Breast Augmentation Mastopexy.

A mastopexy, or breast lift, helps bring a more youthful appearance to the breast without significantly changing volume.

Introduction to Breast Augmentation Mastopexy

Breast augmentation mastopexy—often referred to as a breast lift with augmentation—is a surgical procedure that combines two distinct objectives: lifting the breast to improve position and shape (mastopexy) while also increasing or restoring breast volume through augmentation. This procedure is commonly considered by patients who experience breast sagging along with volume loss, often related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change, or natural aging.

Because lifting and augmentation address different anatomical concerns, combining them requires careful planning. Breast augmentation mastopexy is not a standardized operation. Surgical strategy depends on breast anatomy, skin quality, nipple position, tissue characteristics, and overall health.

Dr. Sadowski approaches augmentation mastopexy as a structural procedure, balancing lift, volume, and support while prioritizing safety, predictable healing, and proportional results.

Why Choose Dr. Sadowski?

Dr. Sadowski is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She has built an award-winning practice on surgeries that are transformative to patients, such as breast augmentation mastopexy.  Her practice emphasizes individualized anatomy-based planning, careful surgical execution, and long-term patient care.

Combined procedures such as augmentation mastopexy require thoughtful sequencing, incision planning, and tissue handling. Dr. Sadowski and her staff will help to make your journey smooth and with the tailored results that fit your goals.

What is a Breast Augmentation Mastopexy?

Breast augmentation mastopexy is an operation that simultaneously lifts the breast and increases breast volume. The mastopexy component repositions the nipple–areola complex and removes excess skin, while the augmentation component restores or adds volume to improve breast shape and upper-pole fullness.

This procedure may be considered to:

  • Address breast sagging (ptosis)
  • Restore lost breast volume
  • Improve breast shape and contour
  • Improve symmetry
  • Enhance proportion between the chest and the rest of the body

In some cases, a breast lift alone or augmentation alone may be sufficient. Determining whether a combined procedure is appropriate is a key part of preoperative planning.

Are there different kinds of Breast Augmentation Mastopexy and what are they?

Techniques for augmentation mastopexy vary based on anatomy, degree of sagging, skin quality, and desired volume change. Key variables include lift pattern, volume approach, and surgical staging.  At our award-winning practice, Dr. Sadowski will walk you through these choices to help you attain your aesthetic goals.

Lift patterns

Lift techniques may involve incisions around the areola, around the areola with a vertical (lollipop), along the breast crease, or a combination of these. The choice depends on nipple position, skin excess, and breast shape. No single lift pattern is appropriate for all patients.

Volume approach

Volume may be added using:

  • Breast implants (saline or silicone gel)
  • Fat transfer or structural fat transfer in selected cases

Implants provide more predictable volume change, while fat-based approaches may be appropriate for modest volume enhancement or contour refinement.

Single-stage vs staged procedures

In some patients, augmentation and lift can be performed safely in a single operation. In others—particularly when there is significant sagging or a desire for a large volume change—Dr. Sadowski may recommend that you stage the procedures to reduce operative risk and improve predictability.

Am I a candidate for Breast Augmentation Mastopexy?

You may be a candidate for breast augmentation mastopexy if you:

  • Have breast sagging combined with volume loss
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have stable weight
  • Do not smoke or vape or are willing to stop nicotine use before and after surgery
  • Understand that combining procedures increases surgical complexity and recovery demands

Patients may need additional preparation or may not be appropriate candidates if they have uncontrolled medical conditions, plan significant weight changes, or are pregnant or recently breastfeeding.

What are the benefits of a Breast Augmentation Mastopexy?

Patients may consider augmentation mastopexy for potential benefits such as

Patient Timeline

  • Schedule consultation

  • Meet with surgeon 45-60 minutes

  • Schedule surgery

  • Breast Augmentation Surgery

    1 - 2 hours depending on anatomical factors

  • Return to work in 1 week

  • Rest and recovery plan 1-6 weeks

Dr. Sadowski will provide you with a customized treatment plan.  Please bring to your appointment both close-fitting and loose tops with a variety of fabric types.  If you have aspirational photos, bring them as well. The timeline provided is a guide, and will be tailored based on your individual needs.

What is the First Step?

