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Breast Lift with Implants

For those interested in a fuller, perkier, and more youthful breast aesthetic, a breast lift with implants may be an ideal treatment option. This combination procedure can give you the lifting and shaping benefits of a breast lift along with the volumizing effects of a breast augmentation—all in the same surgery. Our board-certified Greensboro plastic surgeon Mary Ann Contogiannis, MD has extensive training and experience that enables her to deliver exceptional, natural-looking results. Your safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities, and our team is here to support you throughout your cosmetic enhancement journey.

What is a Breast Lift with Implants?

A breast lift with implants—also commonly referred to as an augmentation-mastopexy—is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to help improve the shape, position, and projection of the breasts while also adding volume. This is accomplished by lifting and reshaping the breasts for a more desirable symmetry and projection before placing implants to increase size and fullness. Dr. Contogiannis can help you select the optimal implant size, type, and placement location in order to best meet your goals.

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

Ideal candidates for a breast lift with implants are those who wish to obtain larger, fuller breasts  while also resolving some degree of breast sagging or drooping. Sagging breast tissue—also called breast ptosis—can be influenced by a number of factors, including age, weight fluctuations, genetics, and smoking. Breast sagging is also especially common amongst those who have experienced pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, both of which are associated with reduced breast volume and increased skin and tissue laxity. An augmentation-mastopexy essentially combines a breast augmentation with a breast lift in order to help restore lost volume while raising the position of the breasts for a fuller, perkier, more youthful aesthetic. The procedure can be performed on its own, or it can be included as a part of a comprehensive post-pregnancy mommy makeover.

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What Are My Breast Lift with Implants Options?

When it comes to choosing the right implants, many patients are unsure which option will help them achieve optimal results. Fortunately, Dr. Contogiannis has years of experience helping people obtain their desired breast aesthetics. During your consultation, she will go over the various options with you and help you choose the implants best suited to your goals. 

Saline Implants

Saline breast implants have been in use for decades, and they have helped countless patients obtain safe and reliable breast enhancement. This type of implant is made up of a silicone shell that is filled with a saline (saltwater) solution. The implants are typically filled to the correct size after they have been placed within the breast pocket, often enabling Dr. Contogiannis to utilize a smaller incision. Saline implants are FDA-approved for patients 18 and older. 

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are a popular choice amongst those interested in breast augmentation, since their texture and composition enables them to feel more like natural breast tissue. Filled with a fluid silicone gel, this type of implant comes in different shapes (round vs. teardrop). Dr. Contogiannis can help you determine which style is best suited to your needs during a consultation. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for patients 22 and older. 

What Can I Expect From the Breast Lift with Implants Procedure?

Once you and Dr. Contogiannis have determined the optimal type, size, and placement location of your implants, a custom treatment plan can be created. One of the major benefits of undergoing a breast lift with implants is that you essentially obtain the benefits of both a mastopexy and a breast augmentation with only one surgery.

Surgery typically begins with the excision of excess tissue and the repositioning of the breasts. Depending on the degree of breast sagging being addressed, different incision patterns may be employed. For minor lifting, a small incision circling the areola can often be used. For a more moderate lift, the incision will go around the areola and then extend down vertically towards the breast crease. This type of incision is sometimes called a “lollipop” pattern. In cases where a significant amount of skin and tissue removal is needed to achieve the desired outcome, an additional incision may be made along the inframammary fold, creating an anchor-like shape.

Dr. Contogiannis uses these incisions to remove excess skin, tighten the remaining tissues, reposition the breasts higher on the chest wall, and improve shaping and symmetry. Once this is done, she will create pockets for the implants. The implants are then placed and the incisions closed. If necessary, the nipple-areolar complex can also be resized or repositioned.

What is Recovery After a Breast Lift with Implants Like?

One of the major keys to achieving optimal results is carefully following all of Dr. Contogiannis’s aftercare instructions. Patients should get plenty of rest, wear their surgical bra until told otherwise, and take their postoperative medication as directed. Any strenuous aerobic activities should be avoided for at least a month after surgery. Patients should also try to sleep on their back as much as possible, especially during the first week of recovery. This helps limit movement of and around the implants.

Bruising, swelling, tingling, numbness, and stiffness are all common after surgery, but they should fade as healing progresses. Many patients are excited to be able to see their new shape emerging as the swelling subsides, and they can look forward to enjoying their fuller, perkier, more youthful breasts for years to come.

What Will My Breast Lift with Implants Scars Look Like?

As with any surgical procedure, some degree of scarring is inevitable. That said, Dr. Contogiannis has extensive skill and experience with placing scars so that they are as discreet and unobtrusive as possible. The extent of the scarring typically depends on the techniques used during surgery, but all of the incision patterns are designed to be easily hidden by a bra or swimsuit. The scars should also fade and lighten significantly over time. Dr. Contogiannis can recommend additional wound care and scar reduction treatments should you desire. 

How Much Does a Breast Lift with Implants Cost? 

The cost of an augmentation-mastopexy is typically dependent on a number of different factors, including:

  • The type of implants selected
  • The surgical techniques employed
  • The complexity of the procedure
  • The amount of surgical work needed

Once Dr. Contogiannis has had a chance to assess your personal goals for the procedure, a custom treatment plan can be devised. From there, a member of our staff can give you a personalized cost estimate for the procedure. Our office accepts a number of payment options, including financing through third-party healthcare lenders such as CareCredit® and Alphaeon®. If you have any questions or concerns about the cost of a breast lift with implants, please reach out to us. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you with anything you may need. 

If you would like to learn more about breast lifts with implants, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Contogiannis, please contact us today!