Breast Lift with Augmentation
A breast lift with augmentation, also known as augmentation mastopexy, is a procedure that combines two of the most popular breast enhancement surgeries to add volume, reshape, and lift the breasts. Aging, pregnancy, genetics, and weight fluctuation (either through diet and exercise, or with the help of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide) can all contribute to sagging breast tissue and loss of fullness in the upper breast, leading to a “deflated” appearance. Many women who seek either a breast lift or breast augmentation in Fort Worth find that combining these two procedures provides them with the best results.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby performs breast lift with augmentation surgery in Fort Worth to help her patients achieve a youthful, shapely breast contour.
Female Plastic Surgeon Fort Worth
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Over 12 years of experience in private practice
- Founder and Medical Director of Kirby Plastic Surgery, Kalos Medical Spa, and City Surgery Center—a Quad A-accredited, state-of-the-art facility located onsite
- Specialist in breast surgery and body contouring, including postpartum
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2019
- First female Chief of Plastic Surgery, Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Hospital
How is breast augmentation mastopexy performed?
Dr. Kirby performs breast lift with augmentation surgery by removing excess skin, lifting the breast tissue, and increasing breast fullness with the placement of an implant.
Where will my incisions be?
Dr. Kirby can perform a variety of different techniques depending on the degree of drooping and your goals for a breast lift with augmentation. The different incisions include:
- “Lollipop” or Vertical: One incision is made around the areola and another is placed vertically from the bottom of the areola to the inframammary fold in a “lollipop” shape. This method is best for most breast changes associated with pregnancy.
- Inverted T or “Anchor”: Incisions are placed around the areola, vertically from the areola to the natural breast fold, and along the inframammary fold in an “anchor” shape. This method is ideal for correcting significant sagging and for breast changes occurring after massive weight loss.
- Peri-areolar or “Donut” or “Benelli”: A full circle incision is made around the outer edge of the areola. This technique is most often used for mild sagging or areola resizing.
- Crescent: One incision is placed around part of the areola in a crescent moon shape. This technique is best for correcting minor sagging or for nipple positioning.
You and Dr. Kirby will work together to choose which technique will work best for your breast size, shape, and position.
Will I need a breast lift with my augmentation?
Dr. Kirby shares some of the reasons her patients decide to combine a breast lift with augmentation.
Video transcript
“Many women who come to the office have a pretty good idea ahead of time if they need a lift or not, some don’t. During your exam, we will talk about the different features that lead someone to want or need a lift and if augmentation is recommended at the same time. These patients often have a history of weight-loss, excessive sun exposure, smoking, or breastfeeding, or are concerned about a droop of the breast. Most of the time, augmentation and mastopexy, or lift, can be performed safely at the same time.” – Dr. Emily Kirby
What are my implant options?
During your personalized consultation with Dr. Kirby, she will make breast implant recommendations based on your natural anatomy and desired outcome. In addition to size, you will need to decide what type of implant best suits your needs. There are two main types of implants from which to choose: saline and silicone gel. Each offers different benefits and can affect what type of implant placement will be required during your surgery. Dr. Kirby will work closely with you to help determine which options will provide you with your desired results.
How long will my breast augmentation mastopexy take?
A breast lift with augmentation typically takes around 2 hours, though this time may vary based on your individual surgical plan.
What kind of anesthesia will I have?
Augmentation mastopexy is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Kirby will discuss your options with you during your consultation.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Adds volume and fullness to the breasts
- Lifts breasts into a more youthful and perkier position
- Addresses nipple size, shape, and position as needed
- Corrects asymmetries
- Reverses changes related to childbearing or weight loss
- Augmentation Mastopexy: The medical term for a procedure that combines breast lift and augmentation, enhancing the breast’s size and shape while also lifting sagging breast tissue.
- Breast Implants: Medical devices placed under the breast tissue or chest muscles to increase breast size and improve shape, used in conjunction with a lift in this procedure.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): A surgical procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.
- Capsular Contracture: A potential complication of breast implant surgery where scar tissue that forms around the implant tightens and causes the breast to feel firmer than normal.
- Dual Plane Technique: A breast augmentation approach where the implant is placed partially under the pectoralis major muscle and partially under the breast tissue, often used in breast lift with augmentation to achieve a natural look and feel.
