Breast Augmentation + Lift in Port Saint Lucie, FL

As you get older, have you noticed that you have lost that youthful fullness to your breast with sagging as well? Pendulous, deflated breasts may need more help than a breast augmentation alone. If you want to increase your breast volume while also removing excess skin, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. William Vinyard can perform a breast augmentation with a lift (mastopexy). This combination of breast surgeries (breast augmentation with a breast lift) at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS) in Port Saint Lucie, FL can address your cosmetic issues by removing loose skin and then placing implants to get to your goal size. Breast surgery with augmentation and lift addresses several issues, including shape, size, and position of the breast and areola/nipple complex to give you younger, perkier-looking breasts.

One of the common misconceptions about breast augmentation with breast implants is that it will correct ptosis (drooping) of the breast. If you only have mild drooping of the breast, then you can achieve somewhat of a lifting effect with the placement of the implant. However, in cases of severe ptosis (sagging), a combination procedure incorporating the placement of a breast implant with a breast lift will be the best approach for you. This is also true if you have one breast larger than the other, and if have asymmetrical breasts, Dr. Vinyard will make your breasts the same size with balanced proportions with several surgical techniques. In general, Dr. Vinyard does not feel giving you implants is the best approach to try to correct asymmetry using two different sized implants. In this type of a case, you may be a better candidate for a breast lift with breast implant placement allowing Dr. Vinyard more opportunity to manipulate and sculpt the breast tissue. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Vinyard to go over your specific concerns and wants, so he can help you determine if a breast surgery with a lift and augmentation is best for your goals.

There are many factors that may have you looking into breast surgery combining a lift with augmentation. It is an ideal choice if you want to significantly transform your breasts while improving the tightness of your breast skin. You may have developed breast ptosis (sagging) due to significant weight loss, aging, hormonal changes, or pregnancy, thus you want to increase the volume of your breasts — this is all addressed with an augmentation and lift. Dr. Vinyard can usually assess whether a breast lift by itself can achieve your best results, or if both procedures are needed to reach your overall desired look.

You will spend about an hour and a half with Dr. Vinyard in a one-on-one consultation. We will help you visualize what you would look like with each procedure, such as with different sizes of implants, and with or without a lift surgery. He will explain what each step of the process will mean for you, answer your questions, and give you the time and information needed to make the right decision for your surgery.

Breast augmentation with a lift is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure where you will be sedated with general anesthesia. In most cases, the lift portion of the surgery is done first. Any loose skin is eliminated and the soft tissue is tightened. Dr. Vinyard will explain breast implant options with you before the surgery so the selected implant can be easily placed. In some patients, the nipple/areola complex will need to be repositioned to match your new breast size and shape.

Dr. Vinyard primarily utilizes the lollipop incision (or the vertical lift approach) where he will make incisions around the areola and one vertical line from the bottom of the areola to the breast fold. He feels that the visualization of the placement of the implants achieved by this approach, as well as, the decrease in damage to the breast tissue makes the lollipop approach superior to others. This also leaves a scar that is imperceptible in bathing suits and bras and is only seen without clothes. Once the surgeries are complete, your incisions will be closed, and you will be taken to the recovery room where our nurses will monitor and manage your care until discharge. You can be released with a responsible adult to recuperate after our procedure.

If you would like to have a fat transfer to augment your breasts instead of synthetic implants, you will have a secondary surgery. Dr. Vinyard will use liposuction to harvest fat from an area of your body (abdomen, hips, thighs, back) where you have enough tissue for a transfer. The fat will be liposuctioned from the donor site and then purified. Dr. Vinyard will use the transformed fat to build up the breast mound layer by layer. The surgical excision of your skin will still happen, but the augmentation will be with your own fat tissue. 

The recovery timeframe for an augmentation with a lift will vary for every patient, but you should be well enough to get back to your everyday activities within about a week. Please refrain from any exercise or strenuous activity for at least 2 – 6 weeks. There may also be mild to moderate swelling following the procedure that can last for several weeks. Your implants will begin to settle into their final position after a few months where then you should be able to enjoy your beautiful results. If you have a fat transfer, you will also have some swelling and bruising in that area for a few weeks in the treatment area you had the fat removed. It is really important to keep all of your follow-up appointments with Dr. Vinyard as he will make assessments on your incisions, the position of your reshaped breasts with implants, and make recommendations to make this process go as smoothly as it can. Scar care is also imperative in the healing process so that your scar heal with minimal visibility. If you have questions at any time, you can contact our office at VIPS for guidance or if you have concerns about your breasts.

How much does breast augmentation with a lift cost?
Your costs for a breast augmentation with a lift will vary depending on many factors, like whether you want implants (silicone or saline) or a fat transfer. Also, some lift procedures are more complex as they depend on your surgical plan. During a thorough consultation, Dr. Vinyard will create a personalized treatment plan with costs estimates. VIPS accepts a number of payment forms, including low-interest financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon. A member of our team at VIPS will go through your quote and fees with you, which will include your fees like Dr. Vinyard's professional fees, surgeries, anesthesia, and all pre and post-operative visits. It will be specifically designed for you.

Will a breast augmentation with a lift correct sagging?
The benefit of a breast augmentation with a lift is that it improves the volume of your breasts while also correcting sag by eliminating excess skin. The lift portion of your surgery will also raise the position of your native breast tissue so your reshaped breasts are perky and firm. This is important because adding volume to breasts with moderate sagging can cause a negative result if a lift is not performed.

If moderate-to-severe sagging is present, a lift should be performed first and then implants or a fat transfer can be done. During your consultation with Dr. Vinyard, he will listen to your concerns and preferences before performing a physical exam of your breasts. After this, he will be able to give you his suggestion on whether you need implants, a lift, or both.

Which incision is best for my surgery?
Breast surgery incisions have come a long way in recent years, with techniques being performed to help reduce the visibility of scars. The surgical incision that is best for you will depend on the severity of sag and the type of implants being used. If you have severe sag, an anchor-shaped incision is usually best. When forming your treatment plan, Dr. Vinyard will go over incision patterns. Regardless of what method is selected, Dr. Vinyard will make careful incisions so your results look natural. The lollipop approach in breast lift surgery is a preferred incision when Dr. Vinyard performs a breast augmentation with a lift.

How long will my results last?
As long as you do not have dramatic weight fluctuations or become pregnant, results from a breast augmentation with a lift can last many years. While both silicone and saline implants are made today to last for many years, they do need to be examined by Dr. Vinyard every few years to review their condition. During surgery, Dr. Vinyard places the implants using a method that should reduce breast sagging. It is important to understand that while a breast lift with augmentation can offer beautiful results, natural aging will continue. In time, you may start to notice loose skin and sagging again, which can be addressed with a revision surgery.

How bad is the scarring?
Dr. Vinyard performs breast augmentation with a lift so all incisions are thin and small. He will also place incisions where they are difficult to see, such as under the folds of the breast or along the border of the areola. With proper care, the scars from your breast augmentation plus lift will eventually lighten so they blend with your natural skin. Dr. Vinyard or a member of his team will discuss scar care tips you should follow after your surgery to help your scars heal flat and smooth.

Get the curves and perkiness you dream about by scheduling a surgical breast augmentation with a lift at VIPS. Dr. Vinyard can help you develop a personalized procedure plan that meets your needs and aesthetic goals so you can have truly amazing results. By improving the skin, size, shape, and position of your breasts, your surgical augmentation and lift can give you a more youthful appearance. Call for your consultation with Dr. Vinyard at our Port Saint Lucie, FL office to learn more about your options for breast surgery.