Breast Lift with Augmentation

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston and Katy, TX

Breast Boost Houston, TX

A breast lift and augmentation is a procedure that aims to tighten loose skin and restore the breasts to a higher point on the chest wall. With the addition of implants, the breasts are lifted and excess skin is removed to comprehensively reshape and position a patient’s breasts. The combination of these procedures can enhance the chest for patients who are unhappy with their breast contour.

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The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is dedicated exclusively to excellence in the specialty of cosmetic surgery. (PRNewsfoto/American Board of Cosmetic Surg)

Ricardo Bonnor M.D., F.A.C.S is a double board-certified surgeon providing cosmetic procedures at Texas Surgical Arts in Houston. Contact us to schedule a consultation for a breast lift with augmentation, by calling (281) 579-5638.

About Breast Lift and Augmentation Surgery

Patients who have experienced pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss often lose both volume and elasticity in the breasts. Breast lift and augmentation surgery aims to renew what was lost by reshaping the breasts back to their youthful contour. This procedure incorporates two distinct surgeries and makes them one: augmentation with implants or fat transfer, and breast lift with nipple reduction and repositioning.

Stage One: Breast Augmentation

Dr. Bonnor measures and marks the new nipple position beforehand to plan out his breast augmentation procedure technique. He makes his first incision under the nipple-areola complex where the new inframammary fold will be located. Dr. Bonnor makes the breast pocket, either above or below the pectoral muscle, then places the implant before resecting any breast tissue from the bottom portion of the mound. (1)

There are two commonly used types of breast implants:

  • Saline-filled
  • Silicone-filled

Each type of implant has its advantages and disadvantages. In 2020, silicone-filled implants were used in 84% of all breast augmentation procedures, making saline-filled implants only chosen for the other 16%. (2)

Once the chosen implant type is placed by Dr. Bonnor, he moves on to the second step of the procedure.

Stage Two: Breast Lift

Dr. Bonnor uses a technique called the “short scar” or “lollipop” incision pattern for every breast lift he performs. After placing the implants, he extends the incision vertically toward the natural breast fold and removes excess tissue. The nipple-areola complex is preserved and repositioned higher on the breast mound and the incision is closed. Patients are left with a scar pattern that follows the contours of the breast and extends around the nipple. (3)

Combining these two procedures has multiple benefits:

  • Better projection of the breast
  • Increases size
  • Creates breast symmetry
  • Restructures or reduce the nipple shape
  • Reduces sagging (ptosis) of the breast mound
  • Restores youthful contour

A breast lift and augmentation surgery provides patients with the breasts they desire by enhancing their overall chest silhouette. 

Candidates for Breast Lift with Augmentation

To qualify for breast lift and augmentation, you must have a certain degree of breast ptosis (sagging), and if not, you may be a better candidate for breast augmentation alone. Ideal candidates for breast augmentation alone seek only an increase in the size of their breasts. If you are looking to lift the breast mound without augmentation, a stand-alone breast lift is a better choice.  

Preparation

Breast lift and augmentation patients must quit smoking for at least 6 weeks before their procedure, and avoid it for the duration of their recovery. They should avoid all anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen leading up to the surgery to prevent excess bleeding. Dr. Bonnor will provide a detailed list of herbal and medicinal products to refrain from using. 

Make sure to have someone you trust to drive you to and from your procedure appointment, you will be drowsy and sore after surgery. You may contact us with any questions regarding the recovery process.

Breast Lift with Augmentation Procedure

After Dr. Bonnor makes his preoperative markings, we will provide general anesthesia to keep you completely comfortable during your procedure. Depending on your specific needs, breast lift and augmentation surgery takes anywhere from 1 to 4 hours to complete. Due to the nature of breast augmentation, the first step of the procedure can be lengthy for some patients. 

After Dr. Bonnor has placed the implants, lifted your breasts, and sutured your incisions, the area is cleaned and bandaged. We will require you to wear a surgical compression bra. This must be worn at all times for at least one postoperative week. Breast lift and augmentation is an outpatient procedure. As soon as you wake up from sedation and are cleared, you may return home to begin the recovery process. 

