What is a breast augmentation mastopexy?

Breast augmentation mastopexy is a surgical procedure that combines breast augmentation with a breast lift to improve breast volume, shape and position simultaneously.

The procedure is designed for women who wish to increase breast volume while also restoring upper pole fullness and improving breast drooping or skin laxity.

These changes are commonly sought after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or ageing, and may include:

  • loss of upper pole fullness
  • breast drooping (ptosis)
  • stretched skin
  • deflation of breast tissue
  • enlarged or downward-pointing nipples
  • breast asymmetry.

Augmentation mastopexy is carefully planned to restore breast volume while reshaping and supporting the breast to create a balanced, natural and durable result.

In most patients, augmentation mastopexy can be safely performed as a single-stage procedure. However, in patients with severe skin laxity, significant post-weight loss changes, poor skin quality or complex revision surgery, a staged approach may occasionally be more appropriate.

Autoaugmentation is an alternative technique which lifts and reshapes the breast using the patient’s own tissue rather than an implant. While this can create some improvement in fullness and projection, it is generally more limited in restoring upper pole volume.

Who is suitable for breast augmentation mastoplexy?

Augmentation mastopexy may be appropriate for women who:

  • have breast drooping or skin excess
  • have lost breast volume following pregnancy or weight loss
  • wish to restore upper pole fullness
  • feel their breasts appear deflated or elongated.

Good candidates are generally medically well, at a stable weight and able to safely recover from surgery.

Factors that can affect suitability include smoking, poor nutritional status, unstable weight, poorly controlled medical conditions and severe skin laxity.

If these factors are relevant to you, the Morphē team will work with you before surgery to help optimise your preparation and recovery. This may include support from our dietitians, endocrinologist, obesity physicians, physiotherapists or psychologist where appropriate.

Mammograms may also be recommended prior to surgery depending on your age, family history and individual risk factors.

What preparation is required for breast augmentation mastoplexy?

At Morphē, preparation for surgery focuses on improving healing, reducing complications and supporting a durable long-term result.

Preparation may include:

  • nutritional support to optimise healing
  • smoking and vaping cessation
  • assessment of weight stability
  • optimisation of medical conditions
  • psychological support where required.

During your consultation, Dr Alex Cameron will assess:

  • breast volume and shape
  • skin quality and elasticity
  • nipple position
  • chest wall anatomy
  • breast asymmetry
  • tissue thickness
  • degree of breast drooping.

Detailed planning is also performed regarding implant size, shape, projection and overall breast proportions.

The goal is not simply larger breasts, but a balanced, lifted and proportionate breast shape that suits your anatomy and long-term goals.

How is breast augmentation mastoplexy performed?

Augmentation mastopexy is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes approximately three to four hours.

The procedure commonly involves:

  • creation of an implant pocket beneath the pectoralis major muscle
  • insertion of breast implants
  • lifting and reshaping of the breast tissue around the implant
  • repositioning of the nipple-areolar complex
  • removal of excess skin.

Breast implants are most commonly placed in a dual plane position beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This approach combines muscular coverage of the upper implant with expansion of the lower breast pole to improve implant support, upper pole transition and overall breast shape.

 

The degree of internal breast reshaping varies depending on the amount of skin excess, breast tissue descent and overall breast anatomy.

The scar pattern required depends on the degree of breast drooping and skin excess, and may include:

  • periareolar mastopexy
  • vertical mastopexy
  • wise pattern mastopexy.

For many patients, augmentation mastopexy can be safely performed as a single-stage procedure. However, in patients with severe post-weight loss changes or compromised tissue quality, Dr Cameron may occasionally recommend staging the augmentation and mastopexy separately to improve tissue healing and long-term stability.

Liposuction of the lateral chest wall may also be performed to improve contour transitions and overall breast aesthetics. Fat grafting and insertion of GalaFLEX may also be used where appropriate to improve soft tissue support and long-term lower pole stability.

The wounds are closed with layered dissolvable sutures and dressed with Prineo dressings.

Most patients either return home the same day or stay overnight in hospital depending on the complexity of surgery and recovery.

Dr Cameron performs augmentation mastopexy procedures at Burnside Hospital, St Andrew’s Hospital or Glenelg Community Hospital.

What outcome can I expect to achieve?

Augmentation mastopexy can significantly improve:

  • breast fullness
  • upper pole projection
  • breast position
  • breast symmetry
  • nipple position
  • overall breast proportion.

The procedure combines the volume enhancement of augmentation with the reshaping and lifting effects of mastopexy.

Patients commonly report improvements in:

  • clothing fit
  • confidence
  • body image
  • comfort in swimwear and fitted clothing.

The final result depends on factors such as tissue quality, skin elasticity, implant selection, healing characteristics and long-term weight stability.

Breasts continue to soften and settle over six to twelve months following surgery.

Long-term breast shape is still influenced by factors such as skin quality, ageing and weight fluctuations.

What kind of recovery can I expect?

Recovery following augmentation mastopexy varies between individuals, however most patients experience swelling, tightness and discomfort for the first one to two weeks after surgery.

Pain is generally manageable with simple pain relief such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication, with stronger prescription pain relief used when required.

Swelling gradually improves over three to six months. Initially, the breasts often appear higher, firmer and more swollen than the final result. Over time, they soften and settle into a more natural position.

Scars are permanent, although they usually fade significantly over time. Scar maturation continues over approximately twelve months.

We will guide you through scar care, which may include:

  • silicone therapy
  • scar massage
  • taping
  • sun protection
  • occasional laser treatment where appropriate.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout your recovery and Dr Cameron is happy to review you at any stage if you have concerns.

As a general guide:

  • Walking: day of surgery
  • Jogging: 2–4 weeks
  • Gym: around 6 weeks
  • Swimming: around 6 weeks
  • Desk-based work: usually 2–3 weeks
  • Physical work or lifting: usually 6 weeks
  • Driving: usually 1–2 weeks.
Are there any risks or potential complications?

All surgery carries some degree of risk. These risks are reduced through careful preparation, surgical planning, post-operative care, and the experience and judgement of Dr Cameron and the Morphē team.

General risks associated with breast surgery will be discussed with you before your procedure.

Risks specific to breast augmentation mastopexy may include:

  • Scarring. Mastopexy scars are permanent, although most fade significantly over time. Some patients develop thickened or widened scars.
  • Wound healing issues. Small areas of delayed healing can occur, particularly where scars meet beneath the breast.
  • Altered sensation. Temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation are common and usually improve over three to six months. Permanent changes occasionally occur.

Risks specific to breast augmentation mastopexy may include: (cont.)

  • Implant-related complications. Breast implants are not lifetime devices and further revision surgery should be anticipated over time.
  • Revision surgery. If augmentation mastopexy is performed as a single-stage procedure, a small percentage of patients may require revision surgery to achieve the desired long-term result.