Breast Lift with Augmentation

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in La Jolla and Carmel Valley, San Diego

Breast augmentation with lift is a highly personalized cosmetic procedure that enhances breast volume while also improving shape and position. (1)

Over time, factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and aging can cause breasts to lose fullness and sag. Combining breast implants or fat transfer with a breast lift can restore a more youthful, symmetrical, and proportionate look that complements your natural figure. At his Carmel Valley and La Jolla practices, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Daniel Brown has over 20 years of experience and specializes in advanced breast enhancement procedures that create balanced, natural results.

To learn more about combination breast augmentation with lifts, contact our office online or call (619) 461-1500 to schedule a personal consultation at either location. You can also schedule a virtual appointment if you are interested.

Before and After Photos

Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9720
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9720
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9709
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9709
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9698
Breast Lift & Implant Before & After Patient #9698
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About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation remains one of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures worldwide, offering patients an effective way to enhance volume, correct asymmetry, and restore youthful fullness. (2) Dr. Brown can augment the breasts with silicone, saline, or “gummy bear”/highly cohesive gel implants or through autologous fat transfer, depending on each patient’s anatomy, goals, and preferences. Dr. Brown customizes every breast augmentation procedure to complement the patient’s body proportions and achieve a natural balance between upper body contour and overall shape. Each augmentation plan involves careful consideration of implant type, size, shape, and placement, as well as incision location and tissue support.

Silicone and Saline Implants

Silicone implants remain one of the most popular choices among patients seeking a natural feel and aesthetic versatility. The newest generation of these implants contains highly cohesive silicone gel that very closely mimics the weight and feel of natural breast tissue. They are available in multiple profiles and projection levels, allowing for customization based on desired fullness and contour. (3)

Saline implants, filled with sterile saltwater solution, are another option that are inserted empty, then filled to the desired volume, allowing for a smaller incision and flexible size adjustment. (3)

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

For patients seeking subtle, natural enhancement without the use of implants, Dr. Brown also offers fat transfer breast augmentation. This technique uses liposuction to harvest fat from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, then purifies and injects it throughout the breasts or into small, specific areas to add volume and refine shape. (4) Fat transfer allows patients to achieve dual benefits: enhanced breast contour and improved body sculpting in the donor area.

Implant Placement Options

Dr. Brown tailors implant placement according to each patient’s goals and anatomical needs. The two main placement options are subglandular (above the muscle) and submuscular (beneath the chest muscle). Submuscular placement in some situations can provide a more gradual transition and reduced visibility, especially in patients with thinner breast tissue, while modern subglandular placement with highly cohesive silicone gel implants yields a very natural result with smooth transitions, teardrop shape, and smaller incisions while allowing for enhanced projection and quicker recovery in select cases.

About Breast Lifts

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that repositions sagging breasts to achieve a more youthful and elevated appearance. (5) This procedure addresses stretched skin, drooping, and downward-facing nipples occurring due to age, weight changes, or pregnancy with or without breastfeeding

Common Lift Techniques

  • Periareolar lift: Ideal for mild sagging, this technique involves a circular incision around the areola.
  • Vertical lift: Also known as a lollipop lift, this technique addresses moderate sagging with incisions around the areola and vertically down to the breast fold.
  • Anchor lift: Recommended for significant sagging, this approach combines periareolar, vertical, and inframammary incisions for maximum lifting and reshaping.

Nipple and Areola Adjustment

In addition to lifting and reshaping the breasts, Dr. Brown will almost certainly adjust the size or position of the areolas to enhance proportionality. This adjustment ensures that the areolas align naturally with the new breast shape and position, completing the rejuvenated appearance.

About Breast Augmentation with Lift

Breast augmentation with lift combines the volumizing benefits of implants or fat transfer with the reshaping effects of a breast lift. This dual procedure is ideal for patients who want to both increase breast size and correct sagging in a single surgery.

