Breast Lift with Auto-Augmentation

Breast lift with auto augmentation, also known as breast lift with internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap, is a combination procedure that involves both a breast lift and breast augmentation. It is a specialised technique that uses the patient’s own breast tissue to improve the shape and position of the breasts.

The procedure begins with a breast lift (mastopexy), which involves removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher position on the breast. After the lift, the surgeon identifies and isolates the internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap, a small amount of breast tissue and skin located at the breast crease. This tissue is then carefully elevated, repositioned and fixed to the upper pole of the breast to provide additional fullness and projection to the breast.

This technique can be beneficial for patients with moderate ptosis (sagging) who wish to achieve both a lift and a slight increase in breast size. It can also be a good option for patients who have undergone weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding and have lost volume in their breasts.

This technique is not suitable for everyone, and it’s always best to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for you.

Many women are keen to achieve a greater degree of fullness of the upper part of the breast without necessarily increasing the overall volume of their breasts with a breast augmentation. Our surgeons are experts in performing a breast lift with auto-augmentation for optimal correction. The breast auto augmentation procedure utilises your own breast tissue to improve the shape of the breast. The procedure involves incisions similar to those for a breast lift, followed by the creation of an extra incision known as a “V flap” incision, which is made in the excess breast tissue. Before repositioning tissue, the excess breast tissue most commonly sits lower and is more droopy than normal breast tissue. The breast tissue, which is part of the “V flap”, is meticulously repositioned in a superior direction next to the chest wall muscle, which helps to improve fullness in the upper pole of the breast.  The tissue forming part of the V flap is reattached to the chest wall to ensure that the newly created shape remains in the proper position. Once this is carried out, the breast tissue and the overlying skin are surgically resutured using the same lollipop or anchor scar technique associated with a traditional breast lift procedure.

Breast auto-augmentation is in many ways similar to a breast lift procedure; however, auto-augmentation is considered more of a breast reconstruction procedure for patients who choose to have their implants removed. Breast uplift surgery is more appropriate when nipple repositioning is required, which optimises the appearance of fullness in the breasts and breast tissue is commonly left untouched. Breast auto-augmentation utilises the principle of preserving the patient’s own breast tissue and surgically repositioning it to the upper part of the breast.

• Improved shape of breasts without the need for a breast implant
• Increased upper pole fullness without the need for breast implants
• Eliminate saggy breasts
• Ability to raise the level of the breasts into a more aesthetically pleasing position
• No implant-related complications
• A natural procedure, as no artificial materials are used for implantation.

Choosing the best surgeon for breast auto-augmentation

Breast auto-augmentation is a highly technical breast reconstruction procedure that is only performed by a handful of specialist breast surgeons in the UK. Only plastic surgeons who are subspecialists in breast surgery can carry out this type of procedure, and Centre for Surgery are pleased to have several expert plastic surgeons who specialise in breast auto-augmentation.

Breast lift combined with breast auto augmentation results in breasts that have a fuller appearance, which sit higher on the chest wall, and have a firmer skin consistency, which helps to optimise breast aesthetics and youthfulness. Compared with breast augmentation using breast implants, breast auto-augmentation is an entirely natural technique of breast augmentation without the need to use silicone breast implants.

Breast Uplift with Implants

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The principle of the auto augmentation technique involves repositioning your breast tissue to achieve the desired appearance. Our surgeons are recognised breast specialists who have helped to pioneer many of the techniques involved in breast auto-augmentation and are regularly invited to give lectures on the breast auto-augmentation procedure at national and international gatherings of plastic surgeons.

Breast lift with auto augmentation is a surgical procedure that combines a breast lift and breast augmentation to lift and reshape the breasts while also increasing breast volume. Here is a general overview of the steps involved in the procedure:

Anaesthesia

The patient will be given either general anaesthesia or IV sedation to ensure that they are comfortable throughout the procedure.

Incision

The surgeon will make an incision around the areola (periareolar), along the breast crease (inframammary) or in a circular pattern around the areola and down the breast crease (lollipop).

Reshaping the breast tissue

The surgeon will remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to lift the breasts and create a more youthful shape.

Auto augmentation

During this step, the surgeon will reposition the breast tissue to create more fullness in the upper pole of the breast. This can be achieved by releasing the lower pole of the breast and moving it upward or by using a technique called dermal matrix.

Repositioning the nipple and areola

The nipple and areola will be repositioned to a higher position on the breast to match the new position of the breast tissue.

Closing the incision

The incision will be closed with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape.

The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the case’s complexity. It’s essential to note that recovery times can vary from person to person, and some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal after the surgery.

Recovery after breast lift with auto-augmentation surgery can vary from person to person, and it typically depends on factors such as the extent of the surgery, the individual’s overall health, and their adherence to postoperative instructions. Here is a general timeline and some guidelines for what to expect during the recovery process:

Immediately after surgery:

• After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely by medical staff.
• You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated area, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
• You will be given a compression garment to wear to help reduce swelling and support the breasts.

First week:

• It is important to rest and avoid any strenuous activities or lifting for at least the first week after surgery.
• You may need to take a few days off work, depending on your job requirements.
• You should avoid showering or bathing for the first few days, as advised by your surgeon.
• You may be able to resume light activities, such as walking, but it’s essential to listen to your body and avoid overexertion.

Second week:

• You may be able to return to work and resume light activities, but it is still advisable to avoid any strenuous activities or lifting.
• Swelling and bruising may start to subside during this time.
• You should continue to wear the compression garment as advised by your surgeon.

Third week:

• You may start to feel more comfortable and experience less pain.
• You may be able to resume some light exercise, but again, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions and not overdo it.

Fourth week:

• You may be able to resume most normal activities, but you should still avoid any strenuous exercise or lifting for a few more weeks.
• You should continue to wear the compression garment as advised by your surgeon.

Long-term:

• Swelling and bruising should continue to improve over the next several weeks to months.
• It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
• You should avoid any activities that could impact your breasts, such as contact sports, for at least 6-8 weeks.
• The final results of the surgery may not be evident for several months, as the breasts will continue to settle into their new shape.

Centre for Surgery is a leading specialist plastic surgery clinic in central London, offering advanced techniques such as breast lift with auto-augmentation — a procedure that reshapes and lifts the breasts using your own natural tissue without implants. This technique is ideal for women seeking a youthful, fuller look while avoiding the use of foreign materials.

All procedures are performed at our fully equipped Baker Street clinic, a CQC-registered day surgery facility designed exclusively for plastic and cosmetic surgery. Our surgeons are on the GMC Specialist Register and have years of experience delivering safe, natural-looking results tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

You can discover more about our philosophy of patient-centred care on our About Us page and meet our experienced consultants by visiting the Meet the Team section of our website.

Here’s what some of our patients have shared about their experience:

“I wanted a more natural result and was nervous about implants. My surgeon recommended auto-augmentation, and I’m thrilled with the outcome. It looks and feels like me – just better!”
– Danielle B.

“The consultation was very thorough and honest. I liked that the procedure used my own tissue. The recovery went well, and the team were always available to answer questions.”
– Sophia L.

“From start to finish, everything felt calm and professional. The Baker Street clinic is beautiful, and I felt well looked after the entire time. I’d recommend Centre for Surgery to anyone.”
– Rebecca M.

To help you make an informed decision, we invite you to explore the following resources:

• Plastic Surgery Blog

• Our Baker Street Clinic

To book your consultation, please call 0207 993 4849 or email contact@centreforsurgery.com. Our friendly team will be happy to assist you in arranging a consultation with one of our specialist surgeons. We look forward to welcoming you to Centre for Surgery, where excellence in care meets natural results.