Staged versus combined breast lift with augmentation

Hi,

The truth of the matter is that it really depends.  Depending on the amount of ptosis (droop) you have of the nipple and areola, it may be better to stage the procedure.  In patient's that have severe ptosis, I usually counsel them to have the lift first, wait a few months, and then have implants.  If they protest loudly enough, I may relent and perform it in one stage, but advise them that there's a relatively high rate of revision (scar revision, additional lift, etc).

In more than 80% of patients, though, I feel comfortable combining a lollipop lift with simultaneous breast implant placement.

Bottom line - it really comes down to physician preference and comfort.  Different surgeons do things in different ways and get great results.  Assuming both of the doctors are board-certified plastic surgeons, choose the one in whom you have the most confidence.

Best of luck.

Breast lift (mastopexy) and implant can be performed in one stage in the properly selected patient who needs a small amount of lift and desires a conservative augmentation. In this patient, the bigger question is does a 36dd patient even need an implant let alone a 375cc implant. I would say a mastopexy alone would be all that would be required with internal breast sutures and proper breast shaping to deliver a great result without the negatives of placing an implant.

The final decision for any patient should be based on an individual conversation with their board certified plastic surgeon. Pre-exisiting breast shape and measurements should be factored into this decision. A breast mastopexy augmentation is a very challenging procedure so make sure you are a candidate before agreeing with the surgical plan.