Breast lift with implants

When lift and implants are combined

A lift alone repositions the breast but does not add volume. An implant alone adds volume but cannot correct real sagging – a heavy implant under loose skin can even make it worse (the so-called "snoopy" or double-bubble look). When the breast is both low and empty, the two operations work best together: the implant fills the upper pole, the lift tightens the skin envelope and raises the nipple. A breast lift with implants in Turkey is particularly popular with mothers and with women who have lost a lot of weight.

If you are unsure which category you fall into, the nipple-position test in our article breast lift or breast augmentation? gives a first idea before your assessment.

One stage or two?

Most patients can have both in one stage, which means one anaesthetic, one recovery and one trip to Istanbul. In cases of very severe sagging, very thin tissue or when a large size change is wanted, some surgeons prefer two stages a few months apart for a more predictable result. Your surgeon will discuss this during the free assessment.

Implants and technique

New City Clinic uses certified cohesive silicone gel implants from established international manufacturers, with an implant card and manufacturer’s warranty. Smaller, moderate-profile implants are often preferred in a lift, because they put less tension on the repaired skin. The implant is placed under the chest muscle or in a dual plane, and the lift pattern – lollipop or anchor – is chosen according to your skin. See breast augmentation and our breast implants guide for more on implant shapes, profiles and placement.

Augmentation mastopexy at New City Clinic

At New City Clinic the combined lift and augmentation is planned in two steps. First, from your photos and measurements, the surgeon proposes a technique and an implant range. Then, in Istanbul, he examines you, uses trial sizers so you can see the effect in a bra, and draws the markings with you standing. Your written quote names the implant brand and the hospital.

The clinic’s own page, breast lift with implants at New City Clinic, summarises the procedure, and the blog article how to choose breast implant size and shape helps you think about volume before the consultation. For the lift itself, see New City Clinic’s breast lift page.

Preparing for surgery

Preparation is the same as for a lift, with a little more attention to implant choice. Think about the look you want – natural, or fuller in the upper part – and collect a few reference photos of shapes you like on bodies similar to yours. Stop smoking at least four weeks beforehand, pause blood-thinning medicines as instructed, and arrange a recent breast ultrasound or mammogram if you are over 40 or have a family history. Bring comfortable front-opening tops for the first week; lifting your arms above your head will be uncomfortable at first.

Recovery and results

Recovery is similar to a lift alone, with a little more tightness in the first days because of the implant. You wear a support bra for six weeks and avoid lifting your arms above shoulder height and heavy exercise for the first weeks. The shape settles over three to six months as the implant drops into position.

The final result is a higher breast with a rounder, fuller upper pole – the shape many women had before pregnancy. Scars are the same as for the chosen lift pattern and fade over 12–18 months. Our recovery guide details each stage.

Combining with a tummy tuck

After pregnancy, many women want to correct both the breasts and the abdomen. A lift with implants can be combined with a tummy tuck and liposuction in a mommy makeover in Istanbul. Because the total operating time is longer, the surgeon may recommend two stages, especially if a large tummy tuck is needed. The clinic blog explains this combination in the mommy makeover Turkey guide.

Price in Istanbul vs the UK

At New City Clinic a breast lift with implants costs from €3,500 to €4,800, including certified implants, surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital night, hotel, transfers and check-ups. A private augmentation mastopexy in the UK typically costs the equivalent of €8,000–€11,500, often without aftercare appointments. Your exact price depends on the lift pattern and implant chosen; you receive it in writing after the free assessment. See our cost guide and the prices page for a full comparison.

Risks

In addition to the risks of a lift, implants carry their own: capsular contracture (hardening), implant malposition or rupture, and the rare lymphoma associated mainly with textured implants (BIA-ALCL). Implants are not lifetime devices; some patients need further surgery years later. Your surgeon will go through these with you before you decide.

Long-term care

Keep your implant card safe and give the details to any doctor who treats you in future. Have a check-up with your GP or breast specialist if you notice swelling, hardness or a change in shape. Keeping a stable weight, wearing a supportive bra during sport and not smoking all help maintain the lift. Many women never need further surgery; others choose an exchange or a small revision years later, as explained on our implant replacement page.

Choosing your surgeon

An augmentation mastopexy is one of the more demanding breast operations, because the surgeon must balance two opposing forces: the implant stretches the skin while the lift tightens it. Choose a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery who performs combined breast operations regularly, who explains when one stage is safe and when two are wiser, and who is willing to recommend a smaller implant if your tissue needs it. Ask for the surgeon’s name, the hospital and the implant brand in writing before you travel, and use our safety checklist to compare clinics. You can read Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç’s profile on newcityclinic.com.

Who is not a good candidate?

A combined lift and augmentation is not advised for women who smoke and cannot stop, who are still breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy soon, whose weight is changing, or who have uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Women who want very large implants with a lift are also usually advised against it, because the weight of the implant works against the lift. In these situations the surgeon may suggest waiting, choosing a lift alone or planning two stages.