What are the benefits of combining breast augmentation and a breast lift?

Breast augmentations and breast lifts are two popular cosmetic surgeries that are often performed together to provide patients with comprehensive breast enhancement results. To maximize the benefits of breast augmentation, it can be a good idea for the right patient to combine it with a breast lift.

A breast augmentation involves placing breast implants to increase breast size and improve breast shape, while a breast lift involves reshaping and lifting sagging breasts to a more youthful position. Combining both procedures offers numerous benefits to patients, including improved breast volume, enhanced breast shape and increased confidence. In fact, this is a great way to get the most out of surgery for certain patients.

You might be wondering if you should combine your breast augmentation with a breast lift (or vice versa) if you're planning to have either of these procedures. Let's explore some of the main benefits of combining these two forms of breast surgery.

Improved breast volume

One of the most significant benefits of combining augmentation with a lift is improved breast volume. As women age, their breasts can lose volume and shape due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss and aging.

Breast augmentation can restore breast volume via the insertion of breast implants, while a breast lift can reshape and reposition the existing breast tissue. The combination of both procedures can result in fuller, more youthful-looking breasts that have a more natural appearance.

Enhanced breast shape

Breast augmentation alone can enhance breast size, but it does not address issues such as sagging, uneven breast position or stretched-out nipples. A breast lift, on the other hand, can address these issues by removing excess skin and tightening the breast tissue while also repositioning the nipple and areola.

A lift done on its own won't significantly alter the size of the breasts, but augmentation on its own isn't enough to address sagging breasts. By combining breast augmentation with a breast lift, patients can achieve the best of both worlds – an improved breast shape with increased fullness and perkiness.

One of the advantages of combining these surgeries is that since the breast lift will move the breasts to a better position and correct their shape, patients won't need to have as much volume added to their implants. The appearance of the breasts will look much better in general compared to having either surgery on its own, as the breasts are lifted and enlarged at the same time.

Increased confidence

Breast augmentation with a breast lift can also boost patients' confidence in their appearance. Women who feel self-conscious about sagging, asymmetrical or small breasts can benefit from the combination of both procedures.

The improved breast size and shape can give patients a more proportionate and attractive figure, which can boost their self-esteem and improve their quality of life.

Less time spent on planning and recovery

Another advantage of combining breast augmentation with a breast lift is that patients can enjoy a shorter recovery time compared to having each procedure performed separately. Combining both procedures means that patients only have to undergo one surgery and one recovery period, reducing the time and expense associated with multiple surgeries.

Patients with pre-existing implants may not have needed to get a breast lift at the time of their original breast augmentation surgery, but they may decide to have one later in life. In many cases, a breast lift can be done later if you've already had breast implants. This will be possible, as long as the breast implants are still in good shape – but in some cases, we may recommend that the patient has a breast implant replacement combined with their breast lift.

The takeaway

Combining breast augmentation with a breast lift offers numerous benefits to patients. The procedure can improve breast volume, enhance breast shape, increase confidence and reduce downtime.

If you are considering breast enhancement surgery, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if combining breast augmentation with a breast lift is right for you.