A breast lift and augmentation combines a mastopexy, which removes extra skin and raises the nipple, with an implant that restores upper fullness. It suits breasts that have both sagged and lost volume. A review of 4,856 one-stage operations found a reoperation rate of 10.7%, similar to a lift alone, though severe cases may be staged.
This guide is part of our breast lift overview. If you’re unsure whether you need a lift, implants or both, start with breast lift vs augmentation.
What is augmentation mastopexy?
Augmentation mastopexy lifts and tightens the breast while an implant adds volume, usually in one operation for mild to moderate sagging.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US), a lift on its own doesn’t significantly change size or round out the upper breast. Adding an implant fills that space. The two goals pull in opposite directions, though: the lift tightens skin while the implant stretches it, which is why planning matters.
StatPearls says one-stage surgery typically suits mild or moderate sagging with an implant under about 360 cc. A two-stage approach is preferred for severe sagging, a lot of extra skin, concern about nipple blood supply or a large implant.
Before and after
Typical breast lift and augmentation results show a higher nipple, fuller upper breast and lifted shape, with scars that fade over months.
When you review breast lift and augmentation before and after photos, check these points:
| What to look at | What a good result usually shows |
|---|---|
| Nipple position | Centred on the breast mound, above the breast fold |
| Upper breast | Fuller without a sharp step at the top of the implant |
| Lower breast | Tissue sitting over the implant, not sliding below it |
| Scars | Matching the technique used and fading in later photos |
| Timing | “After” photos at least several months post-op |
The most common problems in a meta-analysis cited by StatPearls were sagging returning (5.2%), unfavourable scars (3.7%), capsular contracture (3.0%) and asymmetry (2.9%). Augmentation mastopexy before and after photos from a surgeon’s own patients with similar starting points are the most useful guide.
Small implant + lift
A breast lift and small implant often gives the most natural result, because smaller implants put less strain on freshly tightened skin.
Many people want lifted, fuller breasts rather than much bigger ones. A modest implant restores upper volume while letting the lift do the shaping. StatPearls notes one-stage combined surgery is usually limited to implants below about 360 cc. For how implant volume translates to appearance, see our breast augmentation guide.
In my practice, I usually suggest a smaller implant than patients first ask for when combining it with a lift. It’s easier on the skin and tends to hold the shape longer.
Cost
Breast lift and augmentation cost combines two procedures; ASPS lists separate surgeon-fee ranges, and facility fees are extra.
ASPS publishes 2024 US surgeon-fee ranges for each procedure: $6,500 to $11,000 for a breast lift and $4,575 to $8,000 for augmentation with implants. It doesn’t publish a combined figure, and anesthesia, facility, implants and garments add to the total. Combining both in one operation usually means one anesthetic and one recovery, while staging means two of each.
Breast lift with augmentation recovery week by week
Breast lift and augmentation recovery follows the lift timeline: support bra for four to six weeks, with intense exercise after about the same time.
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Most soreness; dressings and support bra; sometimes a small drain (ASPS) |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Desk work for many; scar care can start after about 3 weeks (StatPearls) |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | Support bra continues; intense activity resumes at 4 to 6 weeks (StatPearls) |
| Months 3 to 6 | Implant settles and shape refines; revision, if needed, waits 6 to 12 months (StatPearls) |
Post breast lift and augmentation care is in our breast lift recovery timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on one or two operations, safety, scars and how long a combined lift and implant result lasts.
Is it safe to have a lift and implants at the same time?
For suitable patients, yes. A 2013 ASPS-reported study of 430 lifts found reoperation for tissue problems was about 13% when combined, compared with about 10% for a lift alone, a difference that wasn’t significant. Severe sagging may be safer in two stages.
When is a two-stage approach better?
StatPearls lists severe sagging, more than about 6 cm of extra vertical skin, concerns about nipple blood supply and a large implant as reasons to stage. The lift is done first, and the implant is added months later.
What scars does a breast lift with augmentation leave?
The same as the lift alone: around the areola, sometimes down to the fold, and sometimes along it. The implant usually goes in through one of those incisions. Scars are permanent but usually fade over months.
How long do the results last?
The lift is long-lasting, but breasts keep aging, and the FDA says implants aren’t lifetime devices. Stable weight helps. Some people have an implant exchange or a minor lift years later.
If you’d like to know whether one or two stages suits you, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For techniques and scars, return to our breast lift hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Martinez AA, Chung S. Breast Ptosis. StatPearls [Internet]. NCBI Bookshelf NBK567792. Updated 2023. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Combined breast lift and augmentation is safe (Calobrace et al., PRS 2013). American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2013. plasticsurgery.org
- Breast lift. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- 2024 Cosmetic Procedures: Average Cost. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2025. plasticsurgery.org
- Things to consider before getting breast implants. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2023. fda.gov
