Why won't my doctor do a breast lift with implants at the same time? Will a lift alone do what I want? (photos)

Thank you for your photos.  Many Plastic Surgeons would consider doing the augmentation and lift at the same time.  There are more variables, and some additional risks.  This is why some Plastic Surgeons are more conservative and will do this operation in two procedures.  Others will do it in one, and get good results.Please seek out a couple of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. On line look for ASPS and/or ASAPS members. Discuss with them your goals. They will go over your medical history, and do a proper exam. At that point you will discuss what can be done. Remember to have reasonable expectations. The surgeon has your tissue to work with.  Together you and the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will come up with a reasonable plan.

Hello newbbbss. Thanks for your question. A single stage or two stage approach is reasonable. In your case, your PS might think a single stage is too risky. Ask him/her to clarify his rationale. Best, Dr. ALDO.

Thank you for your question and photos. Some doctors will not combine these procedures together.  Based on your stated goals, I think you would need a lift and implant together.  Combining these operations does increase the revision rate and difficulty, but can be done quite safely.  I will sometimes stage them and perform a lift first in someone who has very significant sagging with a long distance from the sternal notch to the nipple, in some weight loss patients for the very same reason, and in some patients who have had a previous lift/reduction.  Without an in-person exam, it is hard to say with certainty, but based on what I see in your photos, I think you would do well with a combined procedure.  I would recommend that you get a few more opinions.  Good luck.  

A combined breast lift and breast implant surgery can be tricky but there are many of us who are experienced with this and comfortable doing it at the same time. Some docs are more comfortable doing it in 2 separate surgeries, but as you know, this commits you 100% to a second surgery. When combined in one operation, the results can be great, but there may also be about a 10-20% chance of needed a small touch-up or revision. It may be best to get another opinion from a surgeon experienced in a combined breast lift and implant surgery. 

Breast lift alone will not give you that round perky look you describe.  Implants would be required to achieve upper pole fullness and better cleavage.  This combination procedure requires more skill than either the lift or augmentation.  I suggest that you do a fair amount of research to find a plastic surgeon that is well versed in this combination procedure that could be done in one stage.Ary Krau MD FACS