In many cases, our surgeons – Dr. John Connors and Dr. Alexandra Hart – will recommend breast implants to improve breast size. In some instances, a lift will be necessary too. Patients who wish to have fuller breasts and combat sagging due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging may benefit from a combined surgery known as a breast augmentation with a lift. This surgery is designed to lift the breast to a more elevated position while also increasing the size with an implant.

Both Dr. Hart and Dr. Connors are breast augmentation plastic surgeons with extensive experience. Our surgeons have created beautiful, natural results for Atlanta women who undergo this surgery. Women desiring fuller, shapelier, and more elevated breasts can consult with our surgeons to see if a breast augmentation with a lift is a viable option.

Quick Facts About Augmentation-Mastopexy Procedures

Recovery Time: Four to six weeks
Procedure Recovery Location: Outpatient

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Breast Augmentation With Lift Procedure
Breast Augmentation With Lift Recovery
Breast Augmentation With Lift Results
Breast Augmentation With Lift Scarring

What Does the Breast Augmentation with Lift Procedure Involve?

Breast augmentation with a lift can usually be performed as a single surgery; however, some patients will choose to undergo two separate procedures. Some women are unsure of how large they want to go or how they will feel about the breasts’ appearance after the breast lift has been accomplished. If it has been decided ahead of time that an implant will be placed during the lift procedure, it is usually positioned below the pectoralis muscle, which should add additional support to the breast and act as an “internal bra,” often resulting in a longer-lasting outcome.

In general, an augmentation-mastopexy begins with the removal of excess skin on and around the breast in order to reshape it. The procedure can be performed with varying incision patterns, such as:

All the way around the areola
Circumareolar (around the areola) with an additional vertical incision (a vertical line that will travel down the breast to the natural fold below the breast)
Full circumareolar, vertical, and horizontal incision (referred to as an anchor or inverted “T”)

During your consultation, the incision placement will be discussed after your breasts have been thoroughly assessed. Larger breasts, or those that have severe sagging, likely need the anchor-shaped incision in order to garner the best results; meanwhile, women with smaller breasts may benefit from a shorter incision. Keep in mind, however, that incision placement will depend on the patient’s current breast size, desired breast size, implant size and projection, and nipple position, as well as the precise degree of excess skin.

As the surgery progresses, the underlying muscle and tissue are typically pulled tight and lifted so that the breast sits in a higher position. In addition, the nipple is usually repositioned. For excessively large breasts, the colored part around the nipple (known as the areola) will often need to be surgically reduced. To do so, the surgeon will remove the outer circle and reposition the skin.

Breast Augmentation With Lift

Patient Results

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What Is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation with Lift?

Breast augmentation with a lift is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Because this is a combination surgery, the recovery time can last a bit longer than a lift or augmentation alone. Most patients are able to return to work in a week, but exercise and aerobic activities should be eliminated for at least four to six weeks. Women who have lived with sagging, deflated breasts are nearly always thrilled with their new breast appearance.

“Dr Connors did an awesome job for me. I am very happy with the results. The whole team is amazing, very welcoming and professional. 100% recommend them."

- Oksana B.

How Long Do Breast Augmentation with Lift Results Last?

Following an augmentation-mastopexy, it often takes a few months for the breasts to settle fully into their new position and assume a soft, natural look. After this initial period, results can last for years, provided you do not experience significant weight gain or become pregnant. Please also keep in mind that while the implants are surgically placed in a way that can protect the breasts from sagging, age and gravity are unavoidable elements that may create some natural sagging throughout the years.

Does a Breast Augmentation with Lift Cause Scarring?

Unlike breast augmentation alone where the incisions can be carefully hidden, it is hard to conceal the incisions that are made during the lift procedure. That said, the number of scars and their location will depend on the surgeon’s incision strategy.

Every effort is made during surgery to minimize scarring. With proper scar care and an avoidance of sun exposure, the scars should fade and become thinner over time. Most women feel that the physical results following this surgery far outweigh the scarring left behind.

To learn more about this versatile procedure, contact Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta to schedule a consultation.