Breast augmentation with implants and breast uplift surgery are two popular cosmetic breast surgery procedures, and they are often combined to produce the optimal aesthetic outcome.
Known as a breast augmentation mastopexy or augmented mastopexy, this procedure aims to create a perkier, more youthful and lifted breast shape, while at the same time addressing any loss of breast volume.
Many women see changes to their breast shape and size because of the ageing process, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breast feeding. This typically presents as a drooping of the breast tissue and skin, combined with a loss of volume that leaves the breasts looking deflated.
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FAQs for Breast Augmentation Mastopexy
An augmentation mastopexy is a combination of two cosmetic breast surgery procedures. A breast augmentation involves the insertion of breast implants into the breast to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. A mastopexy or breast uplift addresses sagging skin and breast tissue to lift the breasts to a more youthful position on the chest wall and produce a perkier appearance to the breasts.
Often a standalone procedure will not adequately address concerns about breast appearance. Implants can produce a slight lift to the breast and nipple, but if you have significant ptosis, the breast tissue will drop and fall over the implant, resulting in what is known as a ‘waterfall’ effect. Similarly, a mastopexy alone cannot address volume loss in the upper pole of the breast and implants are often required to improve projection and enhance the cleavage.
You are an ideal candidate for a breast lift and augmentation if you have experienced sagging of the breast tissue and skin and a loss of breast volume at the same time and wish to improve the position, shape and size of your breasts. You should also be fit and well and have realistic expectations from surgery.
During a mastopexy-augmentation, an incision is made along the inframammary fold and vertically up to and around the nipple. Extra skin is removed from underneath the breast and the breast tissue is reshaped into a tighter cone. The nipples can be moved to a higher position, and the areola reshaped and reduced if required.
If you have experienced a loss of breast volume, implants can be placed above or below the muscle to produce a fuller shape and enhanced cleavage. Careful consideration of the implant size is essential to minimise breast droop in the future.
We may also combine this procedure with liposuction to remove excess fat from the armpit area and bra roll region.
A mastopexy-augmentation is often performed as part of a mummy makeover which aims to address unwanted changes to the breasts and abdominal area post-pregnancy and breast feeding.
After any surgical procedure, there is a chance of swelling and bruising. Less common issues are a reaction to a general anaesthetic, infection, fluid build-up, haematoma, changes in sensation, and poor scar healing. Potential risks associated with breast implants include extrusion of the implant, capsular contracture, and rupture. There is also the chance of breast asymmetry, which is why choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon is a must.
It is advised that you have someone to look after you in the initial post-surgery period, as you will feel some discomfort. Most patients return to work in a week to two weeks, depending on your occupation, as we advise you to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity in the first six weeks after surgery. Similarly, you may return to light exercise after four weeks but prevent weight lifting or high-impact workouts for at least six weeks.
In terms of results, there will be some swelling, and it can take three months before this swelling fully subsides and for the breast implants to drop into their final position. Longevity varies from patient to patient, but if you maintain a stable weight, your results should be long-lasting.
