What Is a Breast Lift with Implants (Augmentation Mastopexy)?

A breast lift with implants, medically called augmentation mastopexy, is a combined breast lift and augmentation procedure that aims to reposition the breast tissue and nipple while also increasing breast volume using an implant.

In simple terms, this surgery addresses two separate structural issues at the same time:

1. Breast ptosis (sagging): Removing excess skin and reshaping the breast envelope to move the nipple–areola complex to a higher, more central position on the chest.
2. Volume and shape change: Inserting a breast implant to restore or increase upper‑pole fullness and overall breast size.

A combined breast lift and breast implant operation may be considered for adults who have changes in breast shape and position after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change or ageing and who also wish to increase or restore breast volume. It is not the right procedure for everyone; during a consultation, your medical history, expectations and anatomy are assessed and alternatives such as breast lift without implants or breast augmentation alone are also discussed.

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Lift with Implants in Sydney?

Many people search for “do I need a breast lift or implants” or “can implants fix sagging breasts” when they first start researching. In reality, candidacy for augmentation mastopexy depends on your anatomy, health and goals rather than search terms alone.

In general, a combined lift and implant may be considered when:

• Breasts sit lower on the chest, with nipples pointing downwards or sitting below the breast fold.
• There is both loss of upper‑pole fullness and stretched or lax skin.
• There is asymmetry in breast volume or nipple position that may be improved with reshaping and volume change.
• You are at a stable weight and do not smoke or are prepared to stop smoking around the time of surgery.
• You understand that implants are not lifetime devices and that further surgery may be required in the future.

Some patients are better suited to breast lift without implants, while others may benefit from breast augmentation alone. One of the key purposes of an in‑person consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is to clarify whether a breast lift, implants, or a combination is the safest and most appropriate option in your circumstances.

Breast Lift vs Breast Implants vs Combined Procedure

Understanding the difference between a breast lift and breast implants helps you make sense of search terms such as “breast lift vs breast implants Sydney” or “breast lift with or without implants.”

At your consultation, Dr Mohaghegh will review which of these approaches best matches your breast anatomy, medical history and expectations, and will also discuss staged options if appropriate.

Breast Lift with Implants Surgical Techniques and Incision Patterns

The exact technique used for your breast augmentation and lift in Sydney depends on your degree of breast ptosis, skin quality, existing breast tissue and desired outcome. During examination, measurements and photographs help guide the choice of incision pattern and implant placement.

Incision Patterns for Mastopexy with Implants

• Periareolar (donut) lift with implants: An incision is made around the edge of the areola. This approach is generally reserved for mild sagging and small lifts, and has less ability to tighten lower pole skin compared with other patterns.
• Vertical (lollipop) lift with implants: Involves an incision around the areola with a vertical line down to the breast crease. This pattern is commonly used for moderate ptosis and allows more reshaping of the breast mound, with no horizontal scar in the fold.
• Inverted‑T (anchor) lift with implants: Combines an areolar incision, vertical line, and a horizontal incision in the breast crease. This anchor breast lift with implants technique is typically used when there is more severe sagging or significant excess skin, and allows the greatest degree of reshaping at the expense of more scar length.

Dual Plane Implant Placement for Breast Lift and Augmentation

In many augmentation mastopexy procedures, Dr Mohaghegh uses a dual plane technique, where an implant is positioned partly under the pectoralis major muscle and partly under the breast tissue.

• How it works: The upper part of the implant sits beneath the muscle, helping to provide soft‑tissue coverage in the upper pole, while the lower part sits beneath the breast tissue to allow expansion of the lower breast.
• Potential advantages: In selected patients, this can reduce visible implant edges in the upper pole, support a smoother chest‑to‑breast transition and assist in shaping the lower pole. Suitability and appearance vary between individuals and are discussed before surgery.

Illustrations and diagrams used on this website are for education only and are not guarantees of your own result. Actual outcomes depend on your anatomy, implant choice, healing response and other factors.

Implant Selection for Breast Lift with Implants in Sydney

Choosing the right implant is an important part of any combined breast lift and augmentation. Factors such as your chest width, existing breast tissue, lifestyle and goals influence the decision between round and teardrop implants, as well as implant size and profile.

