Breast lift with implants

What is a Breast lift with implants?

This procedure combines a Breast lift with a Breast augmentation in a single operative session. The lift is used to reposition the breast higher on the chest while the implant is used to give, or restore, upper pole fullness at the top of the breast. This procedure may be performed for cosmetic purposes, or as part of a reconstructive procedure.

We perform the combination Breast lift with augmentation on a frequent basis and find that when a lift and augmentation are done at the same time, less skin has to be removed, therefore resulting in less scarring.

A full discussion of Breast lift without an implant may be seen by reading our Breast lift procedure information page.

What problems does a Breast lift with implants address?

I liked how my breasts looked when I was pregnant. Now they look deflated. -a Maryland patient
It's normal for the breasts to sag as you grow older. The breasts, like the rest of the body, tend to sag with age. The sagging can be exacerbated by childbirth, genetics, stretch marks on the breast skin, weight gain, and weight loss. Many women seeking a breast lift in our Baltimore office wish to regain the full, pert, projecting breast that they had in their teens and some say they dislike the scooped out appearance of the breasts and the loss of fullness in the upper part of the breast. As we age, the breast skin and ligaments that hold the breast to the muscle beneath (the structures that support the breast) become stretched and weaker. Women who find they liked the fullness of their breasts during pregnancy better than post-pregnancy are good candidates for a breast lift with implants. Augmenting while lifting the breast often solves the following concerns:
  • sagging or 'hanging' breasts
  • loss of fullness in the top portion of breasts
  • loss of shape and volume
  • stretch marks on the breasts
  • asymmetry of one or both breasts

What if I can't decide if I need a Breast Lift with my implants? Can you show me a case study of implants placed with and without a Breast lift?

If you are contemplating whether your Breast augmentation should include a lift, it might be helpful to see my blog post about a patient who had her breast augmentation procedure performed both ways - with and without a lift. For the first surgery she did not elect to have a Breast lift. However, in the second procedure she did get a Breast Lift. See what a difference a Breast lift can make with implants!

How is a Breast lift with implants performed?

Your Breast augmentation and Lift procedure is performed by me, Dr. Rodriguez, in our AAAASF Accredited Surgery center located here in Baltimore. I use IV sedation instead of General anesthesia to make your recovery as quick as possible. For the utmost safety, your anesthesia is administered only by board certified anesthesiologists. Breasts sag when the skin gets looser and when the amount of breast tissue decreases. There are two ways to tackle the problem. The problem of loose skin is covered with the Breast lift (mastopexy) procedure. To address the issue of loss of volume or fullness in the breast, a Breast augmentation (implant) is often recommended at the same time as the lift. The breast implant fills up the extra skin of the breast. Breast implants manufactured by Allergan Corporation and Mentor Corporation work well to restore the fullness that was in the upper aspect of the breasts. In some cases with just slight sagging of the breasts, an implant alone without any additional Mastopexy (Breast lift) may lift the breast. In most cases, the implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle and the breast lift is then performed. The shape of the breast mound is usually better when both breast augmentation and breast lift are performed together. The placement of an implant (even a small one) will fill out the top part of the breast and improve the projection. This additional weight on the chest may accelerate the rate of ongoing breast ptosis if the implant is placed above the muscle. For this reason, the implant is usually placed below the muscle.

Is that too much surgery to do on the breast all at one time?

No. We perform the combination Breast lift with Breast augmentation on a frequent basis. The down time for a Breast lift with implants is no more than if either procedure was performed alone. We find that when Mastopexy (Breast lift) and Augmentation are done at the same time, less skin has to be removed, therefore resulting in less scarring. Most of our mastopexy-augmentations are done using the crescent or partial circumareolar incision. Only in very droopy breasts do we use the 'lollipop' incision. To get a better idea of the various techniques and the types of scars associated with each one, see our blog post that covers the scars associated with different breast techniques.

Can I get more cleavage from a Lift with implants?

