BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS
A breast lift (mastopexy) can deliver excellent results, giving you a more youthful silhouette and restoring your confidence. However, this procedure alone is often not sufficient, and an implant may be needed if the breasts are too small. Sometimes it is not just a matter of size. An implant can also improve shape by correcting sagging of the breast tissue and skin, filling out the upper pole of the breast for a more balanced appearance.
“During the consultation, I like to work with you to determine the most suitable way to enhance your breasts, presenting a range of options.”
My approach, which has shaped my surgical practice over the years, is to fully understand your desires and clearly and realistically explain the differences between the outcomes of breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast lift with implants. In my experience, patients often choose a breast lift with implants when they want more volume and are also concerned about sagging breasts that have lost firmness due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. This can impact confidence and make it difficult to wear certain types of clothing comfortably.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURE
A breast lift with implants is a combined procedure that addresses multiple aspects of the breast and, therefore, should only be recommended and performed in specific cases.
If you are happy with the shape of your breasts but would like more volume and fullness, breast augmentation is the ideal choice. If you are satisfied with your breast size but concerned about sagging, a simple breast lift may be the most suitable option. Finally, if you want fuller, higher breasts, the best option is a breast lift with implants, which allows me to tailor the size and shape precisely to your needs.
In women with larger breasts, I typically recommend a reduction–augmentation (minus–plus procedure) based on the concepts developed by Canadian surgeon Dr. Paule Regnault. This technique removes excess tissue from the lower portion of the breast while using an implant to restore fullness to the upper pole. It achieves a harmonious balance between the natural breast tissue and the weight of the implant.
More than any other procedure, it requires careful preoperative planning to accurately predict the new breast shape over the medium and long term. Thanks to my scientific studies on pre- and postoperative anthropometric measurements, I have a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the potential of this surgical procedure, allowing me to recommend the approach that is most suitable for you. “I often also include liposuction in the lateral chest and underarm areas to enhance and better define the breast shape when needed.”
FOR A MORE CONSCIOUS CHOICE
The ideal candidate for this procedure is a woman close to her ideal body weight, in good health, and preferably a non-smoker. It is crucial to stop smoking before surgery, as nicotine can affect blood flow and slow the healing process. Having realistic expectations about the outcome is equally important, as the “double push-up bra” effect cannot realistically be achieved through surgery. As with any procedure, some scarring is unavoidable, but the incisions are carefully placed to make them as discreet as possible.
Many patients who have previously had breast augmentation feel that their breasts have become deflated and sagging, almost weighed down by the implants. Others are tired of always needing to wear a bra because of loss of firmness and feel that even a push-up bra no longer makes their breasts look full. In these cases, a breast lift with implants can be an excellent solution. While the new breast position may take some time to fully settle, the lollipop technique with vertical scars delivers beautiful results, enhancing projection, restoring a youthful look, and ensuring long-lasting stability.
Being in good physical and mental health is essential for achieving the best results, and sometimes it may be wise to wait for the right time. Your personal commitments are also an important factor. While recovery is generally straightforward, allowing time to rest is necessary for proper healing. Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks and resume a more active lifestyle within 3-4 weeks.
The final results will not be visible immediately. During the first 72 hours, swelling is normal. The breast tissue has not yet settled, and the breasts are not completely shaped. After 6 weeks, the initial sutures begin to dissolve, and the breast tissue will start to settle into place and integrate with the implant. The final shape of the breasts will become visible between 3-6 months. By about 2 years, the scar tissue will have softened, giving the breasts an even more natural appearance.
On the day of your procedure, you will be welcomed in the comfort of our private clinic. After check-in and a pre-operative consultation with the anesthesia care team, Dr. Elisa Bolletta will make the pre-surgery markings before guiding you to the operating room. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring. At Elisà Plastic Surgery, our goal is to ensure a safe and calm experience, with meticulous attention to every detail, from your emotional well-being to surgical precision.
The length of the procedure depends on its complexity, but a breast lift with implants typically takes around 2–4 hours. More intricate procedures, such as the minus-plus technique, may require additional time to achieve maximum precision and a perfectly balanced result.
At Elisà Plastic Surgery, your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities. One of our main goals is to provide an almost entirely pain-free experience from start to finish, which is why we place great emphasis on anesthesia. Our team of anesthesiologists uses state-of-the-art techniques, including targeted local blocks, to ensure maximum comfort, reduce post-operative pain, and minimize the risks associated with general anesthesia. Post-operative pain is generally managed with pain medication. Thanks to modern surgical techniques and careful handling of breast tissue, most patients report only mild, manageable, and temporary discomfort. At the end of the procedure, a long-acting local anesthetic will be administered directly to the surgical area. You will also be fitted with a shaping and soft supportive bra, designed to relieve pressure and help you maintain a comfortable posture from the start. Our goal is to combine excellent aesthetic results with thoughtful, meticulous support at every stage of your journey.
The initial recovery period typically lasts 1–2 weeks, during which some tightness, swelling, or mild discomfort is normal. Light daily activities can usually be resumed after just a few days, while sports and strenuous physical activity should be avoided for approximately 4–6 weeks, following personalized recommendations. Dr. Elisa Bolletta will recommend wearing a supportive bra continuously for 4–6 weeks to support your breasts and promote optimal healing. A gradual, targeted approach is key to returning to your routine safely, comfortably, and smoothly.
• Wear the post-operative bra or the elastic support provided.
• Avoid sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.
• Sleep in a semi-upright position for the first few nights..
• Follow all prescribed medications and post-operative instructions carefully.
• Keep an eye out for any unusual swelling, redness, or pain, and report it promptly.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, visible or irregular scarring, changes in nipple sensitivity, asymmetry, or implant-related complications. Through careful patient selection, thorough planning, and advanced surgical techniques, we can significantly reduce these risks.
A breast lift with implants is a highly personalized procedure. Its success relies on finding the right balance between your natural breast tissue and the implant, as well as considering your skin quality and the distribution of your breast tissue. That is why the pre-operative consultation and simulation of results are key to achieving a harmonious, long-lasting result.
Regular check-ups are scheduled as follows:
• 24–48 hours after surgery for an initial check and removal of drains, if needed.
• After 7–10 days to examine the incisions and change dressings.
• At 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery to assess aesthetic results and healing.
The final visit, 1 year after surgery, allows us to assess the fully matured scars and the settled results, showing their natural, final appearance. Your care will continue beyond this stage, with ongoing support to ensure balanced, long-lasting, and dependable results. Each check-up is designed not only for your safety but also for your peace of mind, providing consistent, personalized, and thoughtful support that is part of the Elisà Plastic Surgery experience.
The team includes:
• Lead surgeon, Dr. Elisa Bolletta.
• A specialist anesthesiologist, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
• Nurses and operating room staff, experienced in aesthetic plastic surgery and post-operative care.
• Elisà Plastic Surgery team assistants, providing attentive support from the pre-operative stage through recovery.
Every team member is highly qualified and works together seamlessly to ensure a safe, calm, and professional experience.
