Augmentation-mastopexy is a breast lift with implants, combining popular enhancement procedures.
A breast lift addresses sagging for a perkier appearance, while breast augmentation adds desired volume.
Comprehensive enhancement extends beyond mere considerations of size. Many women experience sagging or breast ptosis, which necessitates a surgical lift. Breast ptosis is characterized by a “droopy” appearance that can result from a combination of factors over time. In severe cases of ptosis, a loss of overall breast volume is commonly observed, making the placement of a breast implant beneficial for restoring the lost volume.
A breast lift addresses the laxity and sagging of the breasts, resulting in a more elevated and youthful appearance, while breast augmentation aims to enhance volume that has either diminished or is desired.
The aging of a woman’s breasts may result from the cumulative effects of time, sun exposure, gravitational forces, and the physiological changes associated with pregnancy. As individuals age, the skin and underlying soft tissues often exhibit increased laxity. Furthermore, significant life events such as substantial weight loss and childbirth frequently contribute to the onset of breast sagging.
Augmentation-mastopexy provides a multifaceted approach to breast enhancement, addressing a variety of aesthetic concerns.
The advantages of a breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue to elevate the breasts for a higher position on the chest. During the surgery, the areola is typically reduced in size and repositioned, while redundant skin and soft tissue are excised to eliminate sagging. The procedure reconstructs the breast, resulting in a higher, rounder shape, and may also create a smaller appearance if performed alone.
For those desiring additional volume or fullness, a breast augmentation can be combined with the lift, allowing for a more comprehensive enhancement.
Ideal candidates for this surgery often experience significant ptosis, volume loss, or have undergone changes such as pregnancy or weight loss that contribute to breast sagging.
– A complete breast makeover often involves combining breast augmentation with a lift for optimal results.
– Opting for both surgeries simultaneously allows for a single anesthesia session and recovery period.
– Combining surgeries minimizes incisions, which helps reduce scarring.
-Both procedures are elective and may be cost-effective when performed together.
– Combining breast implants with a lift increases surgical invasiveness.
– Results in a longer procedure and extended recovery time.
In the combined augmentation-mastopexy procedure, the initial step involves breast augmentation. Once the appropriate size of the enhancement is determined, the remaining breast tissue is then sculpted and customized to accommodate the new size.
There are various breast lift procedures, each designed to address progressively severe cases of breast ptosis. The techniques employed in breast lift surgeries are distinguished by their unique incision patterns. Based on the degree of breast sagging, the surgeon will select the most effective technique while striving to minimize visible scarring. The plastic surgeon will choose the lift technique based on the desired outcome of patient. The different mastopexy techniques include:
Periareolar Mastopexy
The periareolar mastopexy, commonly known as the “donut technique,” is characterized by incisions that encircle the areola, situated at the junction of pigmented and non-pigmented skin. The incision pattern resembles that of a donut. This technique involves repositioning skin and tissue to elevate the nipple to a higher position on the breast. The enhanced placement of the nipple-areola complex restores a more youthful orientation, counteracting the aging effects of gravity. This technique is the least invasive and results in a minor repositioning of the nipple-areola complex.
Vertical Scar Technique
The circumvertical mastopexy technique, is ideally suited for addressing moderate to severe cases of ptosis. This procedure involves periareolar incisions in conjunction with a vertical scar extending from the base of the areola down to just above the inframammary crease. Collectively, the incision pattern resembles a lollipop. In certain instances, a small horizontal incision may be required at the base of the breast to eliminate any residual skin or tissue redundancy; however, this scar is typically well-concealed within the breast’s natural contours.
Wise Pattern or Horizontal Scar Technique
The anchor incision technique, also referred to as Wise Pattern Mastopexy, commences similarly to other procedures with a periareolar scar and a vertical incision. However, this technique also incorporates a longer horizontal incision along the base of the breast at the inframammary fold. The anchor incision is particularly beneficial for addressing more severe cases of ptosis or for larger breasts necessitating significant tissue removal.
Recovery from an augmentation mastopexy procedure closely resembles that of a breast augmentation. Patients aftercare typically require analgesics for 24 to 48 hours post-surgery.
Most patients are able to resume driving within 2 to 3 days and return to work within 3 to 5 days. Strenuous activities, including exercise, are to be avoided for three weeks, and lifting, pushing, pulling, or straining should be refrained from for six weeks. Patients are advised to wear a sports bra for approximately 3 to 6 weeks following the surgery to support the breast shape and manage swelling, which is generally minimal in nature.
The outcomes of your breast lift surgery are immediately apparent. As time progresses, postoperative swelling will subside, and the incision lines will gradually diminish. The final results of your breast lift will manifest over the subsequent months as the breast shape and position continue to stabilize. While incision lines are permanent, they will continue to fade over time.
The results of your breast lift surgery are intended to be long-lasting. However, it is important to note that your breasts may continue to change due to the effects of aging and gravity. To prolong the longevity of your new appearance, it is advisable to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Breast lift surgery carries risks that should be carefully considered. Potential complications include anesthesia risks, bleeding, and breast asymmetry, as well as irregularities in breast contour and shape. Patients may also experience changes in nipple or breast sensation, which can be either temporary or permanent.
Additional risks involve deep vein thrombosis, fat necrosis, infection, and poor healing of incisions, along with the possibility of needing revisional surgery. It’s crucial to discuss all concerns and questions with your plastic surgeon before giving consent.
The typical cost for a breast lift procedure combined with implants generally ranges between $11,000 and $13,200. This price can vary based on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, geographical location, the complexity of the surgery, and the specific type of implants chosen.
