You may be familiar with breast implants, breast lift, and breast fat transfer as separate procedures. However, you can combine a breast lift with either breast implants or fat transfer, known as augmentation mastopexy. It is a transformative cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the shape, size and firmness of the breasts.
Whether you’re looking to restore volume after a pregnancy or weight loss, or simply wish to improve the aesthetic appearance of your breasts, this procedure offers the perfect solution.
What is a Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy?
Augmentation Mastopexy with Fat Transfer is a dual-procedure that not only lifts and reshapes sagging breasts, but also increases volume using the patient’s own fat. During this procedure, fat is transferred from areas like the abdomen or thighs through liposuction. This fat is then carefully injected into the breasts. This technique offers a natural alternative to traditional implants, providing a subtle, more organic enhancement while still addressing issues of sagging.
Types of breast lift include:
- Doughnut – for mild to moderate breast sagging
- Anchor – for severe sagging
- Crescent – for milder cases of sagging
- Lollipop – for moderate amount of sagging
Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy: Quick Overview
- Surgery Time: 2-3 hours
- Anaesthetic: General
- Hospital Stay: Same-day or 1 night
- Dressing and Garments: Wear a compression bra for 4-6 weeks
- Time Off Work: 2 weeks
- Exercise: 4-6 Weeks
- Mobile: 1 day
- Washing: Shower after 1 week
- Sleeping Position: On your back with head slightly elevated for 4-6 weeks
- Full Recovery: 6 weeks
Why Choose Harley Clinic for Augmentation Mastopexy with Fat Transfer?
At the Harley Clinic, our surgeons are experts in their field. With extensive experience in Augmentation Mastopexy, combined with personalised care, we deliver results that exceed expectations. Whether you choose implants or fat transfer, our goal is to create breasts that look natural and proportionate, enhancing your body’s natural contours.
Our team of experienced surgeons is dedicated to ensuring your comfort, offering consultations to discuss your goals, preferences and desired results. Our clinic also offers modern surgical suites to ensure the highest level of care and safety.
Benefits of an augmentation-mastopexy include:
- Increase breast size, volume, and fullness
- More youthful breast position
- Combat breast sagging or drooping
- Elevated nipple position
What Happens During Breast Augmentation Mastopexy Surgery?
Pre-surgery: Prior to surgery, you will have an in-depth consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. This is where we align your goals with our action! Your surgeon will assess your breasts, discuss your results and recommend the most suitable options – implants or fat transfer.
During Surgery: The procedure will require you to undergo general anaesthesia. This ensures you are comfortable and pain-free. The surgeon will make incisions, strategically placed to reduce scarring, around the areola or along the breast crease.
For implants, the surgeon will create a space within the breast tissue to insert the implants. For fat transfer, fat is first removed from an area such as the abdomen or thighs and then injected into the breasts for added volume and shape.
Recovery, Results and Aftercare from Breast Fat Transfer
Most patients need to take 2 weeks off work to recover. In general, you can expect full recovery to take 6 weeks. Patients tend to feel more like their normal self after 1 week. You will need to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks while recovering.
Initial Recovery: You will likely experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort after surgery. Pain can usually be managed effectively with over-the-counter medications; your surgeon will advise on what medications are suitable.
Post-Surgery: There will be some considerations post-surgery, including wearing a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous exercise or activity and attending follow-up consultations. This information will all be provided to you during your treatment at the Harley Clinic.
Long-Term Results: Final results from the surgery usually appear over several months, while the swelling goes down. Once you are fully healed, you’ll be able to see results such as fuller breasts and reduced sagging. You’ll also have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to discuss your results and any questions you may have.
Fat Transfer Considerations: If you had a fat transfer, you may notice some fat absorption over time. However, the remaining fat will settle into its new position, providing a natural and long-lasting enhancement. We always recommend following a healthy lifestyle to maintain results, especially as dramatic weight loss or gain can impact the result.
Before and After Breast Lift with Breast Implants or Breast Fat Transfer
What Our Patients Say at The Harley Clinic, London
Breast Fat Transfer (Augmentation Mastopexy) FAQs
Who is the ideal candidate for augmentation mastopexy?
The ideal candidate is in good physical health with a stable weight. They should have no medical condition that puts them at a higher risk of surgical complications. Typically, a good candidate is concerned with sagging breasts and looking to increase breast size.
What’s the difference between implants and fat transfer for augmentation mastopexy?
Implants are synthetic, usually made from silicone or saline, which are placed under or over the muscle to enhance the breast size and shape. Fat transfer is gathered via liposuction from areas of the body such as the abdomen or thighs, and then injected into the breasts.
How soon can I return to work after the surgery?
Most patients can return to work after about 1 to 2 weeks, especially if their job is not physically demanding. However, strenuous activities, including heavy lifting or exercise, should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks to ensure proper healing and recovery.
Will there be visible scarring after the surgery?
With many surgeries, scarring from the incisions made will be visible. However, our surgeons are experts in their field and will place them in discreet locations, such as around natural folds or creases in the skin, to minimise visible scarring. Some scars will also fade over time and become less noticeable.
Can I breastfeed after augmentation mastopexy surgery?
There is a small risk that breastfeeding may be affected by changes to the breast tissue or milk ducts during breast lift with implants. Fat transfer usually does not affect breastfeeding since the natural breast tissue remains intact. We recommend talking with one of our surgeons during a consultation to discuss your options.
What are the Potential Risks and Complications of a Breast Lift with Implants or Fat Transfer?
Like all cosmetic procedures, there are potential risks and complications of the procedure, including:
Some potential risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Anaesthesia risks
- Skin and or fat/necrosis
- Fluid accumulation
- Pain
- Swelling
- Poor wound healing
- Poor scarring
- Nerve injury
- Contour irregularity
- Seroma
- Over/under correction
- Asymmetry
- Damage to other structures
- DVT
- PE
- Chest infection
- Need for further surgery
- Unhappiness with size
- Extrusion
- Weight of the implant and gravity could mean that there’s a need for a breast lift in the future
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Scars
- Loss of nipple or areola
- Infection
- Uneven breast shape or size
- Risks of breast implants include but are not limited to:
- Bottoming out – this refers to a form of breast implant displacement. The implant sinks down to the lower part of the breast area.
- Double bubble – this is a type of implant deformity where the breast tissue descends instead of the implant.
- Animation – excessive movement or distortion when you do activities that involve your chest muscles.
- Wrinkling – this is when you see wrinkling or rippling over the implant.
- Implant rupture (1% per yer) – if a breast implant ruptures, it will start to leak and deflate. Swelling, soreness, and burning sensation are all signs of a breast implant rupture.
- Malposition – when the implant is sitting in the wrong place.
- Asymmetry – this is when your breast implants are uneven.
- Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma – a type of lymphoma that can develop around the breast implants. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. ALCL 1 in 20,000 textured implants sold (MHRA)
- Change in feeling of breasts – the majority of patients experience some change in the feeling of their breasts.
- Capsular contracture
- Extrusion
To book a consultation today, please call 0203 582 4947 or email contact@harleyclinic.com.
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