Can I have a one stage breast lift/aug? (Photo)

One stage augmentation mastopexy has been shown to be safe and achieve excellent outcomes. Historically, these were treated as two stage operations and some surgeons still feel the best outcomes are achieved by staging these procedures given the safety and blood supply to the breast. The degree of ptosis or distance of nipple / areolar lift is often times the deciding factor. I most commonly perform these in a one stage manner and I personally feel you are a good candidate for a one stage surgery.

Dear ab2247,
generally speaking, it is possible to get breast lift and augmentation at the same time. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It depends on the experience of your surgeon and what is considered the safest and most effective treatment for you. Some surgeons prefer doing a lift and augmentation at one time, while others prefer to stage them. It would be best to go with the surgeon you trust most.

The decision to undergo single stage versus two staged breast augmentation with breast lift procedures is complicated. From a safety and outcome perspective, staging the procedures may allow for a more optimal result. In the first stage, the mastopexy is performed to allow proper placement of the nipple and redistribution of the breast tissue. In the second stage, an implant can then easily be placed. With all that said, I routinely perform single stage procedures and obtain excellent results. In your particular case, a breast lift may not be needed as it does appear that your nipple is above or at least at the level of the Inframammary fold. By expanding the inferior pole tissue with parenchymal scoring and an implant, you may achieve a good result without a lift. The implant could also be placed subfascially or subglandularly to decrease the distance between your breasts and to give a more full/round appearance. You should discuss your care with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be able to provide more information. Thank you for your question!

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

I recommend a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, fat transfers or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

There is no reason for anyone not to have a single stage primary augmentation mastopexy. Implant size does not change that calculus. Implant size, specifically diameter, is crucial for someone like you with very little fat between or around your breasts.

I don’t think mesh is necessary. If the nipples don’t need to be moved far, as in your situation, it can be done in one stage. If your nipples were a few inches lower I would agree with 2 stages

You could certainly have a one stage procedure with implant and lift. I don't see why a mesh would be needed for you if you haven't had implants before. The base width of your breasts is quite narrow so there are limits to how large of an implant you can have. Implants and lift at the same time is very common but does carry a higher risk of needing a revision because you are doing two procedures at once. Perhaps that is why one surgeon suggested a two stage procedure.

Yes based on the photos you can consider having breast augmentation and a lift performed in the same surgical day. For healthy candidates these procedures are commonly performed together with beautiful results. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.