Breast Augmentation with Lift San Diego
It is common to wonder whether or not you need a breast lift with your implants, and how this combination of procedures differs from breast augmentation or breast lift performed alone. Below, we explain how breast lift with implants with board-certified La Jolla plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus can restore a shapely, natural breast contour.
What is a breast augmentation with lift?
Also known as “augmentation mastopexy,” breast augmentation with lift combines breast augmentation with implants and a breast lift. The breast implants provide fullness, shape, and a boost in size, while a breast lift raises the breasts higher on the chest and repositions the nipple-areola complex at the center of the breast mound. Augmentation with a lift is also a common procedure performed during a mommy makeover.
In addition to restoring a full and beautiful breast shape and position, this procedure combination can:
- Improve the fit of bras and swimsuits
- Restore symmetry between the breasts
- Help to balance your upper body proportions with those of your lower body
Breast augmentation and breast lift can often be performed at one time, with one single recovery period.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation with lift?
Good candidates for this breast lift with implants typically identify with the following:
- Your breasts have lost volume due to pregnancy, aging, genetics, or weight loss.
- Your breasts sag; or, you have mild breast sagging, and you want to prevent sagging from worsening after implants are placed.
- Your nipples face downward or fall below the inframammary fold.
- You are in good health for surgery, a non-smoker, and at a stable weight.
Many patients who benefit from this procedure also have a history of breastfeeding, weight changes, or prolonged sun exposure.
How do I know if I need a breast lift with my implants?
Implants add volume, shape, upper pole fullness, and cleavage to the breasts. For certain patients with very mild sagging, the small “lift” provided by the breast implants’ volume may be sufficient to meet their goals for their breasts.
However, if your breasts appear deflated and/or your nipples rest at or below the crease at the base of your breast, then a breast lift may be necessary to create an ideal breast augmentation result. Breast implants alone will not raise the breasts higher on the chest, significantly change the position of your nipple areola complex, or address stretched tissues (which may not be able to sufficiently support an implant).
Further, a lift alone tends to create a sloping breast shape; those who prefer a more rounded upper breast will benefit from a breast lift with the addition of implants. In short, a breast lift addresses sagging (breast ptosis), while breast implants provide enhanced shape.
Vectra 3D imaging for your breast surgery consultation
If you are unsure whether or not your desired results require a combination procedure, Dr. Katerina Gallus will be happy to talk with you during your consultation about what you can expect with different procedure options. You will also have photos taken with our VECTRA® 3D imaging system, and together you and Dr. Gallus will be able to view potential surgical results using our state-of-the-art Canfield software. We are able to make adjustments as we go, helping you to visualize your potential results with various procedure combinations.
“Dr. Gallus is amazing and I am so glad that I chose her to perform my breast augmentation surgery. She walked me through the process from start to finish and her staff was always attentive and available. I felt like she really understood me and wanted me to look fabulous! I am ecstatic about my results and have never felt better about the way I look.”
—S. V., actual patient of Dr. Gallus
Your breast lift with augmentation procedure
What are my breast implant options?
You will have the same range of breast implant options as a patient undergoing breast augmentation alone, including silicone gel-filled (“gummy bear”) and saline-filled implants. Visit our breast augmentation page to learn more about breast implant options.
You will also be able to choose whether implant placement over-the-muscle or under-the-muscle is right for you. While Dr. Gallus will educate you on all of your options, breast implant positioning is also covered in detail on our breast augmentation page.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Increases breast size with implants while also lifting and reshaping the breasts
- Raises sagging breasts to a more natural and higher position on the chest
- Removes loose skin and repositions the nipple and areola
- Combines augmentation and lift into a single surgical session
- Anatomical Implants – Breast implants designed with a teardrop shape that mimics the natural slope of the breast, offering a more natural-looking contour compared to round implants.
- Areola – The pigmented area surrounding the nipple; size and shape can be modified during breast surgery for aesthetic purposes.
- Breast Augmentation – A surgical procedure to increase breast size using implants (saline or silicone) or, in some cases, fat transfer.