During a combined augmentation and lift, Dr. Brown first performs the lifting portion to reposition the breast tissue and elevate the nipple-areolar complex. He then inserts the chosen implant or performs fat transfer to add volume and improve contour. This coordinated approach allows Dr. Brown to tailor each component of the procedure precisely.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates are those who:

  • Have experienced breast volume loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes
  • Have sagging or downward-pointing nipples
  • Desire increased fullness while maintaining a natural appearance
  • Have asymmetry or uneven breast shape
  • Are in good overall health and have a stable weight
  • Have realistic expectations and goals for enhancement
  • Are non-smokers or willing to stop nicotine use before and after surgery

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Brown will review your concerns, medical history, and current breast anatomy to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your goals. You will have the opportunity to explore implant types, incision options, and lift techniques through detailed discussion and before-and-after photos. Dr. Brown will explain each phase of the procedure, outline anesthesia and recovery, and return to activity time-line expectations, and address any questions you have about combining augmentation and lift.

Schedule this personal consultation today by calling (619) 461-1500 or contacting Dr. Brown and his team online.

Preparation

Preparing for breast augmentation with lift involves important steps to promote safety and optimal healing. Dr. Brown may require you to:

  • Stop taking blood-thinning medications or supplements
  • Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and assist after surgery
  • Prepare a comfortable recovery space at home
  • Discontinue nicotine products for multiple weeks before and after surgery
  • Obtain medical clearance from your primary medical doctor in certain circumstances

Proper preparation plays a vital role in achieving a smooth surgery and recovery. Dr. Brown’s staff will guide you through each step and provide a detailed checklist tailored to your procedure.

Recovery

Most patients experience mild swelling, tightness, and soreness in the days following surgery. These effects gradually subside over one to two weeks. Dr. Brown and his team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support smooth healing and optimal results. Dr. Brown utilizes the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol to help you feel well as quickly as possible.

He advises patients to wear a supportive surgical bra, avoid lifting heavy objects, and limit strenuous activity. He also encourages early, light activity to promote circulation and reduce swelling.

Results

Some results from breast augmentation with lift are immediately visible, though outcomes become more defined as swelling resolves and tissues settle. Patients enjoy enhanced breast projection, youthful lift, and improved symmetry that flatter the overall physique.

With proper care, results are long-lasting, and the implants or fat transfer will maintain their enhanced shape for many years. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your outcomes in the long term.

Corresponding Procedures

Patients who undergo breast augmentation with lift often consider additional procedures to enhance aesthetics. Popular complementary options include:

Cost of Breast Augmentation with Lift in San Diego

The cost of a breast augmentation with lift procedure varies depending on implant type, surgical complexity, and whether or not Dr. Brown performs additional procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Brown will provide a personalized cost estimate and review available financing options.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your breast augmentation and lift possibilities. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Carmel Valley or La Jolla offices at (619) 461-1500.

FAQ

Can I breastfeed after a breast augmentation with lift?

Some patients retain the ability to breastfeed after augmentation with a lift, but outcomes vary based on surgical technique and anatomy.

Will I have visible scars after my breast augmentation with lift?

Dr. Brown places incisions in discreet areas and uses advanced closure methods to minimize scarring. Over time, scars typically fade significantly but will always be present.

Is breast augmentation and lift recovery painful?

Mild soreness and tightness are common initially, but patients typically manage discomfort well with prescribed medication/ERAS protocol and following instructions for postoperative care.

Can I combine a breast augmentation and lift with other procedures?

Yes. Many patients combine augmentation with lift with liposuction or tummy tuck for comprehensive body contouring.

References

  1. Mentz H, Johnson-Alviza J, Patronella C. The Delay Fill Technique: A Safer Approach to Combination Augmentation Mastopexy. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2015;29(02):085-093. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1549049
  2. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
  3. Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/
  4. Salibian AA, Frey JD, Bekisz JM, Choi M, Karp NS. Fat Grafting and Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review of Primary Composite Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2019;7(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002340
  5. Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK610682/