The first step to starts with knowledge about the procedure.  When you schedule an appointment at New England Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, you will meet one-on-one with Dr. Sadowski in our award-winning office.  She will spend time with you and discuss not only your concerns about your breasts, but your health, your lifestyle, and your goals for the future.  If you and Dr. Sadowski agree that a breast augmentation mastopexy is your best treatment path, our team will help to schedule surgery.

What to expect on the day of surgery?

The good news is that you will be very prepared on the day of surgery.  Dr. Sadowski will have already discussed with you the surgical plan that best meets your goals, along with its risks, benefits and alternatives.  Any changes to your medications or regular treatment regimen will have occurred.  You will have all of your medications for after surgery.  Because this surgery requires general anesthesia, you will need a responsible adult to bring you to and from the surgical facility.  In effect, all you will need to do now is show up and let the healing begin.

What is the recovery like?

Recovery varies for each patient.  Dr. Sadowski’s patients benefit from the use of local nerve blocks, which may last as long as 3 days.  She is a proponent of the use of ERAS (Early Recovery After Surgery) protocols, and non-opiate alternatives to pain control.

Most patients can expect to progress over the following weeks to months with the following timeline as a guide (for specifics, please refer to Dr. Sadowski’s personal recommendations):

  • Immediate: You will immediately see breast size increase! Walking is allowed.
  • First week: Resting, no lifting, straining. Walking is allowed. Many people return to work at the end of week 1 or 2.
  • Weeks 2–4: Gradual increase in light activity starting with something gentle like stretching and progressing toward stationary bike aerobic exercise. A mild training band may be recommended to help position the implant.
  • Weeks 4–6+: Progressively increase exercise and upper-body training when cleared. Most patients return to all regular activities by the end of 6 weeks.
  • Weeks 8-12: Most of the swelling has resolved. Implants are now approaching their final resting location.  New bras can be fitted.
  • 1 year: Final breast shape is achieved, and scar maturation has occurred. Mammograms continue on a regular schedule.

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How long do the results last for a Breast Augmentation Mastopexy?

Breast implants are long-lasting, but they are not considered lifetime devices. Over time, changes may occur due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or implant-related factors. Ongoing follow-up, routine breast screening, and implant surveillance are important aspects of long-term care.  Dr. Sadowski offers in-office ultrasound monitoring of implants for integrity.

What other procedures can be combined with a Breast Augmentation Mastopexy?

Other procedures can (and often are) combined at the same time as breast augmentation!  Combining procedures often will minimally impact recovery time, and many patients prefer to have a meaningful change in body contour in a single setting. Common combinations include:

  • Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
  • Brachioplasty (arm lift)
  • Body lift (upper or lower)
  • Mommy Makeover
  • Liposuction

The right combination depends on health status, operative time, and how much recovery you can realistically support. Dr. Sadowski prides herself in helping patients navigate which surgical combinations will provide the greatest benefit.

Breast Augmentation Mastopexy FAQ

Is the surgery painful?

Most patients describe discomfort as mild to moderate rather than severe pain. Tightness, tenderness, and a gritty or dry sensation can occur early on. Pain control strategies and eye comfort measures are tailored to your needs.

Is there a scar?

Incisions are typically placed in natural eyelid creases or in locations designed to be discreet once healed. Scar appearance varies by skin type and healing response. Your surgeon will discuss incision placement and scar care as part of planning.

How many appointments will I need?

Most patients have:

  • A consultation visit
  • The procedure visit
  • One or more postoperative visits to monitor healing and eyelid position

If you have dry eye symptoms, complex eye history, or combined procedures, additional follow-ups may be recommended.

How long until I see results?

Changes are noticeable early, but swelling and bruising can temporarily obscure the final contour. Many patients see meaningful improvement within several weeks, with continued refinement over a few months as tissues settle and scars mature.

How long until I can resume regular activities?

Light activities are often resumed within days, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that increase facial pressure are typically restricted longer. The exact timeline depends on the extent of surgery and whether the lower lids and lid support were addressed.

How much does a Breast Augmentation Mastopexy cost?

Costs vary based on implant type, surgical complexity, anesthesia, and facility fees. When you have a consultation with Dr. Sadowski, she and her staff will provide a detailed cost estimate including surgeon, facility and anesthesia costs.

Book a consultation with Dr. Sadowski