Augmentation with Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Oswego, Portland, OR and Woodburn, OR

An augmentation with lift (or mastopexy) is a cosmetic procedure in which the breasts are both lifted and the shape and size are enhanced in one surgery. If you are concerned with the size of your breasts and the position of your nipples, an augmentation with lift can improve your chest contour and reposition the breasts for a more youthful appearance. The upper pole of the breast decreases with age and after pregnancy, making this combination surgery a viable option for many different patients with varied cosmetic goals. 

As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr Quita Lopez performs optimized and comprehensive surgeries for her patients in Portland, OR, and beyond. At Aesthetic Laser Center, Dr. Lopez values safe and accessible medical care. If you are seeking to change your breast silhouette, schedule your private consultation with her by filling out this contact form or by calling (503) 353-0888.

Before and After Photos

Breast Lift with Augmentation Before & After Patient #7437
Breast Lift with Augmentation Before & After Patient #7437
Breast Lift with Augmentation Before & After Patient #7442
Breast Lift with Augmentation Before & After Patient #7442
Breast Lift with Augmentation Before & After Patient #7402
Breast Lift with Augmentation Before & After Patient #7402
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About Breast Augmentation and Breast Lifts

Compared to other cosmetic breast surgeries, augmentation with lift allows for two very specific alterations to change the chest’s appearance: size increase and visible, structural change. This procedure corrects all aspects of breast ptosis (sagging) and lost upper pole volume caused by weight fluctuation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the aging process. Our skin loses elasticity due to time, sun exposure, and other aspects of living, and the breast lift portion of this procedure helps restore projection and overall breast shape. (1)

Breast Augmentation with Lift Combination

A breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure where silicone implants are safely placed either above or below the pectoral muscles of a patient to enhance their breast size. When performed on its own, implants can be placed through three typical incision patterns: under the lower crease of the breast (inframammary), through the armpit (transaxillary), or around the nipple (periareolar). After the incisions are made, Dr. Lopez creates a breast pocket and places the implant in the correct position. However, when combined with a breast lift, more complicated incision patterns are used to remove excess skin and reposition the nipple-areolar complex. (2)

To gain access to the breast tissue and create the breast lift, the incisions may run along the breast crease, vertically down from the nipple toward the crease, around the nipple, and any combination of the three. The incisions used are determined by the degree of sagging and excess skin, as well as the size and chosen type of implant. At Aesthetic Laser Center, we offer both silicone and saline-based implants in many different sizes and projections. After placing the implant, Dr. Lopez removes excess skin and repositions the nipple up higher on the breast mound. (1)

Benefits of a Breast Augmentation with Lift

An augmentation with lift results in an enhanced breast size and overall appearance for the patient. Combining these two different breast surgeries into one procedure provides the following benefits:

  • Improved breast appearance
  • Improved breast projection
  • Youthful chest contour
  • Increased breast size
  • Reduced asymmetry
  • One recovery period

Patients who seek an entirely enhanced breast contour often gain confidence and a self-esteem boost after receiving augmentation with lift from Dr. Lopez. The procedure is extremely customizable and personalized to each patient. 

Ideal Candidates

For patients seeking both a size enhancement and a lifting effect of the breasts, augmentation with lift allows for both in one streamlined surgery. You must be in good health and a non-smoker to undergo the procedure. Dr. Lopez considers those who smoke if they are willing to quit during the weeks leading up to their augmentation with lift and during recovery. 

If you are looking for a breast augmentation without a breast lift, Dr. Lopez performs many augmentations on their own. The same is true for breast lifts. She will assess your needs and aesthetic desires during your private consultation.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Lopez

During your private consultation at Aesthetic Laser Center, you will meet with Dr. Lopez to discuss your medical history and cosmetic goals. This appointment will be your time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure process and what it will be like to receive breast implants. Dr. Lopez will lead you toward the implant type that fits your needs and meets your cosmetic desires. She will perform a physical examination of the treatment area and may order a mammogram, and blood tests. Your procedure will be scheduled along with all follow-up appointments during this consultation. 

