As time passes, the breasts lose their youthful contour, become less firm, and loose volume. Also, the skin loses its elasticity. Gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and/or genetics cause these changes. Correction often involves a breast lift with augmentation, also known as an augmentation mastopexy.

A Breast Lift with Augmentation, also termed an Augmentation Mastopexy, involves placing breast implants for volume. At the same time, Dr. Thomassen excises the skin around the areola and along the lower pole of the breast. This process lifts the breast. The procedure attempts to reduce the size of the areola and create a more youthful, uplifted breast profile.

Preparing for a Surgery

Preparation for a Breast Lift with Augmentation includes:

Visit her general practitioner for a medical evaluation.
Have lab tests, including blood work and a baseline mammogram. Women over 40 should have a mammogram before surgery:
Take specific medications or adjust current medications.
Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and herbal supplements: These products can increase the incidence of bleeding.
Stop smoking
This is performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients will need someone to drive them home on the day of their surgery. Furthermore, patients should have someone stay with them for the first night after surgery.

Anesthesia

During a Breast Augmentation with a Lift, patients get medication to ensure they are comfortable throughout their procedure. Breast lifts with augmentation are performed with IV sedation.

Types of Procedures

The degree of ptosis of the breasts determines the type of procedure used. It also depends on the size of the implant the patient desires. Additionally, the anatomy of the patient influences the procedure.

The incisions used vary. They range from a simple crescentic incision around a part of the areola to a full Wise pattern incision. This incision goes around the areola, down to the inframammary fold, and across the fold.

Once the incision is made, dissection proceeds to create a pocket for the implant. An implant sizer is placed. It helps decide the best implant size for your particular anatomy.

An excessively large implant must not be used. This puts undue tension on the nipple-areola. It can result in wound healing problems.

Once the final implant size is decided, the implant is placed. Then, the breasts are lifted using the technique earlier decided on.

Recovery

Recovery after a lift with augmentation takes approximately 3-4 weeks. During this period there is a gradual return to normal activities.

Results

Breast Lift results are dramatic in the first few months. As the skin stretches and swelling subsides, the breasts settle to a more natural shape. You will need support in the form of bras to guarantee your results last for many years. This is especially important if a large implant size was chosen.

You can earn more about breast implant removal at the American Society of Aesthetic Surgery website.