Decision Guide

Mastopexy, augmentation, or both?

Breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation, and combined augmentation-mastopexy solve different problems — volume, position, or both. This guide walks through what each addresses so your consultation starts from an informed place.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Raises and reshapes breasts that have lost firmness or dropped in position, without changing volume. Addresses sagging (ptosis), not size.

Repositions the nipple-areola complex and removes excess skin
Ideal when breast volume is acceptable but position/shape has changed
Common after weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding

Breast Augmentation

Increases breast volume and fullness using implants (or fat transfer), without correcting significant sagging.

Addresses size and fullness, particularly upper-pole volume
Ideal for patients with minimal sagging who want more volume
Does not lift or reposition sagging breast tissue

Combined Approach

Augmentation-Mastopexy

Combines a lift with an implant in a single procedure — repositioning the breast and adding volume at the same time.

Addresses both sagging and volume loss together
Ideal when breasts have both dropped in position and lost fullness
One recovery period instead of two separate surgeries

Criteria	Mastopexy	Augmentation	Augmentation-Mastopexy
Primary goal	Reposition & reshape	Add volume	Reposition + add volume
Corrects sagging	Yes	No	Yes
Changes size	No (may appear slightly smaller after excess skin removal)	Yes	Yes
Implant used	No	Yes	Yes
Complexity	Moderate	Lower	Higher — two goals in one surgery
Best for	Good volume, dropped position	Minimal sagging, wants more fullness	Lost both volume and position

Results vary based on individual anatomy, skin quality, and goals. This comparison is educational — your specific anatomy determines the best option.

How Dr. Borsuk thinks about this

The first question is always: is this about position, volume, or both? That alone usually narrows it to one option.
Combining a lift and an implant in one surgery is common, but it’s a more complex operation with its own trade-offs worth discussing openly.
Skin elasticity and breast tissue quality affect how much a lift alone can achieve without an implant.
Your goals for future changes (pregnancy, weight fluctuation) are part of the conversation, not an afterthought.

Common questions

Can a breast lift make me smaller?

Removing excess skin during a lift can make breasts appear slightly smaller, even though no tissue volume is removed.

Will insurance cover any of this?

These are typically elective cosmetic procedures and not covered by OHIP — this will be discussed clearly during your consultation.

How do I know if I need a lift, an implant, or both?

An in-person assessment of breast position, skin elasticity, and volume is the only reliable way to know — that’s exactly what a consultation covers.

Still not sure which fits?

That’s exactly what a consultation is for. We’ll look at your anatomy together and talk through the honest trade-offs.

Schedule a Consultation