If you are considering a breast augmentation – which increases the size of your breasts – you may want to learn more about an increasingly popular combination of procedures: a breast augmentation with lift. Another common name for this procedure combination is breast implants with a breast lift. It is an operation that allows us to give you both a larger breast size, as well as lift the breast tissue to provide you a more tight, youthful silhouette. This procedure is popular with women who have lost weight and find their breasts are sagging, those who have had changes in their breast size and shape because of pregnancy & breastfeeding, and those who are not happy with the role gravity takes on our bodies during the aging process.
Understanding a breast augmentation
A breast augmentation is another name for breast implant surgery. This is the best treatment option for women who want to enlarge the size of their breasts. A breast augmentation generally uses gel implants or saline to provide anywhere from a small change in size to a substantial increase in cup size. Our implants are FDA approved and this surgery is generally a safe, successful cosmetic procedure performed on hundreds of thousands of women every year. Many of our breast implant patients go home the same day.
Understanding a breast lift
A breast lift does not focus on increasing the size of your breasts. Instead, it is a restructuring of skin, muscle, and other breast tissue with the goal of giving breasts more lift and structure. It is common that women find their breasts begin to sag, either because of genetics and gravity, or as a more direct result of weight loss or pregnancy & breast feeding. Sometimes a breast lift is done in conjunction with either a breast reduction or breast implants. This procedure is so popular because a breast lift is a great way to improve your silhouette and get a more youthful, perky body shape.
FAQs about breast implants with a breast lift
Why would someone want to combine breast implants with a lift?
For some people, the combination of a breast augmentation and breast lift is the best choice because this combination allows for both an increase in breast volume, and an improvement to the shape of the breasts. Many patients tell us that as long as they’re having breast surgery, they want to get the most out of it. Adding a breast lift to breast implant surgery will not substantially change the amount of recovery time, and the results can be significant. When you come in for a consultation with one of our surgeons, we can show you what results you can expect with a breast augmentation, a breast lift, and a combination of both procedures.
What is the recovery like after a breast augmentation with lift?
For the first few days after your surgery you can expect some discomfort and swelling, but you should not be in substantial pain. Many patients find they are stiff for the first week, but that too is normal. There may be some bruising as well. If you have severe bruising or pain, we ask you to call us right away. The recovery length depends on several factors, including how large your breast implants are. Those with larger implants will often have more stretching of the skin and muscle, which can lead to a tighter feeling during recovery. If you have a job that is not physical, you may be able to return to work in a week. For people who have a more strenuous job, especially one that involves lifting, a longer period of time away from work may be needed. This also goes for lifting toddlers! If you have small children at home, it’s best to get help around the house so your body can heal well. We will have you wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
What kind of scars will I have if I get breast implants with a breast lift?
When you have a breast lift, there will always be some type of scar. We have a few choices about where and how to make the incisions, and will explain to you what incisions we think are best based on your body shape, implant size, and goals. While some scarring is inevitable, we do our best to minimize the scar’s appearance. Scars will also generally fade over time and are usually not visible even with a dress with a low neckline or bikini top. Even though you will have some type of scar, the vast majority of patients find that the enhancements to the appearance of their breasts far outweigh the scars.
Who is a good candidate for a breast augmentation with a breast lift?
Most people who are candidates for a breast augmentation, would also be candidates for a breast lift. Our breast implants come in a wide range of sizes, so sometimes women can choose to get a smaller sized implant if they are having a lift at the same time. It is preferable that women be:
- over the age of 18
- finished having children
- in good overall health
- non-smoker
Candidates for breast implants are women who want more volume to their breasts. If you do not want more volume, but are only looking to address drooping breasts, you may be better with a breast lift only.
What happens if I get pregnant after having a breast augmentation with lift?
We recommend that women wait until they are done having children before they have breast implants or a breast lift. Pregnancy and breast feeding can bring substantial changes to your body, especially your breasts. If you get pregnant after having a breast procedure, your results may change over the course of your pregnancy. You may choose to have additional surgery after your pregnancy if you want to return your breasts to their post-surgery appearance.
What’s next?
If you have thought about a procedure that can give you more confidence in your body shape, and a more full and perky silhouette, get in touch with us. Our expert team can help you understand the combination of a breast augmentation with lift, and whether it is a good option for you. Since everyone’s body shape and goals are different, the best way to get a realistic idea of your expected results is to come in for a private consultation with one of our expert surgeons.
