You may be familiar with breast implants, breast lift, and breast fat transfer as separate procedures. But you can combine a breast lift with either breast implants or fat transfer, known as augmentation-mastopexy. 

What is a Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy?

A breast augmentation-mastopexy combines either breast implants of fat transfer with a breast lift in one procedure. There are several types of breast lift, so the incision and scarring can vary. 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

Mummy Makeover
breast augmentation and uplift
breast augmentation and uplift
breast augmentation with mesh and uplift

A standard breast lift involves uplifting the breasts to a higher, more youthful position. Some patients opt for breast fat transfer instead of breast implants as a more natural way to increase the size of the breasts. Breast fat transfer involves taking fat from another part of the body and injecting it into the breasts. 

Both breast fat transfer and a breast lift are procedures that can be performed as standalone surgeries. By combining the two into one procedure, you can increase the size of the breasts and lift them into a higher, more youthful position in one surgery. This is beneficial for patients who would like to reduce sagging as well as increase breast size. 

During the procedure, your surgeon will take fat from the body, usually the stomach or thighs. Next, they will inject only the best quality fat into the breasts. The second part of the procedure involves making an incision, typically around the areola and in a vertical line down to the crease of the breast. The skin is tightened, and any excess fat and skin are removed. The wounds are then closed. 

What Happens During a Breast Lift with Breast Implants?

Breast re-augmentation, doughnut uplift at the Harley Clinic

Another option is to combine a breast lift with breast implants, also known as a breast uplift with implants. For this procedure, the aim is to reshape the breasts as well as increase the size of the breasts by placing the implants under the tightened skin. This procedure targets sagging breasts while increasing the breast size. 

During the surgery, excess skin is removed, and the nipple is lifted. This is the breast lift section. Next, the implants are placed under the tightened skin in the position you have agreed with your plastic surgeon. The wounds are then closed. As you can see, both breast implants or fat transfer with a breast lift are similar but performed slightly differently.  

What are the Benefits of an Augmentation-Mastopexy?

Benefits of an augmentation-mastopexy include: 

  • Increase breast size, volume, and fullness
  • More youthful breast position 
  • Combat breast sagging or drooping
  • Elevated nipple position 
Breast re-augmentation and lift

Who is a Suitable Candidate for the Procedure?

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. 

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Breast Lift with Implants or 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. 

Before and After Breast Lift with Breast Implants or Breast Fat Transfer

Breast augmentation ERSC Motiva subfascial and doughnut uplift at the Harley Clinic
Breast augmentation and breast lift at the Harley Clinic London
Breast augmentation and breast lift at the Harley Clinic London
Before and after breast augmentation

What Our Patients Say at The Harley Clinic, London

Breast lift with implants review at The Harley Clinic, London

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 [email protected].