Is a Breast Lift Safe with Augmentation?

Performing a breast lift, or mastopexy, at the same time as breast augmentation is often as safe as performing the two procedures separately. Many women prefer to combine the procedures to avoid going under anesthesia twice, to have a single recovery, and to save on cost.

A Non-Statistically Significant Increase In Risk

A report published in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” highlights research about the risks and final results of simultaneous procedures. According to the study, the re-operation risk is about 10% for single procedures versus 13% for combined operations. This three percent difference is not statistically significant.

The Total Results Are Worth The Complexity Of The Procedure 

Breast lifting with implants, or augmentation-mastopexy, is a challenging surgical combination that entails changes in nipple position, breast tissue shape, skin tightness and breast size. Some plastic surgeons prefer to make these changes in two separate operations; however, Dr. Donaldson believes that it is worth accepting the increased complexity to deliver further benefit to the patient. Performing the procedures separately makes it likely that the patient will be dissatisfied with the interim results until the second procedure is finally completed.

Dr. Donaldson emphasizes preoperative consultation to fully evaluate risks and to set realistic expectations. The concurrent procedure is most successful when patients are carefully selected and informed. At the end of this process, a patient can feel confident about proceeding with a breast lift and augmentation at the same time.

About The Author

Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is one of the nation’s leading breast surgeons. He specializes in both breast augmentation surgery and breast lifts to create an unparalleled, long-lasting aesthetic outcome. He fully comprehends the risks of each procedure and actively adopts the newest advanced techniques to ensure the safety of each patient.