Many women seeking breast improvement have two concerns simultaneously: their breasts have lost volume and have also begun to sag or droop. Breast augmentation alone adds size but does not correct position. A breast lift alone corrects position but does not add volume. When both are needed, combining them in a single procedure, augmentation with mastopexy, is the most efficient and comprehensive solution.
What Does the Combined Procedure Involve?
During a breast augmentation with lift, your surgeon performs both components in the same operating session:
- Mastopexy (lift) component: Excess skin is removed, the nipple-areola complex is repositioned to a higher, more youthful position, and the breast tissue is reshaped and tightened
- Augmentation component: A saline or silicone implant is placed (typically submuscular) to restore or increase volume
The combined approach requires thoughtful planning to balance the tension of the implant against the tension of the lift closure, a technical challenge that requires surgeon expertise.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for combined breast augmentation with lift include women who:
- Have experienced volume loss and sagging after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss
- Have nipples that point downward or fall below the inframammary fold
- Have deflated, flat, or empty-looking upper breast poles
- Want to restore a more youthful, full breast shape with proper positioning
- Are at or near their goal weight and not planning future pregnancies (pregnancy can affect results)
Incision Patterns and Scarring
A breast lift requires more incisions than augmentation alone. Common lift patterns include:
- Periareolar (donut) lift: Single incision around the areola, for minimal sagging
- Vertical (lollipop) lift: Periareolar incision plus a vertical incision to the fold, for moderate sagging
- Anchor (inverted-T) lift: Adds a horizontal incision along the fold, for significant sagging
Scars fade significantly over 12–18 months and are typically well-concealed by clothing and swimwear.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from combined augmentation with lift is similar to recovery from each procedure alone, typically 2–3 weeks before returning to normal activity and 4–6 weeks before strenuous exercise. Swelling resolves significantly by weeks 6–8, with final results visible at 3–6 months as implants settle and scars mature.