A woman's breasts change as she ages. Over time, breasts lose their elasticity, fullness, firmness and overall youthful appearance. Gravity, pregnancy, breast feeding and weight loss can contribute to these changes and cause women to become dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts.

What is a Breast Lift with Augmentation?
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, raises and firms sagging breasts back to youthful appearance. Augmentation is insertion of an implant to increase breast size. Together, a breast lift with augmentation raises, contours and increases volume to an enhanced version of the woman's most prime, younger self. Both procedures are performed as part of one surgery.

How Does the Procedure Work?
There are several types of incisions for a breast lift with augmentation. The amount of skin to be removed and other factors will help the surgeon determine the best method for individual patients.

To raise and firm the breast, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is tightened. An implant is then placed either under the muscle or behind natural breast tissue to provide fuller, more contoured shape. As a woman's areola may have enlarged over time, a nipple diameter reduction may also be conducted.

What Types of Implants are Available?
For a breast lift with augmentation, candidates may select either silicone or saline filled prostheses. Silicone breast implants contain gel and generally produce a more natural, softer result. Saltwater solution fills saline implants, which are sometimes preferred by women as they are harmless to the body if the implant ruptures. During a consultation visit, the plastic surgeon consults with each individual patient to determine which type is most appropriate for their body and desired outcome.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Lift with Augmentation?
Good candidates for this surgical procedure are otherwise healthy women whose breasts sag, are no longer shapely, lack firmness or whose areolas are enlarged with nipples pointing downward. Whether due to aging, motherhood, or other causes, breasts that no longer appear youthful can be restored and enhanced to a contoured, firm and rejuvenated appearance.

What is Recovery Like?
Patients often have more questions about recovery from breast lift and augmentation, than they do about the surgical procedure, itself. It is normal to be concerned about recovery and the surgeon will help alleviate those concerns during the consultation.

Generally, patients who have a breast lift with augmentation return to work and typical routine about one week following surgery. Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising and itching around the incisions can be expected as normal side effects from this procedure. Those effects will subside in a few weeks. It is recommended that patients wait about four weeks following surgery to perform any strenuous or vigorous activities.

More comprehensive aftercare instructions will be provided by staff as part of the surgical consultation. There will also be follow up appointments to check results and incisions and to ensure that breasts are healing properly. Most breast lift with augmentation patients are overwhelmingly pleased with their results and confess that outcome is well worth the recovery.