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Mr. Haitham Khashaba, Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Stockton-on-Tees, Newcastle, Darlington // Specialties // Breast Surgery // Procedures // Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastopexy)

What is Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastopexy)?

A breast lift with implants, also known as augmentation mastopexy, is a combined surgical procedure that combines a breast lift (mastopexy) with breast augmentation using implants. This combined procedure is typically chosen by women who desire both a lift to address sagging or drooping breasts and an increase in breast size.

The two components of the procedure involve:

  • Breast lift: This addresses sagging or drooping breasts by removing excess skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipples and areolas to a higher position. Mastopexy can restore a more youthful and uplifted appearance to the breasts.
  • Breast augmentation with implants: This involves placing breast implants to enhance the size and fullness of the breasts. Implants are commonly used to add volume, improve breast shape, and achieve the desired breast size.

Combining these procedures allows women to address both sagging and volume loss simultaneously.

Indications for Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastopexy)

Breast lift with implants surgery is often recommended for women who have experienced changes in breast shape and size due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or ageing.

Preparation for Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastopexy)

In general, preparation for breast lift with implants surgery may involve the following:

  • Routine medical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging studies to ensure the patient is in good health for the surgery and to assess your breast anatomy, skin quality, and degree of sagging to determine the appropriate surgical plan.
  • You will be asked if you have allergies to any specific medications, anaesthesia, or latex.
  • You should inform your doctor of any medications or supplements that you are taking.
  • If you are on certain medications, your physician may adjust or temporarily stop them, especially those that affect blood clotting, for a defined period.
  • It is highly recommended to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and after surgery, as active smoking is associated with several risks including delayed wound healing.
  • You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 6 hours prior to surgery.
  • A signed informed consent form will be obtained from you after the pros and cons of the surgery have been explained.

Procedure for Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastopexy)

In general, breast lift with implants or augmentation mastopexy will involve the following steps:

  • You will be administered either general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation to keep you comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
  • Your surgeon will make incisions based on the predetermined surgical plan. Common incision options include:
    • Around the areola (periareolar incision)
    • Vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease (lollipop or vertical incision)
    • An inverted T-shaped incision, also known as an anchor incision, which includes an incision around the areola, a vertical incision, and a horizontal incision along the breast crease.
  • This is followed by breast lift or mastopexy in which excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped to achieve a more lifted and youthful appearance. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher location on the breast.
  • Next, your surgeon works on breast augmentation in which a pocket is created to accommodate the breast implants. The pocket can be either beneath the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath the chest muscle (submuscular). Breast implants are inserted into the pockets to achieve the desired increase in breast size and fullness. The choice of implant type (silicone or saline) and size is determined based on your goals, body proportions, and the surgeon's recommendations.
  • The incisions are carefully closed with sutures, and the surgical site may be covered with dressings or surgical tape.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

In general, postoperative care instructions and recovery after breast lift with implants surgery may involve the following:

  • You may notice sensitivity, tenderness, swelling, and bruising over the breast. Medications are provided as needed to address these, including antibiotics to prevent the risk of surgery-related infection.
  • Instructions on wound care and bathing will be provided to keep the incision area clean and dry.
  • Refrain from any strenuous activities and/or exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks to promote healing.
  • You are recommended to wear a surgical bra or sports bra for about 3 to 6 weeks following surgery to help reinforce shape, facilitate recovery, and for comfort.
  • You should be able to resume working and other daily activities approximately 1 week to 10 days following surgery, but may have certain activity restrictions.
  • Other aftercare instructions to avoid complications and achieve the best possible clinical outcome include:
    • Avoid alcoholic beverages for at least two weeks, as alcohol can interfere with the healing process.
    • Avoid contact sports for at least six weeks to avoid damage to the implants.
    • Avoid heavy lifting to allow the incisions to heal correctly.
    • Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
    • Eat foods high in protein.
    • Maintain an adequate fluid intake.

Risks and Complications

Breast lift with implants is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery some risks and complications may occur, such as:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Scarring
  • Healing issues
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Implant-related complications
  • Capsular contracture (formation of firm scar tissue around the implant)

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