Many women experience changes in their breast appearance, including sagging and loss of volume. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that aims to restore the youthful appearance of the breasts by lifting and firming them. While a breast lift can effectively address these concerns, combining it with other procedures can maximize results and streamline recovery.  In this post, we will discuss three cosmetic procedures that perfectly pair with a breast lift, along with their specific benefits.
Understanding Breast Lifts
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and reposition the breasts, creating a more youthful appearance. It’s an excellent option for women experiencing breast ptosis (sagging) due to factors such as:
– Aging
– Pregnancy and breastfeeding
– Significant weight fluctuations
– Genetics
While effective on its own, a breast lift can be enhanced by combining it with other procedures.
Benefits of Combining Procedures
Pairing a breast lift with complementary surgeries offers several advantages:
- Reduced overall recovery time
- Comprehensive body contouring
- Cost-effectiveness
- Harmonious results
Let’s explore three procedures that synergize well with breast lifts.
1. Breast Lift + Breast Augmentation
What It Is
This combination procedure involves inserting breast implants during the lift surgery.
Benefits
– Adds volume to the breasts
– Improves overall shape and projection
– Addresses both sagging and size concerns simultaneously
Procedure Overview
- Incisions are made
- Implants (silicone or saline) are inserted
- Breast tissue is reshaped and lifted
- Incisions are closed
Your Plastic Surgeon will help you determine the best implant type, size, and placement based on your goals and anatomy.
As a plastic surgeon practicing in Torrance, CA for almost 25 years, I often recommend combining a breast lift with implants. This procedure, known as an augmentation-mastopexy, can be an excellent option for several reasons:
- Address multiple concerns simultaneously:
- A breast lift alone can raise and reshape sagging breasts, but it doesn’t add volume.
- Implants alone can increase size, but they can’t significantly lift very saggy breasts.
- Combining the two procedures addresses both sagging and volume loss.
- Achieve more comprehensive results:
- The lift repositions the nipple-areola complex and reshapes the breast tissue.
- The implants provide additional volume and can improve upper pole fullness.
- Customize the outcome:
- We can tailor the size and shape of implants to meet your desired look.
- The lift can be adjusted to create the most flattering breast shape for your body.
- Efficiency:
- One surgery means one recovery period, reducing overall downtime.
- It’s often more cost-effective than having two separate procedures.
- Long-lasting results:
- The combination can provide longer-lasting results than either procedure alone, especially for women with significant sagging.
- Improved proportion:
- This combination can help achieve better overall body proportions, especially if you’ve lost breast volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
Factors to consider:
- The degree of ptosis (sagging)
- The quality and elasticity of your skin
- Your desired final cup size
- The type, size, and placement of implants
During a consultation, we would discuss your goals, examine your breast tissue, and determine if this combined approach is the best option for you. Every patient is unique, and what works best for one may not be ideal for another.
Do you have any specific concerns or questions about combining a breast lift with implants?
2. Liposuction + Breast Lift
What It Is
This procedure combines a breast lift with targeted fat removal in surrounding areas.
Benefits
- Enhances overall upper body contours
- Addresses stubborn fat deposits
- Creates a more balanced silhouette
- More dramatic transformation than either procedure alone
Procedure Overview
- Breast lift incisions are made
- Small additional incisions for liposuction
- Fat is removed using a specialized device
- Breast tissue is reshaped and lifted
- All incisions are closed
As an experienced Plastic Surgeon, I often recommend combining a breast lift with liposuction for many patients. This combination can provide excellent overall results for body contouring. Let me explain why this pairing can be beneficial:
- Comprehensive upper body contouring:
- The breast lift addresses sagging and reshapes the breasts.
- Liposuction can target areas around the breasts, such as:
- Armpit area (axillary fat)
- Bra roll (fat along the bra line on the back)
- Upper abdomen
- Sides of the chest (lateral chest wall)
2. Enhanced breast appearance:
- Removing excess fat around the breasts can accentuate their new, lifted shape.
- It can create a smoother transition between the breasts and surrounding areas.
- Improved body proportions:
- Combining these procedures helps create a more balanced upper body silhouette.
- It can address both breast sagging and stubborn fat deposits in one surgery.
- Single recovery period:
- As with other combined procedures, you only go through one recovery process.
- This can be more convenient and cost-effective than separate surgeries.
- Customizable treatment:
- We can tailor the amount of lift and areas of liposuction to your specific needs and desires.
The procedure typically involves
- Performing the breast lift first
- Then, strategically removing fat from the targeted areas using liposuction
- Both procedures are usually done under general anesthesia
Recovery considerations
- Recovery time is generally 2-3 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedures.
- You’ll need to wear a surgical bra and compression garments on liposuctioned areas.
- Swelling and bruising are common but will subside over time.
- Full results are typically visible after 3-6 months when all swelling has resolved.
During a consultation, we would discuss your goals, examine your body type, and determine if this combination is suitable for you.
Do you have any specific questions about how breast lift and liposuction might work together for your particular situation?
3. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) + Breast Lift
What It Is
This combination pairs a breast lift with abdominal contouring surgery.
Ideal Candidates
- Women who’ve experienced significant weight loss
- Post-pregnancy bodies
- Those with loose abdominal skin and weakened muscles
Benefits
- This combination addresses both the breasts and abdomen, creating a more harmonious overall body contour.
- Single recovery period: You’ll only need to go through one recovery process instead of two separate ones.
- Cost-effective: While still a significant investment, combining procedures can reduce overall costs related to facility fees and anesthesia.
Procedure Overview
- Breast lift is performed
- Abdominal incision is made
- Excess skin and fat are removed
- Abdominal muscles are tightened
- Remaining skin is redraped
- All incisions are closed
Choosing the Right Combination
Selecting the best procedure combination depends on various factors:
- Your aesthetic goals
- Body type and proportions
- Overall health
- Recovery time availability
- Budget considerations
The procedure:
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): This will raise and reshape sagging breasts, reposition the nipples, and potentially reduce areola size if desired.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): This removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles.
Recovery:
- Hospital stay: Typically 1-2 nights, depending on the extent of the surgery.
- Time off work: Usually 2-3 weeks, though it can vary based on your job’s physical demands.
- Full recovery: Most patients feel back to normal after 6-8 weeks, but complete healing can take several months.
Post-operative care:
- Wear compression garments as directed.
- Avoid strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks.
- Follow all care instructions for incision sites.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
It’s crucial to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
I can certainly discuss combining a breast lift and tummy tuck procedure, which is often part of a “Mommy Makeover.” This combination is quite popular, especially among women who have experienced changes in their bodies due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. Let me break this down for you
Do you have any specific questions about the breast lift and tummy tuck combination?
Conclusion
A breast lift can be a highly effective way to restore the youthful appearance of the breasts. However, when combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty, a breast lift can help to achieve a more comprehensive and desirable outcome. It is essential to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Ronald Rosso to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
