Do I Need a Breast Lift with Implants?

If you have been wondering whether a breast lift with implants is right for you, you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions women ask at plastic surgery practices, and for good reason.

Changes to your breasts from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, aging or genetics can cause breasts to look sagging, deflated or uneven. A breast lift with implants is often the most comprehensive and effective solution as it corrects two distinct concerns: droopiness and loss of volume and breast size in a single procedure.

If your breasts droop or sag and have lost fullness, this combined procedure is widely considered the gold standard for long-lasting, natural-looking results.

What Is a Breast Lift with Implants?

Clinically known as augmentation mastopexy, breast lift with implants is a combined surgical procedure that addresses two separate concerns at the same time. 

• Breast lift (mastopexy): Removes excess skin, reshapes breast tissue and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful, elevated position on the chest wall.
• Breast implants: Restores volume and upper-pole fullness, often lost due to aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss, that cannot be achieved by a breast lift alone

Together, these techniques address both breast ptosis (sagging) and loss of volume and fullness, creating a firmer, more balanced contour.

At Dr. Adrian Lo‘s practice, augmentation mastopexy is one of the most frequently requested procedures, especially among women who have experienced changes to their breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. Every procedure is fully personalized to each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.

Breast Augmentation vs Lift Alone vs Lift with Implants

Understanding the differences helps clarify which procedure best fits your needs:

• Breast augmentation alone adds volume but does not correct significant droopiness or sagging. You can achieve B cup, C cup, D cup or DD cup size with various implant sizes.
• Breast lift alone corrects droopy breasts and sagging but does not restore lost volume.
• Breast lift and implants correct breast droop and sagging while restoring breast volume, size and fullness.

For women with both droopy breasts (sagging) and volume loss, a breast lift with implants is typically the most effective and satisfying option.

Do I Need Implants with a Breast Lift?

Not always. A breast lift alone is appropriate if you are happy with your current size and are seeking to correct droopy breasts and sagging with better position and shape. However, many women are surprised that after a lift alone, the breasts may appear smaller due to the excess skin being removed and breast tissue being reshaped.

If you have experienced volume loss, particularly in the upper pole, implants are often necessary to restore the fullness and enhance contours that cannot be achieved with a breast lift alone. During your consultation, Dr. Adrian Lo evaluates your anatomy and discusses whether a lift alone or a combined procedure will best achieve your goals.

You can also read our guide on breast lift vs. implants to learn more.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift and Implants?

Not every patient who wants fuller or lifted breasts will need both procedures. 

You may be an ideal candidate if one or more of the following apply:

• Your nipples sit at or below the breast crease 
• Your breasts appear flat, elongated, or deflated appearance
• You have experienced volume loss following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight changes. Your breasts are smaller than you would like.
• Your areolas have become enlarged or stretched 
• You are unhappy with how your breasts look in clothing
• Your breast skin has lost elasticity and the tissue lacks firmness
• You are at a stable, healthy weight and are not planning future pregnancies

A personal consultation with Dr. Adrian Lo is the most accurate way to determine whether you are a candidate for this procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Lo will listen to your goals, evaluate the degree of breast ptosis or breast droop, skin quality, breast tissue characteristics, and discuss breast lift techniques and implant options to develop a safe, customized plan that meets your aesthetic goals.

Patients Who Have Lost Volume After Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Pregnancy causes breast enlargement, while breastfeeding leads to glandular shrinkage afterward. The result is often stretched skin and deflated breasts.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are among the most common reasons women seek an augmentation mastopexy. During pregnancy, the breasts enlarge significantly. After breastfeeding ends, the glandular tissue shrinks, often leaving the skin stretched and the breast deflated, with the overall cup size smaller than desired.

Exercise and diet cannot reverse this structural change. Breast lift with implants is frequently included in a mommy makeover to restore breast shape and size.  The mommy makeover procedure also addresses the abdomen and other areas affected by pregnancy.

Patients Who Have Experienced Significant Weight Loss

Major weight loss reduces a large amount of fatty breast tissue, leaving excess skin behind (breast ptosis). The breast tissue, which has been stretched over time, does not always fully retract. Breasts will appear droopy, saggy, empty, and disproportionate to the rest of the body. The breast lift and implant procedure restores the breasts to a firmer shape and balanced size and volume in a single procedure.

Patients Who Want Correction and Enhancement at the Same Time

Some women have naturally lower-set breasts or minimal upper-pole fullness due to genetics. For these patients, a breast lift combined with breast augmentation offers the opportunity to address both concerns at once, rather than undergoing two separate procedures at different times.

Understanding Breast Ptosis: What Degree of Droopiness or Sagging Do You Have?

Not all droopiness, which is called breast ptosis, is the same. The degree of breast ptosis you have will influence both the surgical approach and the type of surgical incision used. Plastic surgeons classify breast droop or sagging on a graded scale:

• Grade 1- Mild Ptosis: Nipple at or just slightly below the breast crease.
  • Patients at this stage may be candidates for a periareolar (donut) incision around the areola only, and in some cases, augmentation alone may be sufficient.
• Grade 2 – Moderate Ptosis: Nipple noticeably below the breast crease with breast tissue hanging below it.
  • A vertical or lollipop incision is typically used, and this is one of the most common scenarios in which a breast lift and implants is recommended.
• Grade 3 – Severe Ptosis: Nipple significantly below the breast crease and points downward.
  • An anchor-shaped surgical incision is generally required to remove the excess skin and achieve adequate correction.

How Is a Breast Lift and Implants Procedure Performed?

A breast lift and implants procedure is performed under general anesthesia, typically as an outpatient procedure. The exact steps vary based on the degree of ptosis, the implant type selected, and the specific lift technique used, all of which are determined during your pre-operative consultation.

• Implant placement: The implant is positioned either beneath the breast tissue or the pectoral muscle. Both scarless breast implants (placed through the armpit) and traditional approaches are available, depending on your candidacy.
• Lift and reshaping: Excess skin is removed, and breast tissue is reshaped.
• Nipple and areola repositioning: Nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful location. Enlarged areolas can also be reduced during this step.
• Closure: Surgical incisions are carefully closed with sutures, and the breasts are placed in a surgical bra to support healing. Patients return home the same day.

The entire procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity. For a full overview of what to do before surgery, read our guide on how to prepare for a breast lift and implants.

What Is the Recovery Time for a Breast Lift and Implants?

Understanding the breast lift implant recovery timeline helps patients plan appropriately and set realistic expectations for the healing process.

Weeks 1 to 2

Expect the most noticeable discomfort, swelling, and bruising during the first week of your surgery. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure or tightness rather than sharp pain. Rest is important; avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and sleep with your upper body elevated. Most patients return to light daily activities and desk work within seven to ten days.

Weeks 2 to 6

During weeks 2 to 6 of your breast lift implant recovery, swelling begins to subside, and bruising fades. Most patients feel comfortable in social settings by the two-week mark. Strenuous exercise and any activity that raises the heart rate should be avoided for at least four to six weeks following surgery.

3 to 6 Months: Final Results

The breast lift incisions continue to mature and fade, and the implants settle into their final position. Most patients see their full before-and-after results by the three- to six-month mark. The results from a properly performed breast lift with implants are long-lasting, often ten years or more, though natural aging, gravity, and lifestyle factors will continue to influence breast appearance over time.

How Much Does a Breast Lift and Implants Procedure Cost?

Costs vary for every patient because the procedure is fully personalized. Several factors influence the final price, including:

• Degree of ptosis: More significant sagging requires a more involved breast lift technique for breast ptosis correction
• Implant type: Both silicone and saline implants are FDA-approved and available, depending on your candidacy and goals. Silicone implants typically cost more than saline.
• Plastic Surgeon fees: These reflect the plastic surgeon’s level of experience, board certification, and reputation. Choosing a highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon ensures the safest outcomes and the most natural-looking results.
• Facility and Anesthesia fees: These are separate from the plastic surgeon’s fee.
• Location: Costs vary by location. Surgery costs in major cities are usually higher. For example, costs in New York City are usually higher than in Philadelphia.
• Additional procedures: Combining a breast lift and augmentation as part of a mommy makeover can be more cost-effective, since anesthesia and facility fees are incurred only once.
• Other miscellaneous fees: Additional costs may include pre-operative medical tests, post-surgery compression garments, and any necessary prescriptions to support your recovery.

The range for total cost for a breast lift (mastopexy), including anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses, can range from $15,000 to $19,000+, depending on whether implants are used.  Most plastic surgeons offer flexible patient financing options, which can be discussed during your consultation. 

One important note: when comparing pricing, board certification, experience, and a proven track record of natural-looking results, these factors should always weigh heavily in your decision, not cost alone.

Breast Lift and Implants vs. Other Options

Some patients consider alternatives before committing to a combined procedure. The table below outlines how each option compares to another:

You Deserve Breasts That Look and Feel Like You Again

A breast lift and implant procedure is one of the most effective options for restoring youthful shape, fullness, breast size, and confidence. Whether your concerns stem from pregnancy, weight changes, aging, or genetics, an augmentation mastopexy offers a comprehensive approach to address your concerns. 

The key to beautiful, long-lasting results is choosing a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who takes the time to understand your anatomy and customize your treatment plan accordingly to meet your aesthetic goals.

If you are ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with an award-winning, trusted plastic surgeon in Cherry Hill and Philadelphia. His practice serves patients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and surrounding areas.  Dr. Adrian Lo is committed to helping every patient feel confident, informed, and well cared for from the very first appointment.

Contact Dr. Adrian Lo Today

FAQs

Can a breast lift and breast implants be performed in one surgery?

Yes. In most cases, both procedures are safely performed in a single surgical session, thereby reducing costs, exposure to anesthesia, and recovery time. A staged approach may be recommended for complex cases. Dr. Adrian Lo will advise you during your consultation.

How long do the results of a breast lift and implants last?

Most patients enjoy results for ten years or more. Natural aging, weight fluctuations, and future pregnancies can affect longevity. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing a supportive bra help preserve outcomes.

Will I have visible scars after a breast lift and implants procedure?

All breast lift procedures involve surgical incisions. The extent depends on the degree of ptosis being corrected. Surgical incisions are placed carefully to minimize visibility and typically fade significantly over time. At our practice, we also offer laser treatment to further improve the appearance of scars and support your skin’s healing process, helping you feel confident in your results.

How much does a breast lift and implants surgery cost?

Cost varies based on procedure complexity, implant type, anesthesia, and facility fees. Patient financing options are available, and Dr. Adrian Lo’s practice provides a full, transparent cost breakdown at your consultation.

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift and implants?

Breastfeeding may still be possible, but cannot be guaranteed. Reshaping the breast tissue and repositioning the nipple can affect milk ducts and nipple sensation. Women planning future pregnancies should discuss this during their consultation.