Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS
Award-Winning, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon
Premiere Destination for Finest Injectables & Skin Care
Breast Lift with Augmentation
A breast lift with augmentation is a transformative procedure designed to restore both the shape and volume of the breasts, creating a more youthful and lifted appearance. For women experiencing sagging, loss of fullness, or asymmetry due to aging, pregnancy, or significant weight changes, this dual procedure combines the benefits of a breast lift and breast implants. In Philadelphia, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Louis P. Bucky customizes each surgery to suit the unique anatomy and aesthetic goals of his patients, helping them achieve a natural, balanced result. Whether you’re looking to enhance your breast size, correct sagging, or simply restore your pre-pregnancy shape, a breast lift with implants can provide lasting, beautiful results.
What is a Breast Lift with Augmentation?
A breast lift with augmentation, also referred to as augmentation mastopexy, is a combination cosmetic procedure that enhances breast size while addressing sagging or loss of volume. The surgery involves inserting breast implants to increase size and improve shape, along with lifting the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.1 This dual approach restores a firmer, more youthful breast profile, making it an ideal solution for women looking to achieve both fuller breasts and a lifted appearance. Many patients choose this procedure after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight changes, or due to the natural aging process.
Benefits of a Breast Lift with Implants
A breast lift with implants provides several benefits, including:
- Increased breast volume for a fuller appearance2
- Correction of sagging and drooping, lifting the breasts to a more youthful position3
- Enhanced breast shape and improved symmetry
- Customizable results to match your aesthetic goals, such as implant size and placement
- A single recovery period for both the lift and augmentation
- Boost in self-confidence and body image
- Long-lasting results with proper care
Preparing for Your Procedure
Before undergoing your breast lift with augmentation, Dr. Bucky will conduct a comprehensive consultation to ensure the procedure is fully customized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals. During this consultation, your medical history will be reviewed in detail to ensure your safety. Dr. Bucky will also share before and after photos of previous patients, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect from your results.
Pre-operative photographs of your own breasts will be taken as part of the planning process. These photos help track your progress and guide the surgery to achieve your desired look. Once your procedure is scheduled, you will receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including any necessary adjustments to your current medications.
For patients over 40, a recent mammogram is recommended as an additional safety measure. You will also need to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you to and from your surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours afterward.
The Breast Lift with Augmentation Procedure
A breast lift with augmentation is an outpatient procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. The inframammary incision, made under the breast along the natural fold, allows Dr. Bucky greater control over implant positioning, often resulting in quicker recovery and minimal visible scarring. Additionally, this approach leaves natural breast tissue intact, typically allowing patients to continue with regular breast exams and breastfeed if desired.
When performing the breast lift, Dr. Bucky uses the Short-Scar Breast Lift technique, which eliminates the need for the traditional “anchor” scar. Depending on the extent of lift required, incisions may be limited to a circular scar around the areola or a vertical/horizontal scar. This technique is often more complex than a standard breast augmentation and is tailored to factors such as skin quality, breast weight, and the degree of sagging.
Once the appropriate incisions are made, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissues are lifted to a more youthful position. The implants are then inserted and positioned to achieve the desired shape and size. After the lift and augmentation are complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, and dressings are applied to support healing. Patients typically return home the same day with the assistance of a friend or family member.
Recovery After Breast Lift with Implants
Recovery after a breast lift with augmentation is supported by Dr. Bucky’s customized post-operative program, designed to ensure a smooth and efficient healing process. Most patients are advised to wear a surgical or support bra during the first week to aid in healing and provide gentle compression. It’s essential to rest, avoid strenuous activities, and refrain from heavy lifting during this time to promote optimal recovery.
Dr. Bucky’s innovative Rapid Recovery protocol allows many patients to resume daily activities, such as driving, within just a few days. In fact, most patients experience minimal discomfort, often requiring only over-the-counter pain medication for pain relief. Many are able to return to light exercise within two weeks.
Additionally, Dr. Bucky’s patients have access to the exclusive Bucky Body Center, a state-of-the-art recovery facility designed to enhance the healing process. Through personalized treatments aimed at reducing swelling and inflammation and improving overall wellness, this facility offers a unique experience to help expedite recovery and optimize surgical results.
With continuous support from Dr. Bucky’s team, including access to a personal nurse for any questions, patients can feel confident that their recovery will be as smooth and comfortable as possible.
FAQs About Breast Lift with Augmentation
Ideal candidates for a breast lift with implants are women who have sagging breasts due to factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging and wish to restore volume and lift. Candidates should be in good overall health, have stable weight, and maintain realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.
Dr. Bucky carefully plans incisions to minimize visible scarring. Depending on the lift technique and implant placement, scars are typically placed in areas that can be concealed by clothing or swimwear. Scars will fade over time and, with proper care, become less noticeable.
Most women retain the ability to breastfeed after this procedure, especially when breast tissue is preserved.4 However, it’s important to discuss your breastfeeding goals with Dr. Bucky during your consultation so the best surgical approach can be chosen to minimize any risk.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, implant rupture, and anesthesia-related risks. Dr. Bucky will go over these in detail during your consultation to ensure you understand all possible outcomes.
While the results of a breast lift with implants are long-lasting, they can be affected by aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. Following post-operative care instructions and maintaining a stable weight can help prolong your results.
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, so they may need to be replaced or removed in the future. The timing of replacement can vary depending on personal preferences, implant type, and lifestyle.
Yes, a breast lift with implants can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a tummy tuck, as part of a more comprehensive body contouring approach like a mommy makeover.
Why Should Dr. Bucky Perform My Breast Lift with Augmentation?
Dr. Bucky’s extensive background in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery has given him a significant knowledge base and makes him uniquely suited for more complex breast lift surgery.
Dr. Bucky is an invited National Speaker and Award-Winning surgeon about breast augmentation and mastopexy, recognized by peers and media like Newsweek, goop and more.
He has served as Co-Chairman of the New England Society of Plastic Surgeons New York Workshop on advances in Augmentation and Mastopexy.
Contact Us
If you’re considering a breast lift with augmentation and want to learn more about your options, Dr. Bucky and his team are here to help. With personalized care and a focus on achieving natural-looking results, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique goals. To schedule a consultation at our conveniently located offices in Philadelphia or Ardmore, contact us today. We look forward to helping you feel confident and rejuvenated.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the benefits of combining breast augmentation and a breast lift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-combining-breast-augmentation-and-a-breast-lift. Accessed October 8, 2024.
2 ASPS. Breast Augmentation. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation. Accessed October 8, 2024.
3 Mayo Clinic. Breast Lift. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-lift/about/pac-20393218. Accessed October 8, 2024.
4 Schiff M, Algert CS, Ampt A, Sywak MS, Roberts CL. The impact of cosmetic breast implants on breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Breastfeed J. 2014 Oct 17;9:17. doi: 10.1186/1746-4358-9-17. PMID: 25332722; PMCID: PMC4203468. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4203468/. Accessed October 8, 2024.
Dr. Bucky has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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