Do I Need a Breast Lift After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Whether you’ve already undergone breast implant surgery or are still considering your options, it’s likely that you’ve come across information about breast lifts. The breast lift procedures are another popular breast surgery that shares similar goals with breast augmentation and can sometimes be beneficial for breast augmentation patients. Here’s what to know about a breast lift after breast augmentation and whether it’s right for you.

What does a breast lift do?

A breast lift, sometimes called mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts sagging breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. It doesn’t make the breasts bigger or smaller, but rather gets rid of stretched, sagging skin and repositions the nipple to be above the breast crease. It’s a popular choice for women who have undergone pregnancy or weight fluctuations that result in deflated or sagging breasts.

Can a breast lift be combined with breast augmentation?

One of the most effective plastic surgery combinations is a breast lift with implants. In fact, it’s a staple in mommy makeover procedures for postpartum women. This is because it combines the benefits of a breast lift (repositioning the breasts and correcting sagging) with adding implants to restore volume. The outcome is more complete and transformative results. It can even be customized to your exact needs, whether you want to restore your breasts to their natural fullness and size or you want a more augmented look.

Can a breast lift be performed with pre-existing implants?

If the breast augmentation did not provide the intended result and there remains breast sag, it is possible to undergo a breast lift. It is important that the implants be in good condition and not experience any complications such as capsular contracture. If your implants are still in good condition, then your board-certified plastic surgeon can simply lift them into a more upright position. If not, your implants may need to be replaced during surgery. Your plastic surgeon can make the right recommendation based on your circumstances during your consultation.

Do breasts sag after breast augmentation?

Unfortunately, breast augmentation cannot stop the effects of gravity and aging. It also doesn’t stop changes in your breasts if you become pregnant after breast augmentation. Even after getting breast augmentation, your breasts and implants will begin to sag again at some point. This is partly because of the added volume by the implants (especially if you opted for larger implants). If you underwent breast augmentation many years ago and are now experiencing implant sagging, then a breast lift can help. In some cases, a surgeon may perform breast augmentation when in fact a breast lift with augmentation should have been performed to achieve the best result possible.

Do I need a breast lift after breast augmentation surgery?

This question can be tough to answer without the perspective of a board-certified plastic surgeon. Generally, the same guidelines for a breast lift apply with breast augmentation as without. This means you can generally benefit from a breast lift if your breasts and implants have begun to sag beneath the natural breast crease (or your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease).

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re interested in learning more about a breast lift with implants, Dr. Joseph Cruise can help you learn more. Schedule your consultation at his Newport Beach office by calling or contacting them online.