Breast Lift with Augmentation
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL
A breast lift with augmentation is a combined procedure that both enhances breast size and shape while lifting them to a more youthful, proportionate position. (1)
Many women experience a loss of breast volume and sagging due to factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics. These changes can diminish breast shape and impact some women’s sense of self-esteem. If you are experiencing any of these challenges, you are not alone, and there are treatment options that can help restore youthful, perky, fuller breasts.
Led by Michael A. Howard, MD, the team at MH Plastic Surgery specializes in numerous breast enhancement procedures, including both breast lifts and breast augmentation. With three locations in Lake Forest, Chicago, and Glenview, MH Plastic Surgery is happy to serve patients from all across Illinois.
Take the first step in your breast enhancement journey today by giving us a call at (224) 271-4250.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Lift with Augmentation
A breast lift with augmentation reshapes and repositions the breasts while also increasing volume with implants. Breast enhancement procedures as a whole have seen a steady rise in popularity in recent years. (2)
About Breast Augmentation
Dr. Howard and his team offer a range of silicone or saline implants for breast augmentation. Silicone implants contain a silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Meanwhile, saline implants are filled with sterile saline and are empty when placed into the breast, being filled to achieve the desired size once placed. (3)
About Breast Lifts
Breast lifts can encompass a variety of different techniques, making this treatment customizable to each patient. The main variables in breast lifts are where the incisions are made and how much tissue is removed. Some of the most common incision techniques include:
- Anchor Incision: The incision is made around the areola, descends vertically to the breast crease, and then horizontally along the fold. This method provides ample lift for more significant sagging.
- Lollipop Incision: This incision runs around the areola and vertically down the center, allowing less removal of skin while still lifting the breast effectively.
- Donut Incision: A circular incision around the areola is used for mild lifts with even less required tissue removal.
Benefits
Part of the reason behind the growing popularity of breast lift with augmentation procedures is their numerous advantages. Under Dr. Howard’s expert care, patients see benefits like:
- Enhanced Breast Shape: Augmentation and lift restore youthful contours to sagging breasts, leading to a more aesthetically appealing silhouette.
- Increased Volume: Implants create fuller breasts, giving balance to your overall physique.
- Improved Self-Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and improved body image post-procedure.
- Customizable Options: Multiple implant types and incision techniques allow the procedure to be customized to each patient’s ideal image.
- Long-lasting Results: Results typically endure for many years when paired with a healthy lifestyle, offering long-term satisfaction.
- Nipple Positioning: A breast lift can correct and reposition the nipples to a higher, more proportionate location on the breast.
- Ability to Combine Procedures: Although already comprehensive, breast lift with augmentation can be performed in conjunction with other procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck for further body enhancement.
Ideal Candidates
Several factors will determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for a breast lift with augmentation. Ideal candidates usually include:
- Patients in good general health without any conditions that could interfere with treatment or recovery
- Nonsmokers or those willing to temporarily refrain from using nicotine
- Those with sagging or ‘deflated’ breasts
- Patients wanting to enhance breast volume and position
- Patients with realistic expectations about achievable outcomes
- Those who are finished with breastfeeding and family planning
- Patients who are at a stable weight
Personal Consultation
Because breast lift procedures with augmentation are comprehensive treatments, it is essential to establish the details of your procedure during a consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Howard will take the time to understand your concerns, evaluate your current breast anatomy, review your medical history, and discuss your aesthetic goals. He will educate you about your implant options, incision types, and what to expect from the procedure and recovery. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Howard will create a personalized treatment plan focused on reaching your desired breast aesthetic.
To schedule your personal consultation, call any of our locations in Lake Forest, Chicago, or Glenview at (224) 271-4250.
Preparation
Preparing for a breast lift with augmentation involves several important steps. Dr. Howard and his staff will ensure you are well-prepared by providing you with a list of preoperative guidelines to follow. You may be asked to:
- Stop smoking and avoid nicotine products
- Refrain from taking blood-thinning medications and supplements under the guidance of your primary care physician
- Arrange for transportation home from surgery
- Schedule time off work for a proper recovery
- Fill any necessary prescriptions beforehand
Dr. Howard and his staff will be available to answer any questions and guide you through the process to ensure you feel confident and ready before your procedure date.
Procedure
Breast lifts with augmentation treatments are highly customized to each patient, as both of these procedures involve multiple different techniques and options. This procedure is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia to ensure a comfortable and seamless process.
After the administration of anesthesia, Dr. Howard will begin your procedure by making carefully-placed incisions. Once the incisions are made, he will use precise surgical techniques to lift and reshape the breast tissue, reposition the nipple if needed, and place implants to enhance volume and projection. The type of incision used, such as periareolar, vertical, or anchor-shaped, will depend on your anatomy and goals.
Recovery
Recovery following a breast lift with augmentation will vary depending on individual factors, but most patients experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort during the initial weeks. Dr. Howard and his staff will monitor your healing closely during follow-up appointments and provide detailed aftercare instructions. Many patients can return to light activities within a week or two, though you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about four to six weeks or until otherwise advised by Dr. Howard. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Howard and the MH Plastic Surgery team will be available throughout your entire recovery process.
Results
Results from a breast lift with augmentation are often dramatic and life-changing when performed by an expert like Dr. Howard. Patients often enjoy a rejuvenated breast profile with added volume, enhanced shape, and a youthful silhouette. While some positive results will be noticeable initially, full results typically become visible over several months as healing progresses. Dr. Howard’s meticulous techniques and customized approach help ensure long-lasting outcomes that are both stunning and natural-looking.
Corresponding Procedures
Dr. Howard and his team specialize in numerous treatments beyond just breast enhancement, leading many of Dr. Howard’s patients to also opt for additional treatments to achieve a comprehensive transformation. Many patients include liposuction in their treatment plan, or they include a breast lift with augmentation as a part of a larger comprehensive procedure, such as a mommy makeover. Dr. Howard will be glad to help you explore some of the additional treatments you could benefit from during your personal consultation.
Cost of Breast Lift with Augmentation in Chicago
The cost of a breast lift with augmentation varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, implant type, and whether additional procedures are combined. Dr. Howard will provide a detailed, personalized cost estimate during your consultation and answer any questions you have in regards to pricing.
If you have any questions, please call our Lake Forest, Chicago, or Glenview locations at (224) 271-4250.
FAQ
What is a breast lift with augmentation?
It’s a combined procedure that raises, reshapes, and enlarges the breasts using implants and lifting techniques.
Who is an ideal candidate for a breast lift with augmentation?
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals with sagging breasts who also want to add volume and improve breast shape.
How long is the recovery from a breast lift with augmentation?
Most patients return to light activities within a week, but full recovery can take several weeks, depending on the extent of surgery.
Will there be visible scars?
Dr. Howard uses strategic incision placement and advanced closure techniques to minimize scarring as much as possible.
How long do results from a breast lift with augmentation last?
With proper care, the results can last many years. Aging, gravity, and lifestyle factors may eventually affect breast shape over time. All breast implants need to be replaced eventually, typically after a period of 10-15 years or longer.
References
- Li FC, Chen B, Cheng L. Breast Augmentation With Autologous Fat Injection. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2014;73(Supplement 1):S37-S42. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0000000000000271
- ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Swanson E. Prospective Study of Saline versus Silicone Gel Implants for Subpectoral Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;Publish Ahead of Print. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002882