A breast lift and augmentation are sometimes performed together in a single surgery, but the decision to combine the two depends on a few key factors.
Both are distinct procedures that address different physical aspects of the breasts – one focuses on repositioning the breast tissue and nipple, while the other adds volume using implants.
When combined, they can change both the position and size of the breasts in one procedure. That said, it’s not always the right approach for everyone.
When it comes to simply choosing the right surgeon to have a breast lift and augmentation, it’s best to choose a qualified plastic surgeon who has experience with performing breast procedures. Based in Brisbane, Dr Broadhurst is a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon who performs breast, body and rhinoplasty procedures, after gaining years of experience.
In this blog, we’ll discuss choosing both a breast lift and implants – but when you’re ready for tailored advice based on your specific preferences and your unique features, we recommend booking a consultation with Dr Broadhurst!
What is the difference between a breast lift and augmentation?
A breast lift (also called a mastopexy) is focused on changing the position of the breast tissue and the nipple. It doesn’t aim to add volume or change the upper shape, as it’s more about reshaping the existing tissue so that the breasts sit higher and the nipple is repositioned in a more central location on the mound.
A breast augmentation, on the other hand, adds volume using breast implants. The procedure increases the overall size of the breasts, but it doesn’t address tissue position or skin laxity on its own.
When the breasts have both a loss of volume and lower tissue position, combining a lift and augmentation can offer a more suitable physical result than undergoing either surgery on its own.
When choosing both a breast lift and implants may be suitable
There are certain signs that the combination of a breast lift and augmentation might be a suitable approach.
First, we can consider the position of the nipple. if the nipple sits below the fold of the breast or points downward, an implant alone won’t typically be enough to change that. A lift is usually needed in these cases to reposition the nipple and raise the tissue. If there’s also a loss of volume or you want to increase the size, this is where augmentation comes in.
Combining the two procedures also allows for the breast pocket and the skin to be adjusted at the same time, which can sometimes be helpful when it comes to achieving the overall desired result. However, it’s important that the skin has enough elasticity to support both surgeries in one procedure. Your surgeon will generally need to assess the condition of the breast tissue and skin before making a recommendation.
When it comes to general suitability, it’s also highly important that you’re in good health, without any untreated medical conditions that could interfere with healing.
While some people may be considering a lift with implants after weight changes, breastfeeding, or previous surgery, what matters more is that your goals are realistic, and that you understand what this combined procedure can and can’t do.
Your surgeon will assess things like your skin elasticity, breast volume, and nipple position to work out whether both procedures are appropriate, or whether a lift on its own might be enough.
Why it’s important to choose the right breast surgeon
It’s highly important that you choose a plastic surgeon who has specific experience with breast lift and augmentation procedures.
A surgeon who has the skill level and experience to perform the combination approach should be more familiar with how to manage added volume, skin tension, and address factors like asymmetry at the same time.
Surgical planning for any procedure (including breast procedures) takes technical precision, so choosing someone with a strong background in this area can help to reduce the need for revision procedures down the line.
If you’re considering having both a breast lift and augmentation and want to better understand whether combining the two procedures is the right option for your body, it’s worth speaking directly with a surgeon who has experience performing both techniques.
During your consultation, they’ll assess your breast tissue, skin quality, and nipple position, and give you advice about which approach may be more appropriate.
In Australia, it’s also important to make the distinction between a fully qualified plastic surgeon and other types of surgeons, such as cosmetic surgeons.
Plastic surgeons have completed specialist training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), which means they’ve undergone many years of additional surgical education, including extensive training in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
While terms such as a cosmetic surgeon aren’t actually regulated in Australia and can be used quite broadly, the title of a plastic surgeon is a regulated title. Essentially, when you choose a surgeon with a title like Specialist Plastic Surgeon, you will know that they have been required to complete a set amount of training and gain a high level of experience.
Talk through your breast surgery options with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon: Book your consultation with Dr Broadhurst in Brisbane
For a breast lift and implants – whether it be to undergo each procedure separately or together – we recommend selecting a fully qualified and highly experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Dr Andrew Broadhurst is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who performs breast, body, and rhinoplasty surgeries in Brisbane. He has the skill level to be able to recommend a suitable approach for you, which may be to take a combined approach, or focus on one aspect of the breasts at a time.
During a consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your needs in more detail and begin to plan the procedure, while taking your goals, unique anatomy and your available options into consideration.
Please get in contact with our team if you would like to book your consultation, ask any questions or learn more about Dr Broadhurst.
Further Reading about Breast Lift and Implants with Dr Broadhurst:
- Read BPS Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Surgery Page
- Read BPS Breast Augmentation (Implants) Surgery Page
- Read BPS page about Motiva Breast Implants
- Read BPS blog about Breast Augmentation Consultation Checklist
- Read BPS blog about Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Costs in Brisbane
- Read BPS blog about Preparing for Breast Implant Surgery
Medical References about Breast Implant Surgery
