Breast Lift with Implants (Mastopexy/Augmentation)

Weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, the natural aging process, and the effects of gravity can change the shape, volume, and overall appearance of your breasts over time. Diminished skin elasticity combined with the loss of breast volume can cause your breasts to droop or sag and appear deflated. By performing a breast lift with implants, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis can rejuvenate your breasts and achieve a beautiful, youthful shape.

Some women think that an implant alone is all they need to rejuvenate their breasts. But after loss of breast volume seen after pregnancy, weight loss and aging, a skin tightening procedure may also be needed to achieve the best possible results. If an implant is placed alone in droopy breasts, it typically fills the upper part and the end result is called a “Snoopy” breast, because the lateral breast profile looks like the dog Snoopy’s nose!

• What Is a Breast Lift with Implants?
• Benefits of Breast Lift with Implants
• Candidates for Breast Lift with Implants
• Breast Lift with Implants Procedure
• Breast Lift with Implants Recovery
• Breast Lift with Implants Cost

What Is a Breast Lift with Implants?

A breast lift with implants combines a traditional breast lift procedure with breast augmentation to simultaneously address volume loss and excess skin that may be causing your breasts to droop. By removing any excess or redundant skin, your breasts can be restored to a more elevated position. Adding implants then allows Dr. Koumanis to further improve the projection and overall shape of the breasts and provide you with the larger volume that you desire.

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Lift with Implants?

There are a wide range of advantages that can be achieved by undergoing a breast lift with implants. These benefits may include:

• Elevated position of the breasts on the chest wall
• Resized smaller areolas and/or upwardly repositioned areolas and nipples
• Increased breast volume
• Improved symmetry between the breasts
• Enhanced body proportions
• A more “perky,” youthful appearance with more upper breast cleavage or fullness

Many women who choose breast lift with implants also report a boost in self-confidence after their procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift with Implants?

Candidates for breast lift surgery with implants typically wish to address several of the following concerns:

• Sagging or drooping breasts
• Enlarged areolas
• Diminished breast volume
• Asymmetrical breasts

Oftentimes, candidates for a breast lift with implants are mothers who wish to rejuvenate the appearance of their breasts after changes have occurred due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. In some cases, these patients choose to incorporate a breast lift with implants into a more comprehensive mommy makeover plan which may include liposuction done elsewhere and a tummy tuck to enhance their figure. Candidates should keep in mind that a future pregnancy may compromise the results of the procedure. Dr. Koumanis recommends that women wait until they have completed their families, and are done having pregnancies, before doing a breast lift with implants to enhance the longevity of their results.

How Is the Breast Lift with Augmentation Procedure Performed?

Each breast lift with implants procedure is customized to meet the unique needs of the patient. The lift and augmentation are usually done on the same day at our Joint Commission-accredited office surgery facility. Dr. Koumanis typically begins with the augmentation portion of the surgery. Once the implant is properly placed, any excess skin can be removed while the remaining skin and the nipple and areola are lifted to further support and shape the breast. Dr. Koumanis will then repeat the same process on the other breast to achieve a balanced, symmetrical appearance. The breast lift with implants surgery is considered an outpatient procedure, is performed under general anesthesia, and can typically be completed in three to four hours.

What Is Breast Augmentation with a Lift Recovery Like?

As with any surgery, you can expect mild soreness, swelling, and bruising after having a breast lift with implants. Any postoperative discomfort can be easily managed with oral pain medication, and discomfort should quickly resolve over the course of a week or two. Dr. Koumanis recommends that you wear a special compression bra which we supply after your surgery to aid in the healing process. The majority of our patients return to work or their normal daily activities within one week of their procedure. Lifting of heavy objects and strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks, and swimming, tub bathing or hot tub use (submerging your breasts in water) for 8-12 weeks.

How Much Does a Breast Lift with Implants Cost?

There is no fixed cost for a breast lift with implants since every procedure is customized depending upon the patient’s needs and expectations. The type of implant, the incision type, the location of the implant, and the overall complexity of the procedure, such as whether a partial or full breast lift is needed, can all impact the final price. At the end of your initial consultation, Dr. Koumanis will provide you with a personalized quote for your custom procedure. Patients who could benefit from low monthly payment plans with little to no interest may take advantage of our flexible plastic surgery financing options.

Additional Breast Lift with Implants FAQs

Will a Breast Lift Make Me Look Smaller?

A breast lift alone does not remove breast tissue, so it should not significantly reduce your breast size. However, because excess skin is removed and the breasts are reshaped into a more elevated position, some patients feel their breasts look a bit smaller after surgery. In reality, the breasts simply sit higher and appear firmer rather than fuller. If you are worried about losing volume, or would like to be larger, combining a lift with implants is a great way to restore fullness while still achieving that lifted, youthful shape.

Do I Need Breast Implants with My Lift?

Not necessarily. It depends on your goals and the current condition of your breasts. If you are happy with your size and simply want to correct sagging or drooping, a breast lift alone may be all you need. However, if you have experienced significant volume loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes and want a fuller look, adding implants will give you results that a lift alone cannot. During your consultation, Dr. Koumanis will evaluate your anatomy and listen to your goals to recommend the best approach for you.

Is the Breast Lift with Implants Procedure Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, breast lift surgery — with or without implants — is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. Because the goal is aesthetic improvement rather than treating a medical condition, insurers typically classify it as an out-of-pocket expense. There may be rare exceptions if a documented functional issue is present, but this is uncommon. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider directly. For patients who need help with cost, we offer flexible financing options with low monthly payments and little to no interest.

Can I Still Breastfeed After a Breast Lift with Implants?

Many women are able to breastfeed after a breast lift with implants, though the ability to do so can vary depending on the techniques used and your individual anatomy. Dr. Koumanis takes great care to protect the nipple, areola, and underlying breast tissue during surgery, which helps maintain the best chance of retaining breastfeeding function. That said, no surgeon can guarantee that breastfeeding ability will be fully preserved. If you are planning to have children in the future, it is important to discuss this with Dr. Koumanis during your consultation so that your goals and concerns can be factored into your surgical plan.