon can help manage potential risks. Avoiding smoking and adhering to guidelines regarding medications and supplements that can affect healing are also important.

Also Read: 10 Questions to Ask Before Body Contouring Procedures

How much does a combined breast lift-breast augmentation cost?

While the upfront cost of a combined breast lift and breast augmentation may appear higher than each procedure individually, combining them in a single surgical session can offer significant cost savings compared to having the two procedures separately. Here are some areas where you can potentially save money:

• Surgical facility fees: When the two procedures are performed together, you only pay for the surgical facility once. Separate surgeries would require paying for the operating room, equipment, and staff for each procedure, which can be a substantial portion of the overall cost.
• Anesthesia fees: Similar to the surgical facility fees, anesthesia costs are incurred only once when the procedures are combined. Separate surgeries would mean paying for anesthesia twice, which includes the anesthesiologist’s or nurse anesthetist’s fees and the cost of the anesthesia itself.
• Surgeon's fees: Surgeons often offer a combined fee for performing both procedures together, which is usually lower than the sum of the individual fees for each surgery. This is because the total operating time for a combined procedure is typically less than the combined time for two separate surgeries, allowing the surgeon to manage both procedures in one session efficiently.
• Pre- and post-operative care: By combining the procedures, you can consolidate pre-operative tests, medications, and follow-up visits. This reduces the number of consultations, lab tests, and post-operative appointments needed, leading to further savings.
• Recovery time: Having both procedures done simultaneously means you only go through one recovery period. This can translate into fewer days off work and less time spent in recovery, which can have indirect cost savings, especially if you have limited paid time off.
• Estimated savings: While the exact amount saved can vary based on the surgeon, location, and specific case, patients can often save between 10% to 30% of the total cost by combining the procedures. For example, if the average cost of a breast lift is $5,000 to $8,000 and breast augmentation is $6,000 to $9,000, the combined cost could range from $8,000 to $15,000 instead of $11,000 to $17,000 if done separately. This represents a potential saving of $3,000 to $4,000 or more.

Combining breast lift with fat transfer augmentation

So far, when we talked about breast augmentation and breast lift combination we meant augmentation using breast implants. However, there is another technique for breast augmentation that can be used to enhance the size of the breasts after a lift procedure, and that is fat transfer or fat grafting. Combining a breast lift with breast augmentation using fat transfer is an innovative approach that offers natural and versatile results for women seeking breast enhancement without getting implants. This comprehensive procedure not only addresses sagging and loss of volume but also provides a more natural look and feel compared to traditional implants.

Fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat, harvested from other areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, to enhance breast volume. The harvested fat is purified and carefully injected into the breasts to achieve the desired size and shape. This technique offers a dual benefit: it enhances the breasts and contours the donor areas through liposuction.

Combining a breast lift with fat injection for augmentation provides several advantages. Firstly, using autologous fat (the patient’s own fat) minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or implant-related complications. Secondly, the results tend to be more natural-looking and feeling compared to silicone or saline implants. The procedure also allows for more precise sculpting and customization, as the surgeon can target specific areas to achieve optimal symmetry and contour.

However, it's important to note that not all patients are candidates for this combined approach. Suitable candidates should have enough donor fat and be in good overall health. Additionally, while fat grafting can provide modest volume enhancement, it may not achieve the same level of augmentation as traditional implants for those seeking a significant increase in breast size.

Overall, combining a breast lift with breast augmentation using fat transfer is an excellent option for women looking for a natural and comprehensive solution to enhance their breasts. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine if this innovative approach is suitable for your individual needs and aesthetic goals.