Breast Augmentation with Lift in Washington, DC
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO SERVE WASHINGTON, DCPregnancy, weight changes, and aging may affect both the position and fullness of the breasts. Some patients notice stretched skin and lower breast tissue along with volume loss, particularly in the upper breast.
At The DC Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Michael Olding performs breast lift with augmentation in Washington, DC, for patients who want to address these changes in one surgical plan.
What Is a Breast Lift With Augmentation?
Also called augmentation mastopexy, this surgery combines two procedures with different functions. A breast lift removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola when needed. Breast augmentation uses implants to add volume and influence projection.
Combining the procedures may be appropriate when sagging and volume loss occur together. Patients whose primary concern is breast size may need augmentation alone. A lift without implants may suit those who are satisfied with their existing volume.
Who Is a Breast Lift with Augmentation Candidate?
Candidates commonly have sagging breasts with reduced fullness. They may also have stretched skin, low or downward-pointing nipples, or differences between the breasts.
Patients should be in good general health, maintain a stable weight, and understand what surgery and recovery involve. Nicotine interferes with healing, so patients who smoke or use nicotine products must be willing to stop as directed. Future pregnancies and significant weight changes may affect the breasts after surgery.
During the consultation, Dr. Olding evaluates skin elasticity, breast tissue, nipple position, chest dimensions, and asymmetry. This examination helps him determine whether a combined procedure is appropriate.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Planning a breast lift with augmentation involves decisions about the lift technique and implant characteristics. Dr. Olding considers how these choices will work together before completing the surgical plan.
Planning the Breast Lift
The amount of loose skin and the position of the nipple help determine the lift technique. Incisions may be placed around the areola, extend vertically to the breast crease, or continue along the crease when more extensive reshaping is needed.
Choosing Implant Size and Profile
Once the lift is planned, Dr. Olding evaluates the patient’s chest width, existing breast tissue, and skin quality. These measurements help determine an implant width, volume, and profile that suit the patient’s anatomy. Implant selection is based on overall proportions rather than cup size alone.
Selecting Saline or Silicone Implants
Saline implants have a silicone shell and are filled with sterile saltwater after placement. Silicone implants are prefilled with silicone gel. Dr. Olding explains how the available options differ and discusses any monitoring considerations associated with the selected implant.
Determining Implant Placement
Implants may be positioned beneath the breast tissue, the chest muscle, or a combination of both. The amount of natural tissue and the planned breast shape help Dr. Olding determine the appropriate placement.
Completing the Surgery
The procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis. After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Olding removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue, and repositions the nipple and areola when necessary. He creates the implant pocket, places the selected implant, and closes the incisions.
What to Expect During Breast Surgery Recovery
Swelling, bruising, soreness, and tightness are common during the early recovery period. Medication may be used as directed, and a surgical support bra helps protect the healing breasts.
Light walking is encouraged, but lifting and strenuous upper-body activity remain restricted until Dr. Olding provides clearance. Many patients return to desk-based work within one to two weeks. Physically demanding work may require more time away.
The breasts initially appear higher and firmer than expected. Swelling decreases, the tissues soften, and the implants settle over the following weeks and months. Incision lines are permanent, but they usually fade as they mature.
Follow-up visits allow Dr. Olding to examine the incisions and monitor healing. Patients receive instructions for wound care, sleeping position, support garments, and returning to exercise.
Benefits of Breast Lift With Augmentation
Treating breast position and volume together may provide several improvements within one surgical plan. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, breast lift with augmentation may:
- Raise breast tissue that sits lower on the chest
- Restore fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging
- Improve nipple position
- Refine differences in breast size or shape
- Create better balance with the patient’s frame
Skin quality, existing tissue, and implant selection influence the result. Dr. Olding discusses what is realistic based on the patient’s anatomy.
How Much Does Breast Lift With Augmentation Cost?
The cost of breast lift with augmentation in Washington, DC, depends on the lift technique, implant selection, surgical complexity, anesthesia, facility fees, and postoperative care. There is no standard price for every patient.
The practice provides a personalized estimate after Dr. Olding completes the examination and surgical plan. Patients may also ask about accepted payment methods and available financing options.
Why Choose The DC Cosmetic Surgery Center?
Dr. Michael Olding is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. He completed surgical training at Cornell Medical Center and McGill University. He serves as Professor of Surgery at The George Washington University School of Medicine, Chief of Cosmetic Surgery, and Director of the Cosmetic Surgery Center.
Dr. Olding has served on FDA advisory panels, including a panel involved in the approval of silicone gel breast implants. This experience informs his discussions with patients about implant options, monitoring, and long-term considerations. He performs his own surgeries and works directly with each patient throughout planning and follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discuss Breast Lift With Augmentation With Dr. Olding
If breast sagging and volume loss are affecting the same area, request a consultation with The DC Cosmetic Surgery Center. Dr. Olding will assess your anatomy and explain whether breast lift with augmentation is appropriate for you.