If you want breasts that are both higher and fuller, combined breast augmentation and mastopexy (breast lift) surgery may be right for you. Generally, this two-part procedure is recommended for women who have experienced a marked loss in breast volume due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or genetic factors.

During a mastopexy, breast tissue is restructured so that both the breasts and nipples sit higher on the chest, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Mastopexy does not, however, increase the volume of the breasts. As such, if volume has also been lost (or the patient simply wishes to have more volume than was previously present), an augmentation may also be recommended. Having both surgeries at once reduces total healing time and gives the patient complete control over creating the perfect look for herself.

Am I A Good Candidate For A Breast Lift With Implants?

Typically, older women are good candidates for combined augmentation-mastopexy surgery. As women age, they often lose volume on the upper portion of their breasts, leading to not only a loss of breast perkiness, but size as well. Because a breast lift cannot restore this missing volume, augmentation surgery is needed to restore the breasts to their former size and shape.

In some cases, however, younger women may also be good candidates for augmentation-mastopexy surgery. Women who have had multiple pregnancies, for example, or who have lost in excess of 30 pounds, may also experience a significant loss of breast volume and firmness. Finally, if you’ve had implants before and need to get them replaced, having a lift at the same time may be recommended if the weight of the implants has contributed to sagging. Regardless of your age, your surgeon will probably recommend a breast lift if your nipples sit lower than the crease under your breasts or if the distance between the base of your throat and your nipples is greater than 18-22 centimeters.

To determine whether or not you should have both augmentation and a lift performed, think of how you want your breasts to look after the surgery: Do you want them the same size as they are now, but perkier? If so, you should skip augmentation. If, on the other hand, you also want your breasts to look fuller, you should consider augmentation. Note that if you’re not comfortable with the idea of having saline or silicone implants inserted, you may be able to opt for a fat transfer instead. Make sure to discuss all of your different options with your surgeon so that you can collaborate on creating a treatment plan that is right for you.

Finally, don’t hesitate to bring in “wish pictures” (preferably from the plastic surgeon’s portfolio) that depict how you would like your breasts to look after surgery is performed. A picture really is worth a thousand words when it comes to creating a surgery plan: It will be much easier for your surgeon to suggest the right procedure for you if he or she can actually see what you want. To schedule a consultation at the Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery, call 410-744-0900.