The Benefits of Combining Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
Breast augmentation and breast lift are two of the most well-known cosmetic procedures. They are often performed together to give patients an improved breast shape and size. Naturally, breasts sag a little, but this natural sagging can, depending on breast size and age, further increase and lead to discomfort.
If you are no longer comfortable with the appearance of your breasts and desire firm breasts again, a combination of breast lift and breast augmentation may be the right procedure for you.
What is a breast augmentation?
A breast augmentation, also known as breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure that aims to change the size and shape of the breasts by placing implants or autologous fat under the breast tissue. When inserting implants into the breast, incisions are made in the inframammary fold. An incision at this location carries the lowest risk of complications and the resulting scar is barely visible. Alternatively, an incision can be made in the armpit. The insertion of implants is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately one hour. A breast augmentation with autologous fat is performed in two steps:1. The autologous fat is first removed from the body's own fat deposits, such as the abdomen, hips, buttocks, or thighs. Before re-inserting the fat cells, they are processed in a sterile procedure. 2. The processed fat cells are then injected into the previously defined areas in the breast. The use of autologous fat not only allows for breast enlargement, but also for the modeling of the breast shape, as the fat can be injected precisely.Because the fat cells first need to be processed, the procedure takes about two hours, which is slightly longer than breast augmentation with implants.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, restores your breasts' original contour and firmness. It can be performed once breast growth is complete. For a breast lift using the classic surgical method, incisions are made around the breast, which heal into almost invisible scars. If stronger tightening effects are desired, the Lejour method involves a vertical incision below the nipple. This can be combined with a T- or L-incision. Excess skin is removed. Typically, the nipple is also moved slightly upwards during the procedure. A breast lift can be performed with autologous tissue or with implants. When using autologous tissue, excess skin is not completely removed, but used to support the breast by placing it like a belt around the lower part of the breast and firmly suturing it. If silicone implants are used for breast tightening, incisions are made around the areola, as well as a vertical incision downwards and a horizontal incision in the inframammary fold. Excess tissue is removed, the nipple is repositioned, and the implant is inserted.
The Combination of Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
The combination of breast augmentation and breast lift is usually performed on patients between thirty and sixty years of age who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts. Especially after pregnancies or significant weight loss, breasts can lose shape and firmness.If you have
- sagging, flat breasts,
- asymmetrical breasts and/or
- moderate skin elasticity
and you are dissatisfied with your breast size, then the combination of breast augmentation and breast lift may be the right procedure for you.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
A combination of breast augmentation and breast lift can be an excellent option for women who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts and want to achieve an improved breast shape and size.
Increased Self-Confidence
If you suffer from saggy or disproportionate breasts, breast augmentation and lift can contribute to better self-confidence. While breast augmentation alone can lead to breasts sagging again later, a breast lift alone can make breasts appear smaller due to the tightening. However, a combination of both procedures can result in your breasts being both larger and firmer and better shaped. This way, you achieve your desired size and also have a more long-lasting result than if you had only undergone breast augmentation or a breast lift.
Improved Symmetry
Every woman has different needs and expectations regarding her breast surgery. A combination of breast augmentation and breast lift can help address the individual needs of each woman. We can adjust the size, shape, and placement of the implants to the specific needs of the patient while simultaneously removing excess skin and tissue to tighten the breast. This also creates improved symmetry for asymmetrical breasts.
Lower Anesthesia Risk
Combining both procedures also means that we only need to put you under general anesthesia once. This significantly reduces the risk of complications. You also only have to go through the healing process after the operation once, and not in two separate processes. This can also make it easier.
How is the operation performed?
Breast lift and augmentation with implants are usually performed in one operation under general anesthesia. The duration is approximately 2–3 hours. In this process, we first insert silicone implants to achieve the desired breast size. Various factors influence the success of breast augmentation. These include the choice of implants, the surgical method, and the position of the breast implants. There are various surgical methods that can be considered. Depending on the amount of excess skin, a T-cut technique or an L-, I-, or O-cut technique is used. We will discuss which incision technique we will use with you during the consultation. However, we always use the technique that promises the least scarring in the end. In a second step, we perform a breast lift, in which excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is placed back around the newly shaped round breast. If possible, we apply the internal bra method to give the breast lift long-term high stability. The result is a firm and taut breast with the desired volume.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Like all surgical procedures, a combined breast augmentation and lift also carries potential risks and side effects. Possible risks associated with this procedure include bleeding, infections, changes in nipple sensitivity, pain, swelling, and bruising. Before you decide on a breast augmentation and lift, we will discuss all possible risks and side effects in detail with you.
Aftercare
After the surgical procedure, a bandage is applied around the breast. After 24 hours, you should come back to the practice for a follow-up so that we can check the wounds. A bandage change is due after 3 to 4 days. During the recovery process, you should rest and not lift heavy objects. It is important that you sleep on your back after the operation and care for the scars as instructed. We will prescribe painkillers for you, which you should also take, as they have anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects. You can resume light office activities approximately 5 to 10 days after the operation. You should wear a special support bra for 4 to 6 weeks. After about 3 weeks, you can start with light sports activities.
Breast Augmentation and Lift at Caletti Practice
If you decide on a combination of breast augmentation and breast lift, you should seek advice from a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. We recommend that you express all your expectations, wishes, fears, and concerns in a consultation, as your well-being should be the top priority. We at Caletti Practice will be happy to answer all your questions and determine during the physical examination to what extent we can fulfill your wishes. So feel free to arrange a consultation appointment at our practice!
Do you have questions about breast augmentation and lift?
We would be happy to advise you on breast augmentation and lift during a personal consultation in Berlin. Feel free to arrange a consultation appointment with us at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
On the day of the operation, you should arrive at our clinic on an empty stomach. It is best to have also arranged for someone to drive you home after the operation, provided you have chosen an outpatient stay. Once you arrive at the clinic, we will discuss the procedure with you again and mark the incision lines on your breast.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the scope and complexity of the desired procedure, it takes approximately 3 hours. If desired, you can stay in our clinic for one night for observation after the operation.
Your breast will be directly firmer and fuller after the procedure. However, it takes approximately 6 weeks for the tissue to settle. You will see the final result after 6 months – this is then also the final, lasting result.
Since incisions must be made to remove the excess skin, scars will remain. However, we ensure that the incisions are placed in areas where the scars are not directly visible. We also make the smallest possible incisions so that only small lines are visible after the wounds have healed.
You will experience mild pain and a feeling of pressure for the first few days after the procedure. To keep this within an acceptable range, we will prescribe painkillers. After a few days, the pain should significantly subside. You should be pain-free a few days after the surgery.
Do you have questions about breast augmentation and breast lift?
If you still have any questions, we would be happy to discuss them with you personally and without obligation in our Berlin practice.