As the years pass, many women notice changes in their bodies that can affect their confidence and comfort. Wrinkles, loose skin, and sagging breasts are among the most common concerns that come with aging. While these changes are natural, they can be more pronounced in some women, leading to a desire to restore a youthful appearance.
A firm and full bustline is a common aspiration regardless of age. Breast augmentation often achieves the desired fullness and shape, but it doesn't always address issues like sagging or drooping. To effectively lift and reshape the breasts, a breast lift—also known as mastopexy—can be combined with augmentation, offering optimal results in a single procedure.
What Does a Breast Lift with Augmentation Accomplish?
By merging breast lift with implants into one surgical session, women can enjoy both increased volume and improved positioning of their breasts. Augmentation alone enhances size but may leave sagging uncorrected. Adding a lift elevates the breasts, resulting in fuller contours and more pronounced cleavage.
The Surgical Experience
This combined surgery typically takes one to two hours and is performed through a single incision. Addressing both augmentation and lifting in one operation means patients have only one recovery period to navigate. This approach is especially beneficial for those eager to return to their daily routines and responsibilities without extended downtime.
Safety Considerations
This study published in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open in 2019 confirms that combining a breast lift with augmentation is both safe and effective for suitable candidates. The study found that complication rates are comparable to when each procedure is performed separately, providing reassurance for those considering this option.
Some women choose to enhance their results further by adding procedures like a tummy tuck or liposuction to address excess skin and fat in other areas. This comprehensive approach is often referred to as a mommy makeover.
Identifying Ideal Candidates
Deciding on the most appropriate procedure can be challenging, but consulting with a plastic surgeon helps develop a personalized surgical plan. Ideal candidates are healthy women with realistic expectations who may:
- Have small breasts that also sag
- Have lost breast volume and skin elasticity due to pregnancy or significant weight loss
- Have experienced sagging breasts from a younger age
- Notice asymmetry, with one breast larger or positioned higher than the other
Often, women face both volume loss and drooping—concerns that a breast lift alone may not fully address.
Advantages of Combining Procedures
Undergoing a breast lift with augmentation offers several benefits:
- Customized Results: The surgery sculpts the breasts to the desired size and shape, enhancing firmness, position, and volume in one operation.
- Single Recovery Period: Patients benefit from reduced overall downtime, typically returning to work within one to two weeks instead of enduring multiple recovery phases.
- Cost Efficiency: Combining surgeries can be more cost-effective, reducing expenses related to surgical fees, anesthesia, and facility charges compared to scheduling separate procedures.
Moving Forward
Living with sagging or disproportionate breasts isn't something women have to accept as an inevitable part of aging. Combining a breast lift with augmentation provides a comprehensive solution to restore a youthful and balanced appearance. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is a crucial step in understanding the options available and making an informed decision tailored to individual goals.
