Posted October 11, 2024 in Breast Lift
The choice to get breast surgery is a personal one. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and even aging can all change the shape, size, projection, and amount of volume within the breasts, and once it becomes bothersome, the only way to improve the way the breasts look long-term is with a surgical procedure. While some women choose to get both a breast lift with implants in a single procedure, others decide to get breast augmentation first, and then a breast lift later down the road, leading many women to ask if it is possible to get a breast lift with implants. It turns out it’s more common than you may think.
What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates and reshapes sagging breasts to correct sagging due to loose or excess skin. A breast lift alone is an excellent solution to restore a more youthful and perky contour to the breasts. When choosing a breast lift, patients are often pretty satisfied with the current size of their breasts (although a breast lift with implants is also an option).
During a breast lift, loose skin is removed, the breasts and nipple-areola are repositioned to a more youthful position, and the breast tissue is reshaped for a more flattering appearance. With a breast lift also comes scars, which vary depending on the specific technique and incisions used, and a recovery period of about one to two weeks.
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are medical devices inserted into the breast via surgery to add volume, shape, and projection. They can be filled with either saline or silicone and require an incision upon placement. Today’s popular silicone breast implants contain a soft, cohesive gel for a more natural look, but all breast implants are available in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and projections.
The right type of implant for you is dictated by your anatomy, the amount of breast tissue, your lifestyle, and your goals for the surgery.
Details to Know About a Breast Lift with Implants
While some women benefit just from a breast implant or just a breast lift, others need a breast lift with implants to achieve their goals. The combination surgery, technically known as breast augmentation/mastopexy, helps to increase the size and shape of the breasts while restoring the breast positioning in a single surgical setting (although you can break it up into two surgeries, too). If you wish to lift and restore the breasts, a breast lift with implants may be right for you since this combination approach results in a fuller, more lifted, particularly in the upper pole of the breast.
The ideal candidate for a breast lift with implants is someone who:
- Has lost volume, shape, and firmness in the breasts due to pregnancy, age, weight loss, or gravity
- Has breasts that are noticeably different in size or shape and want improved symmetry and fullness
- Have asymmetrical breasts
- Have breasts that appear deflated
- Have nipples and/or areolas that point downwards or are positioned below the breast crease
The ideal candidate for a breast lift with implants if you are in good health, have maintained a steady body weight, and have realistic goals and expectations.
During a breast lift with implants, the breasts are first assessed before making any incisions, which will be discussed during your consultation. Incision placement is vital to understand since it will determine the location and positioning of your scars. First, the breasts are lifted and reshaped. The nipple and areola are also moved higher onto the breast or are resized. Also, any breast tissue that needs to be reshaped is done, giving a more desirable and youthful breast contour. Loose skin is then trimmed. Then, a pocket is made within the breast, and the implants are inserted, giving size, shape, and fullness. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures.
If you are having a breast lift with implants and already have implants from a previous surgery, you may want to discuss with Dr. Brothers exchanging your old implants for new ones, especially if they are at the end of their life or you want smaller or larger ones that better suit your body and lifestyle.
The recovery from a breast lift with implants isn’t anything to take lightly. It is like a standard breast lift, so expect to recuperate for about one to two weeks, although you’ll be able to see an immediate difference after surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does combining a breast lift with implants affect the overall results?
By combining a breast lift with implants, you’ll notice a more balanced, holistic, and flattering result. This approach improves breast volume, enhances the breast shape, eliminates loose skin and a saggy look, and increases confidence.
- Are there different types of breast lift procedures that can be combined with implants?
Breast lifts and implants are often combined, but the techniques used can vary depending on what you need to achieve your goals. A breast lift with augmentation can be performed as a one or two-stage surgery, depending on what suits you best.
- What should I expect during recovery after a breast lift with implants?
As you recover from a breast lift with implants, expect some mild discomfort while you heal. You’ll likely be tired and feel some tenderness and soreness in the area, but nothing that can’t be handled with the proper type of medication, which will be given to you in your post-op instructions. A full recovery from a breast lift typically takes several weeks, and most patients can resume daily activities within a week and return to work after one to two weeks. However, it can take several months for all swelling to subside and scars to mature.
