What Is Breast Lift and Augmentation (Simultaneous)?

Breast lift and augmentation surgery is a combined aesthetic surgical procedure aimed at correcting breast sagging and volume loss in a single session. This method is preferred to achieve both a lifted appearance and increased volume in breasts that have lost their shape due to childbirth, breastfeeding, rapid weight changes, or genetic factors.

In this single-session procedure, a silicone implant is placed in the breast, and simultaneously excess skin and sagging tissue are removed to reshape the breast tissue. Thus, both a lifted and fuller breast form is achieved.

Can Breast Augmentation and Lift Be Performed Together?

Yes. Breast lift and augmentation procedures are a combined surgery that provides the most effective results for most patients. When the breast is only sagging, a lift alone may be sufficient; however, if sagging is accompanied by volume loss, a lift alone is not enough to restore the breast to its former shape.

Therefore, in patients whose breasts have lost volume and become lax, silicone implants are used to support the breast tissue, adding volume while performing the lift at the same time.

Where Is the Implant Placed in Combined Surgery?

When breast augmentation and lift are performed in the same session, the silicone implant can be placed in different planes according to the patient’s breast structure:

• Submuscular placement
• Subglandular placement
• Subfascial placement
• Dual plane (partially submuscular – partially subglandular)

The choice of placement is determined by the surgeon based on breast tissue thickness, skin elasticity, existing volume, chest wall structure, and the desired outcome.

In Which Situations Are the Two Surgeries Performed Separately?

In some special cases, the surgeries may be performed in two stages:

• If there is advanced breast sagging
• If skin quality is very poor
• If there is insufficient skin support for a silicone implant

In this case, a lift is performed in the first session, and approximately 3–6 months later, the implant is placed in a second session. However, most patients do not prefer this two-stage method and wish to achieve results with a single operation.

Preoperative Evaluation

Before combined breast surgery, a detailed evaluation is performed. The shape and volume of the breasts, skin quality, nipple position, chest structure, and ideal implant size are determined. The following factors are considered during preoperative planning:

• Breast volume and existing tissue amount
• Degree of skin sagging and elasticity
• Position of the nipple relative to the inframammary fold (degree of breast ptosis)
• Presence of asymmetry
• Degree of breast deflation

How Is the Surgery Performed?

Breast augmentation and lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes an average of 2–3 hours. The general steps of the procedure are as follows:

• Preoperative markings are made on the breasts.
• An aesthetic incision approximately 3.5–4 cm in length is made.
• Planned sagging tissues are removed, and excess skin is excised to correct sagging.
• The implant is placed under the muscle or under the breast tissue.
• The breast tissue is reshaped.
• If necessary, the nipple is repositioned higher.
• The surgery is completed with aesthetic, self-dissolving sutures.

What Is the Postoperative Process Like?

The postoperative recovery process is generally fast:

• Mild pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness may be experienced in the first 48 hours.
• A special supportive medical bra should be worn for 6 weeks.
• Returning to daily life is usually possible within 3–5 days.
• Heavy sports should be avoided for 6 weeks.
• The breasts reach their final shape within 2–6 months.

Advantages of Breast Augmentation and Lift

• You achieve the results of two procedures in a single session.
• Recovery time is shortened.
• The breasts appear more lifted, fuller, and more symmetrical.
• A more youthful and fit aesthetic appearance is achieved.
• With proper planning, natural and body-proportionate results are obtained.

Which Types of Implants Are Used?

In combined breast aesthetics, the following two types of implants are generally preferred:

• Round implants: Provide a fuller and more prominent upper pole appearance.
• Teardrop (anatomical) implants: Offer a more natural breast shape.

Will the Surgery Leave Scars?

Incision scars occur in lift procedures; however, they fade significantly over time. The appearance of scars varies depending on skin type, suturing technique, and postoperative care. Silicone tapes, scar creams, and sun protection help scars heal better.

Is Breastfeeding Ability Affected?

With modern surgical techniques, milk ducts are preserved. Therefore, most women can continue breastfeeding after surgery. However, if there are plans for future pregnancy, it is important to discuss this with the surgeon.

Can Breast Asymmetry Be Corrected?

Yes. The combination of lift and augmentation is one of the most effective methods for correcting asymmetrical breast structures. Differences in volume and shape between the two breasts can be largely corrected.

Can It Be Combined with Fat Injection?

Yes. Supporting silicone implants with fat injection to provide a more natural transition is quite common. Especially if a softer fullness is desired in the cleavage area, fat transfer is an excellent complementary procedure.

How Long-Lasting Are the Results?

The results are long-lasting; however, factors such as aging, gravity, weight changes, and pregnancy may affect breast shape over time. Although implants have a long lifespan, revision surgery may be required in some patients in later years.

Who Are Suitable Candidates for This Surgery?

• Being over 18 years of age
• No contraindications to general anesthesia
• Those who have experienced volume loss in their breasts after childbirth and breastfeeding
• Women with volume deficiency accompanied by sagging
• Those seeking a natural and long-lasting appearance

Things to Consider Before Surgery

• Smoking and alcohol consumption should be stopped.
• Blood-thinning medications should be discontinued before surgery.
• All medications and supplements must be reported to your doctor.
• Being at your ideal weight provides better results.

Conclusion

Breast lift and augmentation surgery is the most effective surgical solution for providing both volume and lift in breasts that have lost their shape, especially after childbirth or weight changes. When performed with proper planning and by an experienced surgeon, the results are aesthetically satisfying, natural, and long-lasting.