What is a Breast Lift with Implants?
A breast lift with implants, medically termed a breast augmentation mastopexy, is a combination procedure designed to resolve the limitations of both a breast augmentation and a breast lift, respectively. While a breast augmentation is primarily intended to improve breast shape and volume, the procedure does not substantially correct the appearance of sag. Similarly, a breast lift is meant to enhance the positioning and projection of the breasts, but does little to increase breast fullness. To address these concerns, Santa Barbara plastic surgeon Wesley G. Schooler, MD offers a comprehensive breast lift with implants surgery to raise the breasts to a more youthful position while simultaneously utilizing implants to add volume. In this way, the procedure can yield the benefits of both breast surgeries in a single operation and recovery period.
“Thank You Dr. Schooler, You did a great job! My breasts look great and I am getting so many compliments!”
-Breast Augmentation Patient
What Can a Breast Lift with Implants Do?
If your cosmetic goals include enhancing the shape and/or volume of the breasts as well as minimizing the look of sag, this powerful procedure can rejuvenate your breast aesthetic in a number of ways. Depending on your goals for surgery, the procedure can typically:
- Add volume to the breasts
- Enhance the breast symmetry and shape
- Elevate the breasts to a more central, youthful position
- Diminish the appearance of sag
- Improve breast projection
- Resize/reposition the nipple-areolar complexes
Ultimately, a breast lift with implants can achieve a firmer, fuller, and younger-looking breast appearance all at once.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift with Implants?
The best candidates for this combination surgery seek to enlarge their breasts as well as correct the look of breast ptosis, wherein the breasts start to sag as a result of genetics, aging, weight fluctuation, gravity, or other factors. For this reason, women who have lost breast volume and projection from pregnancy and nursing often achieve beautiful results with a breast augmentation mastopexy. That said, this procedure should generally be pursued after a patient is finished with childbearing and breastfeeding, as these events can undo the outcome attained from breast surgery.
Individuals considering a breast lift with implants should also be healthy enough to undergo surgery and maintain realistic expectations for the procedure. If you are unsure whether you would benefit from a breast lift with implants, Dr. Schooler can review your concerns during a consultation and help you determine the most ideal treatment to fulfill your aesthetic goals. In certain cases, patients can achieve superior results with other breast enhancement options, such as a breast reduction.
How is the Breast Lift with Augmentation Procedure Performed?
Typically, a breast augmentation mastopexy is performed as an outpatient procedure utilizing general anesthesia. At the time of operation, Dr. Schooler is very meticulous about placing incisions in the natural contours of the breasts whenever possible to create a natural-looking outcome. Your options for incision placement include around the borders of the areola, encircling the areola with an additional incision extending to the breast crease, or in an anchor-shape fashion around the areola and across the breast fold. The best incision location for your unique procedure will be determined by the extent of lift required to achieve your desired look.
After placing the incisions, Dr. Schooler will perform the breast lift portion of the procedure by removing excess skin causing the appearance of sag, and subsequently tightening the remaining tissue. Once he has elevated the breasts to a more central positioning on the chest wall, Dr. Schooler will create a pocket for the implants and reshape the breasts to achieve the desired contour.
What is Breast Augmentation with a Lift Recovery Like?
The recovery period for a breast lift with implants generally involves about one week of downtime, with most patients returning to their full routines within one to two weeks. Swelling, bruising, tenderness, or stiffness are normal for the first few days after surgery. These reactions should subside with time, but oral pain medications can manage any post-operative discomfort. Exercise and strenuous work should be avoided for six weeks, or until cleared by Dr. Schooler. It may take time for the implants to fully settle, but the final outcome typically improves as recovery progresses.
How Much Does a Breast Lift with Implants Cost?
As the breast lift with implants procedure is tailored according to the unique needs and goals of each individual, the price of surgery will also vary from patient to patient. Factors that generally impact the cost of treatment include the surgical technique used, the extent of concerns being addressed, the type of implants utilized, and the overall complexity of the procedure. Due to the personalized nature of this operation, an accurate cost estimate cannot be determined until you are evaluated in a consultation.
Generally speaking, the national average price of a breast lift with implants is approximately $8,750, with the cost ranging anywhere from $4,525 to $12,775. This figure is calculated based on patient reviews from RealSelf.com and does not account for price variations across geographic locations, or the expertise of your plastic surgeon. To help you accommodate your budgetary needs, our practice works with CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit— two of the leading plastic surgery financing companies in the country. With an array of flexible payment plans to choose from, qualified applicants can receive the enhancement they desire through low monthly installments that enable them to pay for their treatment over time. If you have any questions about the cost of a breast lift with implants, or would like a member of our team to walk you through the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
For more information about a breast augmentation mastopexy, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schooler, please contact our practice today.