- General Anesthesia: Medication administered to induce sleep and relaxation during breast surgery.
- Implant Profile: The degree of projection of the implant from the chest wall, with options ranging from low to high, chosen based on the patient’s body type and desired outcome.
- Inframammary Fold Incision: A surgical cut made in the fold under the breast, commonly used in breast lift with augmentation, as it allows direct access to place the implant and adjust the breast tissue.
- Mammoplasty: The general term for surgical procedures on the breast, including lifts and augmentations.
- Nipple-Areola Complex: The pigmented area surrounding the nipple, often repositioned or resized during a breast lift to achieve a proportional, natural-looking result.
- Periareolar Incision: An incision made around the edge of the areola, used in some breast lift with augmentation procedures to minimize visible scarring.
- Ptosis: The medical term for breast sagging or drooping, classified into degrees based on the position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold, which a breast lift aims to correct.
- Recovery Time: The period after surgery during which the patient heals. This includes time for swelling and bruising to subside, and for the patient to gradually return to normal activities, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Recovery can be streamlined, but not rushed.
- Silicone Gel Implants: A type of breast implant filled with silicone gel, known for its natural feel, used in breast lift with augmentation procedures.
- Subglandular Placement: Placement of the breast implant between the breast tissue and the chest muscle, an option for some patients undergoing breast lift with augmentation.
How do I prepare for breast augmentation mastopexy surgery?
Prior to any procedure, it is necessary to review medications you are taking that may affect your surgery. You may be asked to stop or adjust some medications you are on. As always, it is important to include supplements on your list of medications. Aspirin and aspirin products (Alka-Seltzer®, Carisoprodol, Excedrin®, Goody’s®, Midol®), anti-inflammatory medications (except acetaminophen, or Tylenol®), and herbal supplements must be avoided for 10 days prior to your surgery. For more details about which medications and supplements to avoid, click here. Dr. Kirby will discuss your medications with you.
Depending on your medical condition, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical checkup prior to your surgery. You may also be asked to have an updated mammogram prior to your surgery if you have not had one recently. Tobacco products impair your body’s ability to heal. You will be asked to stop smoking for 6 weeks prior to any surgery. Tobacco step-down products such as chewing gum and Nicoderm® continue to provide your body with tobacco and must be stopped as well. Please ask Dr. Kirby if you will need assistance with quitting. Be sure to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your surgery. You will need someone to stay with you the night following your surgery as well. You will receive specific instructions for your surgery day from Dr. Kirby’s office.
Real patient images from Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby
*Individual results may vary.
What are the risks?
Although rare, risks of surgery include capsular contracture, which may necessitate additional surgery to release the scar or removal of the implant. Your implant may need to be removed if it ruptures. Most breast lift with augmentation scars are visible on the bare breast, but are easily hidden by clothing. Some lifting techniques hide the scars in inconspicuous areas, though not everyone is a candidate for this type of procedure and Dr. Kirby will need to evaluate your breasts and goals. Other risks include infection, bleeding, malposition of the breast implant, implant rippling or palpability, and permanently altered nipple sensation.
References »
Qureshi AA, Myckatyn TM, Tenenbaum MM. Mastopexy and Mastopexy-Augmentation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018 Mar 14;38(4):374-384. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjx181.
Layt CWL. Augmentation Mastopexy:: Planning and Performance for Predictability: Management of Complications. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2021 Jan;48(1):45-57. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2020.09.002.
Pferdehirt R, Nahabedian MY. Finesse in Mastopexy and Augmentation Mastopexy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2021 Sep 1;148(3):451e-461e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000008303.
Austin RE, Saheb-Al-Zamani M, Lista F, Ahmad J. Periareolar Augmentation-Mastopexy. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2019 Aug 22;39(9):953-965. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjz128.
Sarosiek K, Maxwell GP, Unger JG. Getting the Most Out of Augmentation-Mastopexy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2018 Nov;142(5):742e-759e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000004961.
“I visited three plastic surgeons before deciding to go with Dr. Kirby. She gave the best explanation of my options and which was best for my body. She and her staff are so down to earth and friendly, I just felt like it was the right place to be. It has been about 2 months since my surgery and I’m so excited with my results.”
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily J. Kirby — Updated on Dec 12, 2024