• Cohesive silicone gel (“gummy bear”) implants: These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel designed to retain shape. They feel different to saline implants and have their own risk profile, including the need for long‑term monitoring, potential rupture, capsular contracture and the possibility of future revision surgery.
• Round implants for breast lift with implants: Round implants can provide more upper‑pole volume in suitable patients, which may be desirable for those seeking a fuller look at the top of the breast. The final appearance depends on implant size, profile, placement and your soft‑tissue envelope.
• Teardrop (anatomical) implants: Teardrop implants are fuller at the bottom and taper towards the top, aiming to create a more gradual slope. They are often considered in patients with limited natural breast tissue, but carry specific risks such as rotation, which may change the breast shape and sometimes require correction.

Implant selection should always be made in consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon after discussion of the potential benefits, limitations and risks of each option, including the fact that implants are not lifetime devices and may require removal or replacement in the future.

One‑Stage vs Two‑Stage Breast Lift and Implants

Some people search for “2 stage breast lift” or “staged breast lift and augmentation” when they are told that a single operation may not be ideal. In some situations, it can be safer or more predictable to stage the procedures rather than perform a large lift and augmentation at the same time.

Examples of situations where staging may be discussed include:

• Very significant ptosis and skin excess where the blood supply to the nipple–areola is a concern.
• Marked asymmetry or complex revision cases after previous surgery.
• Patients who are unsure about final volume and wish to see how they look after a lift alone before deciding on implant size.

A staged approach may involve a breast lift first, followed by augmentation at a later date, or vice versa in selected revision cases. Whether one‑stage or two‑stage augmentation mastopexy is recommended will be discussed with you in detail, including how staging may affect costs, downtime and scar pattern.

Breast Lift with Implants Cost in Sydney

Cost is one of the most common search queries for this procedure, with phrases such as “breast lift with implants cost Sydney,” “breast lift implants price Sydney” and “breast augmentation and lift cost” appearing frequently. Total costs vary between individuals and can only be accurately provided after assessment.

Typical fee components for a breast lift with implants in Sydney include:

• Surgeon’s fee: Covers your pre‑operative assessment and planning, the operation itself, and routine post‑operative follow‑up care.
• Hospital and theatre fees: Charged by the private hospital for use of the operating theatre, equipment, nursing staff and any overnight stay if required.
• Anaesthetist’s fee: Charged by the specialist anaesthetist who manages your anaesthesia and intra‑operative monitoring.
• Implant costs: The cost of TGA‑approved silicone breast implants varies depending on brand, type and size.

Where surgery is undertaken for cosmetic reasons, Medicare and private health funds generally do not provide a rebate. In certain situations with clearly defined medical indications, there may be Medicare item numbers and potential rebates; these must be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis and confirmed with your insurer.

Any cost information on this page is indicative only and does not constitute a quote. An itemised written estimate will be provided after your consultation once your specific surgical plan is agreed.

Breast Lift with Implants Recovery Time and Restrictions

Recovery after augmentation mastopexy is typically more involved than after breast augmentation alone because of the additional skin tightening and reshaping. However, the exact recovery timeline varies significantly between patients.

• Days 1–4: Swelling, tightness and discomfort are common and are usually managed with prescribed pain relief. You will generally be asked to sleep on your back with your upper body elevated and to limit arm movement and lifting. Assistance with household tasks is often needed.
• Week 1–2: Many patients with non‑manual or desk‑based roles return to work around 10–14 days post‑operation once cleared by the surgeon. A supportive post‑operative bra is usually worn as directed to support the new breast position and help reduce swelling.
• Weeks 3–6: Light walking is usually encouraged, but heavy lifting, high‑impact exercise and strenuous upper‑body activities are typically restricted until your surgeon confirms that healing is adequate. You may notice intermittent “zingers” or changes in sensation as nerves recover.
• Beyond 3 months: The breasts, implants and scars continue to settle. Scars usually evolve from red or pink to paler lines over 12–18 months, but scar quality is variable and cannot be guaranteed, and some people form thicker or more visible scars.