- Breast Footprint – The natural base or foundation of the breast on the chest wall, which determines the potential size and position of the breast or implant.
- Breast Implant – A medical prosthesis placed inside the breast to augment, reconstruct, or create the physical form of the breast.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – A surgical procedure aimed at raising and firming the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.
- Capsular Contracture – A complication of breast augmentation where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal and possibly causing discomfort or changes in appearance.
- Cohesive Gel Implants – Also known as “gummy bear” implants, these silicone gel implants maintain their shape even if the implant shell breaks, due to the thick consistency of the gel.
- Dual Plane Technique – A surgical approach for breast augmentation with a lift, where the implant is placed partially under the pectoralis major muscle and partially under the breast tissue, offering benefits of both submuscular and subglandular placements.
- Implant Displacement – A condition where the breast implant moves from its original position, potentially altering the shape and symmetry of the breasts, which can be addressed during a breast lift with augmentation.
- Mammary Gland – The glandular tissue in the breast responsible for milk production; its volume can vary based on hormonal changes, pregnancy, and overall body fat content.
- Mastectomy – A surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts, partially or completely, often used to treat or prevent breast cancer.
- Nipple-Areola Complex Positioning – Adjusting the position of the nipple and areola to a more youthful height on the breast, often a key component of a breast lift with augmentation.
- Pectoralis Major Muscle – The thick, fan-shaped muscle situated at the chest of the female body, under which implants may be placed in submuscular augmentation procedures.
- Ptosis – Medical term for sagging of the breasts, which can be corrected with a breast lift, often performed in conjunction with augmentation for a fuller and uplifted appearance.
- Round Implants – Breast implants that are circular in shape, providing a uniform fullness throughout the breast, often chosen for patients seeking a more pronounced upper breast fullness.
- Subglandular Placement – A method of breast implant placement where the implant is positioned between the breast tissue and the chest muscle, often used in conjunction with a lift for patients with sufficient natural breast tissue.
- Submuscular Placement – A method of breast implant placement where the implant is positioned beneath the pectoral muscle, which can offer a more natural appearance and is commonly combined with a lift for enhanced results.
- Symmastia – A condition where implants are placed too close together, crossing over the breastbone and creating the appearance of a single large breast, which can be avoided or corrected with proper surgical technique during breast augmentation with a lift.
- Tuberous Breast Correction – A condition characterized by narrow, tubular-shaped breasts with large, puffy areolas, which can be effectively treated with a combination of breast augmentation and lift to achieve a more natural breast shape.
Where will my incisions be?
You will have a number of incision options; together, you and Dr. Gallus will choose your incision location based on your goals and the technique that is ideal for your breast position, shape, and size.
- Inverted T-shaped incisions (a.k.a. anchor): This common incision extends around the areola, vertically down, and connects to a horizontal incision that is hidden in the lower breast crease. This incision allows for maximal skin removal and reshaping of the breast, as well as nipple repositioning.
- Vertical incisions (a.k.a. lollipop): This short-scar breast lift incision extends around the areola and then vertically down to the crease at the base of your breast, and can be used to reposition the nipple and address a minimal amount of excess skin.
- Circumareolar incisions: This minimal incision, placed around the circumference of the areola, can be used for minor lifting, to create symmetry, or to very slightly adjust the position of the nipple.
Note that any of these incision patterns may also include a reduction in the size of the areola, as desired.
What kind of anesthesia will I have?
Breast lift with breast implants is performed under general anesthesia in our fully accredited, on-site surgery center for your comfort and safety. You will be asleep for the entirety of your procedure, which usually takes about 3 hours when combined.
Your Safety = Beautiful Results
Breast Augmentation with Lift at Restore SD
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, patient safety comes first. Board-certified plastic surgeon and former Navy plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus operates in a private, on-site Quad A-accredited surgery center, with state-of-the-art equipment and LED surgical lighting. She proudly works with a board-certified anesthesiologist and holds privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
How much does a breast augmentation with lift cost in San Diego?
At our practice, the cost of breast augmentation with lift begins at $9,500. The cost of the procedure will vary on an individual basis based on a number of factors, including the type of breast implant you choose, the details of your procedure, the technique that Dr. Gallus uses, and any other procedures you decide to include in your mommy makeover. Rest assured that a detailed quote will be provided to you during your consultation, which will also include surgical fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees.
What is the recovery time for a breast augmentation with a lift?
Most patients return to work after a week or two, but you will need to take it easy and avoid heavy lifting or exerting yourself for about 4-6 weeks.
After your surgery, have a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for a day or two. You will have a post-surgical bra to wear to minimize swelling, and while soreness is normal, pain can be managed with medications. It is important to rest for several days after surgery, sleep in a slightly elevated position, and avoid lifting anything heavy or getting too active. Most patients take 1-2 weeks to rest and recover before returning to desk jobs. You won’t be able to lift anything heavy, including children, so you may need to arrange for childcare for several weeks. You will be cleared to gradually resume exercise and more strenuous activities after 4-6 weeks.
When will I see results after a breast augmentation-mastopexy?
While your improved breast shape will be obvious right after your procedure, you should be able to see near-final results after about 2 months. Final results are mostly visible after 6 months, once swelling has largely subsided. If you have your implants placed under the muscle, your implants will gradually settle into their final position for 6 months to 1 year as part of the “drop and fluff” process.
We will also talk with you about scar care after surgery. While you should expect visible scars after this procedure, know that over time they will continue to fade.
View more breast augmentation with lift before & after photos »
How long will my breast augmentation with lift results last?
You can expect to enjoy your new breast shape for many years after surgery. Although breast implants are not lifetime devices, many women keep their breast implants and enjoy their shape for decades. Barring the natural aging process, your breasts will continue to appear perkier and fuller.
To help extend your results, plan breast surgery after you are finished having children. While it is safe to get pregnant after breast augmentation with lift, changes that accompany childbearing will have an affect on your results.
Video transcript
“A common question at Restore SD Plastic Surgery is whether breast implants need to be changed every 10 years. The answer is no. Breast implants are designed to last longer than 10 years in most patients. If your implants are not causing issues and there’s no known rupture, continued surveillance is recommended. For more information on whether your implants need to be exchanged, please visit our website at Breast Implant Exchange to learn more.”–Dr. Katerina Gallus
Female plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus and our San Diego plastic surgery team are here to make your plastic surgery journey a positive—and even fun—experience! Dr. Gallus partners with you to establish the perfect breast augmentation with lift surgery plan to achieve your goals. To begin your journey with a consultation at our San Diego office to discuss surgery recommendations, cost, and more, call 858-224-2281 or contact us online today.
Call to schedule your consult today »
References »
Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Oct 28;8(10):e3057. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057. PMID: 33173660; PMCID: PMC7647657.
Qureshi AA, Myckatyn TM, Tenenbaum MM. Mastopexy and Mastopexy-Augmentation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018 Mar 14;38(4):374-384. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjx181.
Ismail KT, Ismail MT, Ismail TA, Ismail AT, Toth BA. Triple-Plane Augmentation Mastopexy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2019 Aug 12;7(8):e2344. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002344.
Hidalgo DA, Spector JA. Mastopexy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Oct;132(4):642e-656e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31829fe4b4.
Sarosiek K, Maxwell GP, Unger JG. Getting the Most Out of Augmentation-Mastopexy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2018 Nov;142(5):742e-759e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000004961
Pferdehirt R, Nahabedian MY. Finesse in Mastopexy and Augmentation Mastopexy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2021 Sep 1;148(3):451e-461e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000008303.
Layt CWL. Augmentation Mastopexy: Planning and Performance for Predictability: Management of Complications. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2021 Jan;48(1):45-57. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2020.09.002.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Mar 21, 2025
Learn more about breast lift with implants in San Diego
Podcast – A Better Breast Lift with the Internal Bra: San Diego Female Plastic Surgeon Explains
How to Treat Sagging Breasts: Learn the Key Benefits of a Breast Lift
Do I Need a Breast Lift with My Augmentation?
