Augmentation Mastopexy
Often known as a breast lift with implants, is a surgical procedure that combines breast augmentation and breast lift to increase the size, alter the shape, and raise the position of the breasts on the chest.
An augmentation mastopexy (breast lift with implants) combines the benefits of a breast augmentation, in terms of improving the shape and contour of your breasts, with those of a mastopexy, which elevates your nipples to a higher, more aesthetically-pleasing position on your breasts. Gravity, ageing, pregnancy and breastfeeding all have a negative impact on how our breasts look, adversely affecting skin quality as well as size and shape. An augmentation mastopexy can dramatically improve the appearance of sagging breasts and restore a more youthful appearance.
The surgery involves inserting a breast implant in the first instance, before removing the excess skin and elevating your nipple and areola to the centre of your breast mound. Initially, your new breasts will feel firm and quite high on your chest and it can take a number of weeks for them to settle into a more natural shape and position. The combined procedure is technically more challenging than performing either a breast augmentation or a mastopexy alone. As a result, the risks and complications are inherently higher. Sometimes it is necessary to do the procedure in two stages, in order to get the best possible cosmetic result.
An augmentation mastopexy can be performed as a standalone procedure or it can be performed in conjunction with other procedures such as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck/mommy makeover) and/or liposuction.
In the same way that fashion and technology have evolved over the decades, so too have breast implants. Dr Collins uses implants that are specifically designed to adapt to your movements, so that you can achieve the most natural look and feel possible. The implants have a high safety profile, supported by reputable scientific data. They come in a range of sizes and shapes and can be placed under or over the muscle. During the consultation process, Dr Collins will discuss the most appropriate options for you, based on your body shape and on your desired result.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. The standard incision is hidden along the natural curve of your breast. Initially, your new breasts may feel quite firm and it can take a number of weeks for them to settle into a more natural shape and position. A breast augmentation can be performed as a standalone procedure or it can combined with other procedures such as a breast lift (augmentation mastopexy) abdominoplasty (mommy makeover) and/or liposuction.
In the current era, breast implants can last for decades without causing any issues. Indeed, the technology has developed to such an extent that implant companies now offer a warranty against rupture for the lifetime of the device. It is more likely that changes in your breast size and shape as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding and/or ageing will prompt you to seek revision surgery, rather than your implants becoming problematic.
FAQs
A breast augmentation will improve the shape of your breasts and elevate your nipples to a certain extent. If you have particularly empty breasts with nipples in a down-turned position however, it is likely you will require excessively large implants to achieve the look you desire.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and usually necessitates a 1-2 night stay in hospital. The standard incisions are around your areola (the pigmented skin around your nipple), vertically down from the lower edge of your areola to the crease under your breast and horizontally along the natural curve of your breast. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the wounds. Dr Collins will ensure you have adequate pain relief to deal with any discomfort you may experience post-operatively.
After your surgery you will be provided with a surgical bra. You will be asked to wear this day and night for the first three weeks, then during the day only for a further three weeks. It is important to keep the wounds clean and dry for a week post-operatively and tape the scars with surgical tape for six weeks. The latter ensures the best possible cosmetic result.
Your return to work will be determined by what type of job you do. In general, most patients require 1-2 weeks off post-operatively, though heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks.
Dr Collins encourages her patients to resume walking early in the post-operative period. It is advisable to avoid the gym for the first week at least. After one week you can commence gym activities that focus on your legs, but avoid upper body work. Once six weeks have passed, you can resume your normal work-out routine. It is important that you ease back into it, however, to avoid injury as a result of deconditioning. By three months, you should be close to your pre-operative fitness levels.
No. Patients with breast implants can still undergo effective breast cancer detection with mammograms, ultrasounds and/or MRI scans.
There is no association between breast implants and breast cancer. Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a type of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has been linked to both silicone and saline breast implants. The current estimated lifetime risk in patients with textured implants is between 1:2,207 and 1:86,029. It manifests on average 8 to 10 years after surgery. Common symptoms include breast enlargement, pain, asymmetry, lumps in the breast or armpit or a large fluid collection. Treatment generally involves removing the implant and surrounding capsule. When caught early, BIA-ALCL is curable in most patients.
Yes. Fat grafting involves harvesting fat from one part of your body via liposuction and transferring it to another. When transferred to the breasts, fat offers an alternative to implants to improve shape and contour, restore lost volume and a more youthful appearance and correct any asymmetry that may be present.
After your consultation, Dr Collins will provide you with a personal estimate which will include hospital and anaesthetic costs, in addition to her surgical fee. An augmentation mastopexy performed in a single stage will cost in the range of $20,000 to $25,000, plus the cost of the implants (approximately $3,500). Additional, simultaneous procedures will incur additional costs.