Breast lift with auto augmentation - is this a good option? (Photo)

Question

Is a breast lift with auto augmentation a good option for me?Will it make a noticeable difference? How bad will the scars be?

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

Yes, a breast lift with auto-augmentation may be a good option if you want better breast position and shape without implants. It uses your own breast tissue to create more upper fullness while lifting the nipple and tightening the loose skin.
It can make a noticeable difference, especially when the breasts are sagging and the nipple sits low. The main improvement is usually in breast position, nipple height, and overall shape. However, it will not create the same round upper-pole fullness as an implant.
The scars depend on how much lift is needed. For significant sagging, a vertical or anchor-type lift is usually more reliable than a small periareolar lift. The scars are permanent, but they often fade significantly over 12–18 months.
Auto-augmentation is not scarless and it does not add new volume; it rearranges the tissue you already have. If you are happy with your current size but want the breasts higher and more supported, it can be a very reasonable choice.
My advice would be to consult a plastic surgeon who performs auto-augmentation lifts regularly. Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar sagging and breast size, so you can judge whether the amount of lift and fullness matches your expectations.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Auto-augmentation works best when there is enough of your own lower breast tissue to reposition during the lift. In your photo, there is clear breast ptosis with the nipple-areola complex sitting low, so a lift should make a visible difference in position and shape, but an exam is needed to judge tissue thickness and skin quality.
The tradeoff is scarring. A significant lift often needs a lollipop or anchor pattern; the scars are usually most noticeable early and fade over months, but they do not disappear. Auto-augmentation can give a perkier, more supported look, yet it will not create the same upper-pole fullness or size increase as an implant.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tiraanasauras,

my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Based on your concerns, you appear to be a suitable candidate for a breast lift with implants, which can both lift the breasts and add fullness for a more youthful, balanced shape.
A consultation would help confirm the best approach based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Whether a breast lift with auto augmentation is the right procedure depends on your goals. Auto augmentation does not mean you will be larger after the procedure. Auto augmentation allows the breast tissue to be moved into a more desirable position but does not add volume. If fact, many patients end up slightly smaller in volume. If your goal is to maintain or increase your volume, then implants or fat transfers would be indicated.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question, after evaluating your case, there are several options for you… using your own tissue is a good option, this could be combines with fat transfer to improve more the projection.

Sedat Tatar, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello, I’m Dr. Sedat Tatar, a double board-certified plastic surgeon from Istanbul.
A breast lift with auto-augmentation can be a very good option if the goal is to reshape and preserve existing breast volume using your own tissue. If a patient wants a small increase (about half a cup size), this can sometimes be combined with fat transfer. However, if the goal is a full cup size or more of added volume, an implant is usually the most reliable option. The best choice depends on your current breast volume, skin quality, and expectations. 
It will be a reverse T scar

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo. An auto augmentation is usually used in patients with excess tissue lateral to their breast.  This excess is mobilized and transferred up into the breast to add additional volume.  You did not appear to have excess tissue lateral to your breast, and therefore a simple breast lift on you would retain all of the volume of your breast and place this volume inside a smaller envelope of skin therefore, making your breast appear larger and lifted as it fills out the smaller envelope of skin.  Your incision lines would be in an anchor pattern and if they are closed meticulously and you have good postoperative scar care, your incision lines should be very well camouflage. Best wishes.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. Breast lift with auto-augmentation is a good option for you. You do have low lying breast footplates with the volume sitting in the lower poles. You would do best with a Ribeiro inferior pedicle flap auto-augmentation which is transferred superiorly under the superior breast tissue and fixed to the muscle fascia. No breast tissue is removed, only excess skin. This will also raise the inframammary fold and give you significantly more projection and superior fullness  than just a fold under superior flap. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in all aspects of breast surgery for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. It all depends on your goals. A breast lift (with or without auto-augmentation) will result in tighter breasts, nipples in higher position, but the breasts will definitely be smaller. If on the other hand you desire more upper pole fullness and cleavage, you should consider an implant. 
I wish you the best. 
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Breast lift with auto augmentation - is this a good option? (Photo)

Answers (16)

More Breast Lift Questions

Could I have a breast lift with nice shape and minimal scarring or would I also need implants? (Photo)

Breast lift correction - can these dents from nipple to crease be improved? (Photo)

If I get an anchor breast lift with internal mesh, can I achieve slight upper pole fullness without an implant? (Photos)

Volume loss - Lift or Implant? Opinion on Preserve method with Motiva? (Photos)

Breast lift - can I have good results without implants? (Photos)

Wanting a tear drop, natural look - Implants or lift or both?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS