Breast Lift with Augmentation
Combines a breast lift with an implant in one operation — for patients who want a higher position and restored fullness. An implant adds volume; it doesn't meaningfully lift. When there is sagging as well as volume loss, doing both together gives the result most patients are actually picturing — though when sagging is more significant, the procedures are staged rather than combined. A mammogram is required before this procedure.
Due to sagging of the skin, a smaller implant size is usually recommended. The amount of upper-pole fullness is limited by the amount of sagging — or ptosis — and the stretch of the skin. In many cases a mesh is recommended to help with stretch of the lower pole.
Who is a good candidate for a lift with augmentation?
Deflation with drooping — often after pregnancy, weight change or simply time — where the nipple sits low and the upper breast has emptied. If there's significant sagging, an implant alone can make heaviness more pronounced. When sagging is significant, it is recommended to stage the procedures: either the lift is done first, and an implant is placed after healing is complete — or an implant is placed first, with the lift occurring after all healing is complete.
What happens during a lift with augmentation?
The lift repositions the breast and nipple; the implant restores upper-pole fullness. The incision follows the lift pattern — most patients require a full "anchor" incision — and the implant is placed through those same incisions. A mesh is usually placed at the inferior pole of the breast to help with stretch of the skin. The upper-pole fullness obtained is limited by the patient’s anatomy. One operation, one recovery.
How long is recovery after a lift with augmentation?
Back to desk work in about a week, a supportive bra around the clock, and no chest or upper-body training for six weeks. Support is needed at the inframammary fold for an extended period, to help with the stretch of the tissues. Recovery depends on the patient; patients are back to normal activity after six weeks.
Choosing the implant
Silicone vs. saline
Silicone implants are filled with cohesive gel and tend to feel closer to natural tissue — usually the choice when there's less natural coverage. Saline is filled with sterile salt water; if one ruptures the change is immediately obvious and the fluid is harmlessly absorbed. Silicone implants need ongoing monitoring for silent rupture: the FDA recommends an ultrasound or MRI five to six years after surgery, and every two to three years after that.
Implant profile
Implants come in different profiles. For the same base width, a higher profile projects further forward and a lower profile sits flatter and wider — so profile is part of how the result is matched to your frame, alongside size. Dr. Vande Ven will discuss your options with you and show you example implants in the office, so you have a better understanding of what each specific profile provides.
Over or under the muscle
Under the muscle generally gives a more gradual upper slope and can make mammograms easier to read. Over the muscle can suit women with more natural coverage, and avoids the flexing distortion some very athletic patients notice.
What a surgical quote includes
There's no honest single number, because the quote is built from decisions you haven't made yet — implant type, placement, and what your anatomy needs. What we can tell you is exactly what a quote is made of, so you can compare like with like.
- The surgeon's fee — the operation itself
- The facility fee — the operating room and the staff who run it on the day
- Anesthesia — administered and monitored by the anesthesia provider
- Surgical supplies — the sterile instruments, dressings and materials used on the day
- Routine post-operative visits — your follow-up appointments after surgery are included. Care beyond that, such as implant replacement down the line, is quoted separately
- The implants — silicone and saline are priced differently
You'll receive an individualized, itemized quote at your consultation, after measurements — when the options that drive the number have actually been narrowed down. If a quote elsewhere is much lower, ask which of these six parts it leaves out.
Consultations are unhurried, with time for questions. Surgery, consultations, sizing and follow-up all happen at our
Rancho Bernardo office, which has an operating room on site. Surgery can also be performed at the
Carlsbad Surgery Center, where Dr. Vande Ven holds operating privileges.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lift, implants, or both?+
It depends on where your breast tissue and nipple position sit now. An implant adds volume; it doesn't meaningfully lift. If there's significant sagging, a lift — with or without an implant — is usually what gives the result patients are actually picturing. Measurements at your consultation settle it.
How long does a breast lift last?+
There's no fixed number, and be wary of anyone who gives you one. Skin quality, weight stability, pregnancy and ordinary aging all keep acting on the result — a lift resets the position, it doesn't stop time. Keeping your weight stable is the part most within your control.
Will a lift or reduction affect nipple sensation or breastfeeding?+
Both are real risks of these procedures. Changes in nipple sensation are usually temporary but can be permanent, and breastfeeding after a lift or reduction can't be guaranteed — technique matters, so raise it before surgery if it matters to you.
Is breast augmentation with a lift covered by insurance?+
Some procedures can be covered by insurance when certain requirements are met. Dr. Vande Ven does not take insurance cases, so procedures at this practice are self-pay.
All breast procedures →
Request a Consultation 