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Breast Lift with Implants

For many women, a breast lift can correct the appearance of sagging breasts for a more elevated look and firmer skin. Additionally, patients often pursue breast augmentation to achieve fuller and more shapely breasts. When combined, the two procedures can help women address a more comprehensive range of aesthetic concerns with exceptional results.

At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Gene Sloan, MD is dedicated to helping patients feel their best, both inside and out. He is extensively trained and experienced with numerous breast enhancement surgeries. Dr. Sloan also strives to create a comfortable and communicative environment in his office, so patients know their safety and satisfaction are top priorities.

What Are the Benefits of Combining a Breast Lift with Implants?

A breast lift with implants, also known as breast augmentation-mastopexy, can address a variety of concerns patients have about the appearance of their breasts. This combination of treatments can:

Increase breast volume and fullness
Improve breast symmetry
Elevate breasts to a more youthful position
Reduce ptosis (sagging) by removing excess skin and tightening remaining breast tissue
Reposition nipples and areolas

Who Is a Candidate for a Breast Lift with Implants?

Typically, ideal candidates for a breast lift with implants procedure are those who desire a “perkier” breast projection along with increased size/volume. Patients who may be experiencing sagging breasts and excess skin caused by the natural aging process, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other factors may be good candidates for this procedure if they also wish for a volume or shape enhancement to their breasts.

Patients may not be ideal candidates if they are planning to have more children or lose a significant amount of weight in the future. Those weight fluctuations and physical changes can affect the breasts, potentially altering the results from the procedure. Dr. Sloan will conduct a detailed consultation to determine whether patients are ideal candidates for this procedure and to address any questions or concerns.

What Types of Breast Implants Are Used?

While there is a wide variety of breast implant options, the two most common implant types are saline and silicone.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with a saline solution and surrounded by a silicone shell. This type of implant can be filled after being inserted, allowing for size and shape adjustments after placement. FDA-approved for patients 18 years and older, saline implants can often be placed with a smaller incision and typically provide a rounder appearance.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are filled and encompassed by silicone material. The implants are placed at a predetermined size and are usually thicker than saline implants. Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for those over the age of 22 and are known for having a more natural look, closely resembling the natural look and feel of breast tissue.

How Is the Breast Lift with Implants Procedure Performed?

The breast lift with implants surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. In situations where only minor lifting is required, Dr. Sloan finds it acceptable to perform the procedures at the same time. In cases of more severe ptosis, he may suggest performing the breast lift first, and then perform a breast augmentation three or more months later. During the consultation, Dr. Sloan will assess a patient’s level of ptosis and discuss implant options, incision techniques, and implant placement.

There are also situations where it is not so clear-cut that both operations are needed. In the case of a woman who wants larger breasts and has only minor sagging, it is perfectly acceptable to put the implants in first and then see how everything looks before determining whether or not perform a mastopexy. Frequently, in cases of severe ptosis, particularly when the patient wants the same size or smaller breast, a mastopexy will be performed at the initial stage. Many of these patients will elect to not even get implants so they do not have to deal with the potential complications and additional cost of those implants.

If performed at the same time, Dr. Sloan will begin by placing the incision in the previously determined location. He will remove excess skin and then tighten the remaining skin for a more lifted and youthful look. To make room for the breast implants, Dr. Sloan will create a pocket either above or under the pectoralis major muscle. In addition to breast implants placement, the nipples and areolas will be reduced, resized, or repositioned if necessary.

How Is Recovery Following a Breast Lift with Implants?

Recovery time can vary from patient to patient, as everyone’s body heals differently. Many return to their daily routines and work a couple of weeks after surgery. Dr. Sloan advises patients to avoid strenuous activities and workouts for several weeks to promote safe healing.

Swelling, bruising, and initial tenderness are common experiences after the procedure, though those feelings typically subside throughout the recovery process. Patients are often satisfied with the immediate results, but even more so as the breast implants settle into a more natural-looking position.

For more information about the breast lift with implants procedure, please contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sloan.