Breast Augmentation and Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA

A breast augmentation and lift is a combined procedure that enhances the volume of the breasts while also repositioning them into a more youthful shape and height. This procedure effectively addresses concerns such as volume loss, sagging, asymmetry, and more.

Dr. Caroline Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 17 years of experience. She is dedicated to providing individualized care to each of her patients, offering cutting-edge surgical plans to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.

To schedule your consultation, please contact Dr. Min online or call/text her office at (626) 214-5727.

Before and After Photos

About Breast Augmentation and Lift

A breast augmentation and lift is a comprehensive procedure that can improve the position, shape, symmetry, and size of the breasts. This procedure combines the techniques of both breast augmentation and breast lift to provide a silhouette that you can feel confident about.

About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is considered to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the country. (1) Dr. Min can perform breast augmentation using either breast implants or fat taken from your own body, or a combination of both.

  • Breast Implant Augmentation: Breast implants are placed into the breasts to enhance the shape and fullness of the breasts. Implants can either be composed of silicone or saline and vary in shape, size, and projection. Dr. Min prefers to place implants either in the dual plane or subfascial plane, depending on your unique anatomy and lifestyle. The recommended approach will be discussed in detail at your consultation.
  • Fat Transfer Augmentation: A fat transfer augmentation uses liposuction to take excess fat from other areas of the body and transfer it to the breasts. This technique offers dual benefits, leaving the donor areas of your body smaller and more slender while enhancing your bustline. Fat transfer techniques can be used in conjunction with implant-based augmentation to help disguise implant edges and create a more natural look.

About Breast Lifts

Oftentimes, as a result of the natural aging process, weight loss, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and other factors, the breasts begin to sag and take on a ‘deflated’ look. The nipples might become malpositioned or downturned as well. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a breast-enhancing procedure that aims to elevate the position of the breasts by repositioning tissue, enhancing support, and removing excess skin. (2)

Candidates

You might be a good candidate for a breast augmentation and lift if you are interested in enhancing the size, shape, fullness, and position of your breasts.

If you are interested in this procedure, you should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations regarding the results of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Min will help you determine whether this procedure is right for you.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Min will assess your medical history, aesthetic concerns, and treatment goals. She will also perform a physical examination to evaluate your breasts.

Dr. Min will help you explore your different options for lift techniques and discuss the most effective methods with you. She will also dedicate time to answering any questions and discussing any concerns you may have about your procedure so that you can feel well-informed and confident about your treatment plan.

To schedule your consultation and receive your personalized procedure plan, please contact Dr. Min online or call/text (626) 214-5727.

Preparation

Before your breast augmentation and lift, you will receive pre-operative instructions to help you prepare. Preparation is a key aspect of any surgical procedure, as it lays the foundation for a smooth process and an easy recovery.

Guidelines may vary, but often include the following:

  • Discontinue blood-thinning medications and supplements as directed by your provider.
  • Stop alcohol and nicotine use in the weeks before and after your procedure.
  • Arrange transportation home prior to your surgery.
  • Plan time away from work and other responsibilities for your recovery.

Additional Procedure Details

Dr. Min will likely perform your breast augmentation and lift while you are under general anesthesia. The total procedure time can range from 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity.

Breast Lift

Dr. Min will carefully make incisions to access underlying structures and remove excess tissues. She will use one of the following incision patterns to perform your breast lift:

  • Periareolar (donut): Encircles the nipple–areola complex.
  • Vertical (lollipop): Circles the nipple–areola and extends straight down to the breast fold.
  • Wise pattern (anchor): Combines the vertical incision with an additional horizontal incision along the inframammary fold.

In some cases, she will use a bioabsorbable mesh scaffold to provide greater structural support within the breasts. If necessary, Dr. Min can also reposition or resize your areolas.

Breast Implants

Through the same incision used for the breast lift, Dr. Min will create a pocket for the implants. Dr. Min prefers to place implants either in the dual plane or subfascial plane, which allows for more natural-looking results, reduced risk of capsular contracture, and less interference during mammograms. Placement is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on what is best for the patient according to their anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.

Fat Transfer Augmentation

During a fat transfer augmentation, Dr. Min will first perform liposuction to harvest excess fat from around the body. Fat is typically taken from areas such as the flanks, thighs, or abdomen. Dr. Min will process and purify the fat before carefully reinjecting it into the breasts.

Recovery

You will be able to go home the same day as your procedure, as Dr. Min performs breast augmentation and lifts on an outpatient basis.

During your recovery, you can expect some swelling or bruising; these effects are temporary and will subside on their own. You will likely be able to return to most of your daily activities within two weeks, but you will need to refrain from strenuous or high-impact activities until Dr. Min clears you to return.

Throughout your recovery, Dr. Min may advise you to wear a surgical bra. This bra is designed to protect and maintain the new sculpt of your breasts as they heal and minimize swelling. You will attend follow-up appointments throughout your recovery so that Dr. Min can monitor your progress.

Results

After swelling diminishes and your implants settle, you will be able to enjoy more lifted, fuller breasts, with exceptional improvements in shape and symmetry. Patients often feel more confident in their daily lives and feel empowered to wear different types of clothing or swimsuits that they previously avoided.

The results of a breast lift and augmentation are designed to be long-lasting; Dr. Min’s meticulous techniques and implant placement ensure that the breasts benefit from ongoing support. However, all breast implants do need to be replaced eventually—the exact timing of which can be variable.

Cost of Breast Augmentation and Lift in Pasadena and Los Angeles

The cost of your breast augmentation and lift may vary depending on the details of your surgical plan. This can include the surgical techniques used, the type of implants selected, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors. Dr. Min will provide a comprehensive price estimate for your breast augmentation and lift once these details are discussed.

FAQ

Will I be able to breastfeed after my breast augmentation and lift?

Many patients can breastfeed after these procedures; however, it is recommended to wait until after you are finished breastfeeding to receive a breast augmentation and lift. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, you should discuss this consideration with Dr. Min during your consultation.

What techniques can be used to augment my breasts?

During a breast augmentation and lift, Dr. Min may use breast implants, fat grafting, or a combination of both to enhance the size and shape of your breasts.

What types of implants are available for a breast augmentation in Los Angeles?

Dr. Min offers both silicone and saline breast implants, with several options regarding size, profile, and shape.

How long is the recovery period after a breast augmentation and lift?

Most patients can return to work after resting for approximately two weeks, but they will need to continue avoiding high-impact or strenuous activities for at least four weeks.

How long will the results of my breast augmentation and lift last?

The results of your breast augmentation and lift are designed to be long-lasting, with implants lasting for up to 10-15 years or longer before replacement is recommended.

Are there any risks associated with receiving a breast augmentation and lift?

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved. These may include excessive scarring, infection, dissatisfaction with results, and more. During your consultation, Dr. Min will discuss each risk and its associated complication with you to ensure you are well-informed regarding your procedure.

References

  1. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
  2. Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610682/