Recovery

Typically,  breast lift and augmentation patients return to work after 7 to 10 days of resting following their surgery. You may continue your everyday activities around the second or third week depending on how you feel. It is imperative that you avoid strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks prior to your breast lift and augmentation, especially if it involves upper body movement. Once you are cleared to remove your surgical bra, we recommend wearing a sports bra or similar garment that is not underwired. 

Results

Breast Boost Houston, TX

Your skin will need some time to get used to the new breast contour and size, and it typically takes 6 to 9 months for the implants to settle into a more relaxed position. Though implants are not considered a lifetime device, they usually last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, barring any complications. You will be free to enjoy your new breast contour for many years after your breast lift and augmentation.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

For patients who have experienced pregnancy, Dr. Bonnor offers mommy makeovers, a combined procedure that often includes breast lift, augmentation, or both. During a mommy makeover, patients can receive any combination of the following procedures:

Dr. Bonnor offers many ways to look and feel your best. After a person gives birth or breastfeeds, the breasts often lose volume and can start to sag. In combination with breast lift and augmentation, a mommy makeover can also remove excess abdominal skin with the inclusion of a tummy tuck. (4) 

Liposuction can help contour the thighs, abdomen, arms, and many other parts of the body that can gather extra fat during pregnancy. A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) can utilize the fat extracted during liposuction to enhance and shape the buttock without the use of implants. There are endless possibilities with a mommy makeover as the procedure is always personalized for every individual patient.

How Much Does Breast Lift and Augmentation Surgery Cost in Houston?

Your individualized breast lift and augmentation cost will depend on your type of implant, degree of breast ptosis, and other factors. Dr. Bonnor provides an established price estimate during your consultation.

Call us directly at (281) 579-5638 to schedule your first appointment at Texas Surgical Arts.

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know whether I need a breast lift, augmentation, or both?

Patients who require both a breast lift and augmentation present with a certain degree of ptosis (sagging), and are looking to increase the size of their breasts as well as restore a more youthful contour. If you want to increase your breast size, but have little sagging, you may not need a breast lift.

On the other hand, a breast lift can take the place of an augmentation in certain patients who have enough existing breast tissue. During your private consultation, you can discuss the unique details of your treatment plan.

Can a breast augmentation also include a breast lift?

Absolutely. For patients who desire both increased volume and a lifted appearance, combining a breast augmentation with a breast lift can provide comprehensive results.

Can I receive a breast lift and augmentation to fix asymmetry?

For some patients, implants of different sizes can be used to create symmetrical breasts during this procedure. However, it is important to remember that no breasts are exactly symmetrical, so a certain degree of asymmetry may still be present even after a breast lift and augmentation is performed. 

Is there a possibility of sensation loss of the nipple after the procedure?

Most patients experience sensation loss on or near the nipple-areola complex after their breast surgery. As you heal, your sensation typically returns after the first few months of recovery.

How do I find the right size implants for me?

During your consultation, Dr. Bonnor will meticulously measure your current breast size and surrounding physique to determine the size of implant that will fit your body. Make sure to come into this appointment with an idea of what you are looking for or a range of outcomes that you desire. 

References

  1. Swanson E. All Seasons Vertical Augmentation Mastopexy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2016;4(12). https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001170
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. PLASTIC SURGERY STATISTICS REPORT 2020.; 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2020.pdf
  3. Abdelkader R, Raafat S, Sakr W, Abdelaziz M, ElNoamany S. Augmentation Mastopexy: A Five-step Standardized Strategy Approach. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(6). https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004349
  4. Khavanin N, Jordan SW, Vieira BL, et al. Combining Abdominal and Cosmetic Breast Surgery Does Not Increase Short-term Complication Rates: A Comparison of Each Individual Procedure and Pretreatment Risk Stratification Tool. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2015;35(8). doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv087