How Long Does Surgery Take for a Breast Lift With Augmentation in Atlanta?

For most patients, a breast lift with augmentation takes about two and a half hours, although the exact surgical time depends on the lift technique, implant choice, anatomy, and whether a previous implant needs to be removed. Breast lift and augmentation surgeries can be performed together, allowing the surgeon to address breast position, shape, and volume during one operation.

Dr. Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS, is double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of General Surgery. He has more than 35 years of experience in the surgical field, including over 30 years in plastic surgery. At Perimeter Plastic Surgery, breast procedures are customized for patients in Atlanta, Fayetteville, and surrounding Georgia communities.

What You Will Learn

• How long breast lift surgery takes when augmentation is performed at the same time
• What affects breast lift and augmentation duration
• Whether breast lift and augmentation surgeries can be performed together
• What to expect on the day of combined breast surgery
• What recovery may involve after the combined procedure

How Long Do Breast Lift and Augmentation Procedures Take?

These times are general estimates. Your procedure may take more or less time depending on your anatomy, implant selection, surgical plan, and aesthetic goals. 

It is normal to have questions when considering a breast lift. Breast lift surgery reshapes and raises the breasts, while some women also choose breast augmentation when they want additional fullness. Understanding how the procedures work individually and together can make it easier to know what to expect before surgery. 

Is A Breast Lift Right For You?

Women consider breast surgery for many different reasons. Changes caused by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and other life events can affect the firmness and position of the breasts. 

A breast lift can reshape the breasts by removing excess skin, adjusting the underlying tissue, and raising the breast position. The procedure may be appropriate for women who are concerned about sagging, downward-pointing nipples, or a loss of youthful breast shape. 

If your primary concern is sagging or a lower breast position, a breast lift in Atlanta may be enough to achieve your goals. If you also want more volume, particularly in the upper portion of the breasts, your surgeon may discuss combining the lift with augmentation.

If you are still deciding which procedure better addresses your concerns, our guide to breast augmentation vs. breast lift explains the difference between adding volume, correcting sagging, and combining both approaches.

Why Add Breast Augmentation To A Breast Lift?

A breast lift improves breast shape and position, but it does not substantially increase breast size. Women who want both a lifted appearance and additional fullness may choose to combine the procedure with breast augmentation. 

During breast augmentation, implants are used to increase breast volume and enhance the overall contour. Combining augmentation with a lift can address both breast position and fullness during the same surgical plan. 

Dr. Deutsch regularly performs breast enhancement procedures and develops the surgical plan according to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. 

Can a Breast Lift and Augmentation Be Done in One Surgery?

In many cases, yes. Candidacy depends on your skin quality, how much breast tissue you have, nipple position, the implant size you are considering, and whether asymmetry or an existing implant also needs to be addressed. Some patients are better served by staging the two procedures.

During your consultation, Dr. Deutsch reviews these factors and explains whether a breast augmentation, a lift, or a combined procedure fits your goals.

Breast Lift With Augmentation in Atlanta and Fayetteville

Perimeter Plastic Surgery sees patients considering this procedure throughout Atlanta, Fayetteville, and the surrounding Georgia communities. You can request a consultation with Dr. Deutsch to review your options with the surgical team.

How Long Does A Breast Lift With Augmentation Take?

Combining augmentation with a breast lift is more involved than having either procedure by itself. However, the operation can generally be completed within a few hours. 

Breast augmentations alone take around one hour. A breast lift typically lasts approximately one and a half to two hours.  When the two procedures are combined, surgery takes around two and a half hours in most cases. 

Every patient receives a customized surgical plan, so the actual procedure time can vary. Factors that may affect how long surgery takes include: 

• Size and volume of the augmentation 
• Type of implant, such as saline or silicone 
• Implant profile and placement
• Removal of a previous implant
• Desired breast shape and silhouette 

When both procedures are performed together, you can generally expect about two and a half hours in the operating room, but you should plan to set aside the day for surgery. Preparation takes place before the operation, and you will be monitored during the initial recovery period afterward. 

Breast lift and augmentation procedures are generally performed on an outpatient basis. This means you can usually return home rather than remain in the hospital overnight. You will need a trusted adult to take you home and assist you after surgery. 

What Affects Breast Lift and Augmentation Duration?

When patients ask, “How long does breast lift surgery take?” there is no single answer that applies to everyone. Breast lift and augmentation duration depends on the amount of lifting and reshaping required, implant type and placement, existing breast tissue, previous breast procedures, and the complexity of the surgical plan.

For example, removing or replacing an existing implant adds complexity compared with a first-time augmentation.

Lift technique matters as well. A limited periareolar lift generally takes less time than a vertical or anchor-pattern lift, which involves more incision length and more reshaping of the breast tissue.

Your consultation gives Dr. Deutsch an opportunity to evaluate these factors and provide a more individualized estimate of how long your operation will take.

What Happens on the Day of Combined Breast Surgery?