Preparation

Refrain from any use of NSAIDs like aspirin leading up to your surgery to avoid excessive bleeding during and after the procedure. Avoid alcohol and nicotine products as they interfere with the healing process. We require you to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment and to ask a trusted person if they can stay with you for the first couple of nights following your augmentation with lift procedure. You will be unable to drive yourself home.

Augmentation with Lift Procedure

Dr. Lopez starts the procedure process by marking the treatment to plan out her incisions. She will choose the optimal pattern to both successfully remove the correct amount of excess skin and avoid over-scarring. Once you are marked and ready for surgery, Dr. Lopez and her surgical team administer general anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

During the first steps of an augmentation with lift, Dr. Lopez makes an incision around the nipple-areolar complex and maneuvers through the breast tissue to create the implant pocket. After the implants are in place, she creates the incisions that separate the nipple-areola complex from the surrounding tissue. If reshaping the area, Dr. Lopez uses a circular measurement to predict the new nipple size before making her incisions. After measuring and safely separating the nipple, she extends her incisions according to your treatment plan and removes excess tissue from the underside of the breast. She repeats the same steps on the other breast and sutures them in multiple layers to relieve tension from the skin incision sites.

Augmentation with lift procedures typically take around 2 to 4 hours to complete depending on the patient’s treatment plan.

Recovery & Results

You will likely be tired and sore after your procedure. Augmentation with lift is an outpatient surgery, so we release you from our care quickly and allow you to go home when you are ready. Please take all medications prescribed by Dr. Lopez as directed. The most discomfort happens within the first 3 or 4 days of recovery.

Patients typically take 1 to 2 weeks off of work after an augmentation with lift procedure. Your breasts will swell and possibly bruise for the first 2 to 3 weeks as they start to heal. Please avoid vigorous activity and heavy lifting for at least 3 weeks after your surgery. Breast augmentation and lift scars often fade to a dull pink as they heal.

Your breast may seem hard and too high at first, but the implants settle and the contour becomes more natural with time. Your breast contour will be more symmetrical, fuller, and your nipples will be lifted to a more youthful position.

Corresponding Procedures: Mommy Makeover

Mommy Makeover

A breast augmentation and lift can be one aspect of a mommy makeover. This popular combination surgery typically includes an amalgamation of complete breast enhancement, a tummy tuck, liposuction, a butt lift, and vaginal rejuvenation treatments. Designed for patients who have experienced pregnancy or massive weight loss, a mommy makeover can create total rejuvenation of the body in one surgery. Whether you are self-conscious about the loose skin around your abdomen, or you have extra fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, combining these procedures can help you address multiple concerns at one time. 

To learn more about mommy makeovers, follow our blog.

Cost of Augmentation with Lift in Portland, OR

This combination procedure varies in price between patients. Dr. Lopez will explain your cost breakdown in great detail during your private consultation. Patients often save money and experience shorter healing times by combining these two procedures. 

If you are ready to improve your breast profile, schedule your consultation with Dr. Lopez today. Call our Lake Oswego office at (503) 353-0888.

FAQ

At what age is augmentation with lift recommended?

Ideal candidates for augmentation with lift are generally adults who are in good health and seek enhancement in breast appearance. While age is not the sole determining factor, most patients considering this procedure are typically between 35 to 65 years old.

What level of discomfort can be expected after augmentation with lift surgery?

Postoperative discomfort following augmentation with lift surgery is typically mild, with most patients describing a sensation of tightness rather than severe pain. Any discomfort usually subsides within a few weeks after the procedure, allowing patients to enjoy their enhanced breast appearance with minimal discomfort during recovery.

References

  1. Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
  2. Abdelkader R, Raafat S, Sakr W, Abdelaziz M, ElNoamany S. Augmentation Mastopexy: A Five-step Standardized Strategy Approach. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(6):e4349. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004349