When you want to improve the appearance of your breasts, a breast augmentation might be your first procedure to consider. However, if after a consultation, your surgeon feels like a breast augmentation alone won’t help you reach your aesthetic goals, they might suggest a breast lift in conjunction with an augmentation. Board-certified breast expert Dr. Gaurav Bharti of HKB Cosmetic Surgery believes that plastic surgery requires a balance of compassion, understanding, and technical skill. He always takes the time to educate his patients on their best options for their goals. Dr. Bharti discussed with Haute Beauty when combining a breast lift with a breast augmentation is necessary, what recovery looks like and how the patient’s goals are of the utmost importance when deciding on procedures to perform.

Haute Beauty: When might a patient need to combine their breast augmentation with a lift?

Dr. Gaurav Bharti: Breast lifts and breast augmentations are combined when there is ptosis, also known as drooping, of the breast as well as volume loss. This happens after having kids and also after massive weight loss. Patients often want upper pole volume restoration, achieved through implants, and a perkier look, achieved through the breast lift procedure.  

HB: What is the process of a lift?

GB: The process involves tightening the breast skin and soft tissue to recone and lift the breast and nipple to achieve a beautiful youthful shape and look, by restoring firmness and raising the breasts and nipples on the chest.

HB: Can a lift provide the desired results without augmentation?

GB: Yes many times a lift is all that is necessary. In the end, it’s all about the patient’s goals. The lift will help the breasts have an improved shape, and I implore patients to maintain their weight and a healthy lifestyle to maintain their results.

HB: Are there any added risks to combining a lift with augmentation?

GB: Any surgery that is longer or has more steps will have slightly higher complication risks.   But in general, the combination surgery is well tolerated with minimal complications.  Common side effects are pain after surgery, swelling, and feeling tight in the chest, but these all improve with healing. 

HB: How long is the recovery?

GB: Recovery is 4 weeks of no hardcore lifting or bouncing. Starting day one, patients can move around use their arms and do most normal activities. Most patients are back to work after a weekend recovery. Some incision lines resulting from breast lift are concealed in the natural breast contours, but some are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.