Recovery instructions also cover wound care, showering, driving, returning to work and resuming different forms of exercise. You will receive personalised guidance and are encouraged to contact the clinic if you experience concerning symptoms such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, fever or wound problems.

Risks and Complications of Breast Lift with Implants

All surgery carries risks. Breast lift with implants is an invasive cosmetic procedure and potential complications must be carefully considered before deciding to proceed. No surgeon or clinic can guarantee a particular result or the absence of complications.

Potential risks and complications include, but are not limited to:

• Capsular contracture: Tightening of the scar capsule around the implant, which can change the appearance or feel of the breast and may require further surgery.
• Implant displacement or rotation: Movement or rotation of the implant from its intended position, which can be more noticeable with anatomical (teardrop) implants.
• Changes in breast or nipple sensation: Sensation may increase, decrease or become altered; for some patients, these changes are long‑term or permanent.
• Asymmetry and contour irregularities: Differences in breast size, shape, scar position or nipple height may remain. Perfect symmetry is not achievable.
• Implant‑related issues: These can include rupture or leak, visible rippling in thin tissue, implant malposition, the need for revision surgery, and rare implant‑associated conditions, which will be discussed during consultation.
• General surgical risks: Bleeding, haematoma, infection, delayed wound healing, poor scarring, keloid or hypertrophic scarring, and anaesthetic‑related complications.

Your consultation includes a detailed discussion of these and other risks, as well as steps taken to reduce them, and the possibility that further procedures may be required during your lifetime, particularly because breast implants are not lifetime devices.

Breast Lift with Implants Sydney: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I breastfeed after a breast lift with implants?

Some women are able to breastfeed after breast lift and augmentation surgery, but this cannot be guaranteed. Incisions around the areola and repositioning of breast tissue can, in some cases, affect milk ducts or nerve supply. If you are planning future pregnancies or breastfeeding, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.

How long do breast lift with implants results last?

Breasts continue to change over time due to ageing, gravity, weight fluctuations and hormonal factors. While a breast lift with implants can reposition and reshape the breasts, it does not stop normal ageing. Implants also add weight, which can contribute to further descent in some patients, and revisional surgery may be considered in the future.

How long do breast implants last after a lift?

Breast implants are not designed to last for life. Although some may remain in place for many years, others may require removal or replacement due to issues such as rupture, capsular contracture or malposition. Regular clinical review is recommended, and your surgeon will advise if imaging or further assessment is needed.

Will a breast lift with implants fix all asymmetry?

A combined breast lift and augmentation can improve many asymmetries, such as differences in fold level, nipple position or breast volume. However, perfect symmetry is not achievable because most people have underlying differences in chest wall shape and soft‑tissue characteristics. Realistic expectations will be discussed at your consultation.

Is breast lift with implants right for me after pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Many people considering augmentation mastopexy have had pregnancies and breastfeeding and are concerned about sagging and volume loss. Timing, your future family plans, your current health and your expectations all influence whether this is an appropriate procedure for you. These factors should be discussed carefully with your surgeon during consultation.

Do I need a GP referral to see a Specialist Plastic Surgeon?

A referral from your General Practitioner is required if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS). A GP referral also helps ensure your broader health is considered. You can contact the clinic to find out how to arrange this before your appointment.

Next Steps: Booking a Breast Lift with Implants Consultation in Sydney

If you are considering breast lift with implants in Sydney and would like personalised advice about candidacy, costs, risks, recovery and alternatives, the next step is a comprehensive consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.

To arrange an appointment with Dr Mohammad Hassan Mohaghegh (Specialist Plastic Surgeon, FRACS), please call 1300 074 466 or email hello@drmohaghegh.com.au. During your consultation, your medical history and anatomy will be assessed, your questions answered, and a tailored treatment plan discussed to help you make an informed decision.

Cosmetic surgery is a significant decision. You should take time to consider your options, seek independent medical advice where appropriate, and ensure you understand the potential benefits, limitations, risks and recovery before proceeding.