Breast Augmentation & Lift Overview
Breast augmentation with a lift is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to address both volume loss and sagging in the breasts. While breast augmentation primarily focuses on enhancing volume through implants, a breast lift (or mastopexy) aims to correct sagging and reshape the breast tissue. Combined, these procedures complement each other, delivering balanced and natural-looking results.
Breast augmentation DOES NOT correct severely drooping breasts. Therefore, a breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation for sagging breasts to look fuller and lifted. The breast augmentation portion of the surgery may be very similar to the procedure without lift; however breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Dr. Michael K. Kim can assist you in making this decision.
Breast Augmentation & Lift Surgery
The first step in this procedure requires placing the breast implants in a meticulously dissected pocket to give you the volume that you wish to have. The technique for this is identical to the standard breast augmentation procedure and detailed information can be found in the breast augmentation section of this website.
Just like in a simple breast augmentation surgery, implants can either be placed below the pectoral muscles or above the pectorals but below the breast tissue. Placing the implant under the muscle is a better option for women who have very small breasts, making the implants less noticeable.
In this portion of the surgery, the breasts are rejuvenated, reshaped, and lifted to a more youthful position, while at the same time, their volume is increased with the addition of well-chosen cohesive silicone gel implants.
In the second step however, following the augmentation, the skin of the breast is lifted to support this new volume, and the nipple/areola complex is also repositioned in a higher position to enhance the youthful look of your breast.
The ideal candidate for a Breast Augmentation with a Breast Lift (Augmentation & Mastopexy) are women who are dealing with both a lack of breast tissue volume and sagging in their breasts.
It is feasible to undergo both a lift and breast augmentation in one surgical procedure. This integrated approach is known as augmentation mastopexy. Dr. Michael K. Kim will often recommend it for individuals who desire both lifted and fuller breasts after a thorough consultation, ensuring it aligns with your specific anatomy and goals before proceeding.
Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation with a Lift Recovery
Mastopexy/Augmentation (lift plus implants) is performed under general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. There is minimal pain after the procedure, and this is usually controlled with simple analgesia. Dr. Kim allows showering 24 hours after surgery. A soft supportive sports bra or padded bra can be used post-op for about a month.
Most people can return to a level of daily duties the next day, but this can vary on an individual basis so when planning for this surgery we would suggest you plan to have:
- 10-14 days off work for more physical-type work
- No working out or heavy lifting for 6 weeks
Before & After Breast Augmentation
Breast Procedures
Dr. Michael K. Kim
Dr. Michael K. Kim is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years in practice and 10 years of additonal extensive specialized surgical training. Dr. Michael K. Kim has the experience, training, and accreditation you should seek when choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