A combined breast lift and augmentation generally involves several stages:

1. Preoperative preparation. Your surgical team reviews your planned procedure and prepares you for surgery and anesthesia.
2. Breast lifting and reshaping. Excess skin is removed as needed, and the breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned according to the surgical plan.
3. Breast augmentation. The selected implants are positioned to provide the planned amount of volume and contour.
4. Incisions are closed and supported. The surgical sites are closed, and appropriate dressings or a support garment may be placed.
5. Postoperative monitoring. After surgery, the team monitors your initial recovery before you are discharged to go home with a responsible adult.

The exact order and surgical technique can vary depending on your anatomy and treatment plan.

How Long Does Recovery Take For A Breast Lift With Augmentation?

Recovery after a breast lift with augmentation generally takes about four to six weeks. Discomfort is most noticeable during the first several days, although individual experiences vary. 

Initial postoperative appointments are typically scheduled within the first couple of weeks so the surgical team can monitor healing. The breasts, incisions, and nipple area can also be evaluated during follow-up appointments. 

Because two procedures are performed together, recovery can feel more involved than recovery from augmentation alone. Individual healing varies, and Dr. Deutsch will determine when you can safely resume specific activities. 

Your implants need support while your body heals. A surgical bra or other recommended support garment may be used during recovery. It is also important to protect your chest from unnecessary impact or pressure. 

Perimeter Plastic Surgery rarely uses non-dissolvable stitches for these procedures. Depending on healing, stitches may dissolve over approximately one to three weeks.

You should gradually begin feeling better as recovery progresses, but following your postoperative instructions remains important. Avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous exercise until the medical team clears you to resume those activities.

For a more detailed look at the healing process, activity restrictions, and changes that can occur during the first several weeks, read our breast augmentation recovery timeline. 

Your breasts will look different immediately after surgery. The implants gradually settle as your body heals, and the appearance continues to change over time.

Scars may initially be more noticeable but can generally be concealed by bras and many swimsuits during healing. Over time, surgical scars typically mature and become less prominent.

Why Following Your Recovery Instructions Matters

Your results continue to develop after you leave the operating room. Wearing the recommended support garment, limiting strenuous activity until you are cleared, attending follow-up appointments, and allowing your incisions sufficient time to heal can support a smoother recovery.

Your follow-up visits also allow the surgical team to monitor your incisions, breast position, and how the implants are settling.

Avoid comparing your recovery too closely with someone else’s. Your anatomy, surgical technique, implant placement, overall procedure, and individual healing response can all affect when you are ready to return to work, lifting, exercise, and other activities.

When Should You Contact Your Plastic Surgeon During Recovery?

Contact your surgical team whenever you are concerned about how you are healing or notice a significant change in your recovery. Increasing redness, unusual drainage, fever, sudden swelling, severe or worsening pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath should receive prompt medical attention.

Always follow the postoperative instructions provided specifically for your procedure rather than relying only on general recovery information.

Is Combining a Breast Lift and Augmentation Right for You?

A combined breast procedure may be appropriate when you want to address both breast position and lost or insufficient volume. A breast lift primarily corrects position and sagging, while augmentation primarily adds fullness. Combining the procedures can address both concerns.

Instead of choosing a procedure based only on the procedure name or an ideal cup size, focus on the changes you want to achieve. During your consultation, your surgeon can assess your breast tissue, skin, nipple position, proportions, desired size, and overall goals before recommending a treatment plan.

Bringing photos or notes about the look you want can help. Clear goals make it easier for your surgeon to plan incision placement, implant size, and how much lifting is needed.

Plan Your Breast Lift and Augmentation Consultation

The most accurate way to determine your breast lift and augmentation duration is through an individualized surgical consultation, where your goals, anatomy, and surgical plan can be reviewed together.

If you are considering breast lift with augmentation in Atlanta or Fayetteville, request a consultation with Dr. Deutsch, or call 404-255-0886.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a breast lift with augmentation surgery take?

A breast lift with augmentation takes about two and a half hours in most cases. Your exact combined breast surgery time can vary based on the type of lift, implant placement, your anatomy, previous breast surgery, and the amount of reshaping required to achieve the planned result.

Are breast lift and augmentation surgeries performed together?

Yes. Breast lift and augmentation surgeries can be performed during the same operation when a patient wants to improve both breast position and volume. The lift raises and reshapes the breasts, while augmentation adds fullness. Your surgeon determines whether combining the procedures is appropriate during consultation and surgical planning.

What can make breast lift and augmentation surgery take longer?

Notable asymmetry, removing or replacing a prior implant, and more extensive anchor-pattern lifts are the factors most likely to extend surgery. Your surgeon can provide an individualized time estimate after evaluating your anatomy and goals.

Does combining a breast lift with augmentation affect recovery time?

A combined procedure involves both lifting the breast tissue and adding volume, so recovery can be more involved than augmentation alone. A general recovery period of four to six weeks is discussed for this procedure, although healing and activity restrictions vary. Follow your surgeon’s instructions before returning to heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

Last updated on November 2, 2026