Yes, increased cleavage is easily attained with this procedure. However, there are two types of cleavage: medial cleavage and upper pole fullness. I discuss the difference between the two in his blog post covering the types of breast cleavage. In this YouTube video, you can see me talk about how the shape of the anterior part of your chest affects how your breast implants will ultimately look. Beyond cleavage, we will also be discussing implant sizes and types of implants during a breast lift with augmentation consultation and I will explain all of the options you'll need to consider in choosing the perfect implant to meet your specific goals.

Do I need GalaFLEX®  or Durasorb® soft tissue support with the Breast Aug Mastopexy procedure?

If you are selecting a large implant,  I may recommend Durasorb® or  GalaFLEX soft tissue support This can be thought of as an 'internal tissue bra'.  This is a surgical scaffold which is placed BELOW the silicone implants.  It will give the tissue 3-4 times more support than the native tissue.  This is the best way to support the implants in their original placement. Other candidates for the soft tissue scaffold are patients who have had recurring problems with implant drop out or capsular contracture.  GalaFlex and Durasorb are both fantastic products that hold implants in place.   The product itself costs approximately $2000 , and it does take extra time in the Operating Room to place the material during the procedure. Patients should expect to pay an additional $3300 for this internal mesh support.

What are the preoperative requirements?

No smoking sign.After your consultation, you'll be able to work with our patient coordinator to schedule your Breast lift with implants procedure. The pre-op requirements are as follows:
  • We require all of our patients to get medical clearance within 30 days of your surgery date. For this clearance, an H&P (history and physical) and a CBC blood test are the minimum requirements for healthy adults. This can be done by your primary care doctor or a walk in clinic if you do not have a primary care provider. However, the clearance must be signed by an M.D.
  • Read the Informed Consent document for your procedure. Write down any remaining questions you may have.
  • Schedule a pre-op appointment with Dr. Rodriguez to review the surgical plan, get the prescriptions, ask questions, and sign the informed consent forms.
  • STOP smoking 2 weeks prior to your surgery.
  • Do not take aspirin or herbal products two weeks prior to surgery.
  • On the night before your surgery, do not to eat or drink anything after midnight.

What is Breast lift with implants Post-Op recovery like?

Following your Breast lift with implants you'll be given specific post-op instructions to follow. You'll likely have swelling and soreness four to six weeks. If you have opted for a pain pump, you'll be wearing it for 2 to 5 days following your surgery to help minimize post-op pain.
  • follow up appointments on day 2, at 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months
  • drains removed at first post-op follow up appointment, 2-3 days post op
  • some swelling for 4 to 6 weeks

What are the risks and possible complications?

Any surgery poses a certain amount of risk and potential complications. Potential complications include, but are not limited to:
  • infection
  • poor scarring
  • seroma (accumulation of fluid)
  • implant issues (wrinkling, leakage, rupture)
  • capsular contracture
  • asymmetry

How much does Breast lift with implants and internal mesh support cost?

Through April 2024, Breast Lift with implant prices at our Baltimore location are as follows:
Breast Lift Mastopexy with Implants 2024 Price (exp 5/1/24)
with Silicone Implants $8,900-$9900
with Silicone Implants and GalaFLEX or Durasorb $12,200-13,200
Prices for our Baltimore location include the surgical fee, anesthesia fee (board certified anesthesiologist), the facility fee (AAAASF accredited), and EXPAREL pain control injection. Call the office at 410-494-8100 or contact us to make your appointment!

Pink money box.Can I finance my Breast lift with implants?

Yes, we work with a number of finance companies so that you can have a low, affordable, monthly payment. Please call our office at 410-494-8100 or see our financing section for more information.

Dr. Ricardo L. Rodriguez's signatureModified on |
Board Certified Plastic Surgery, ASPS Member

NOTICE

Patients depicted in our before and after galleries have provided their written consent to display their photos online. Every patient is unique, and surgical results may vary. Please contact us if you have any questions.