Change Your Shape & Confidence with Breast Lifts & Implants

A breast lift coupled with implants is the perfect combination of aesthetic surgeries to help you look and feel youthful. This dual procedure can restore breasts to a lifted position while increasing firmness and cup size. Dr. Amy Alderman customizes surgery to meet your needs and provides many ways to achieve enhanced volume and position, such as natural augmentation and implants.

Contact Dr. Alderman today for more information about breast lifts with implants in Atlanta and Buckhead, GA.

Evaluating Your Needs for Breast Lifts & Implants

Dr. Alderman enjoys meeting with patients to discuss their different surgical options for breast surgery to correct their areas of concern.  She explains that the general principle is to put the volume where you want it, which is the cleavage and upper aspect of the breast, and remove volume from where you don’t want it, which is the lower part of the breast that hangs below the breast fold.  The implant will provide the upper breast volume, and the lift will reposition the nipple to a higher location and remove the unwanted sagging breast tissue.

As a skilled plastic surgeon in the area of breast enhancement, Dr. Alderman doesn’t take the decision lightly to put a visible scar on a woman’s breast.  She reviews photographs of women who have a higher “perky’ look along with women who have a more relaxed, natural appearance. She finds that explaining how the surgery will change their anatomy and reviewing surgical outcomes with and without a lift really helps patients make the right decision for their breast procedure. 

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If you’re in the Atlanta area and have any questions about a Breast Lift or wish to schedule a consultation for a Breast Lift with Dr. Alderman, please contact our office.

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Who Should Consider Implants and a Breast Lift?

This is one of Dr. Alderman’s most commonly performed procedures for massive weight-loss patients and moms that have had multiple pregnancies.  She has also helped young twenty-year-old patients who’ve developed very relaxed breasts due to their genetic make-up.  For all of these patients, a breast lift with implants will create a very youthful, beautiful contour that flows with the rest of their figure.

Breast lift with implants can:

  • Lift your breasts to an elevated position
  • Improve the shape of your breasts
  • Increase the size of your breasts
  • Correct drooping nipples
  • Restore self-confidence

This procedure can make a world of difference in helping patients feel fantastic in their clothing, whether they’re wearing something conservative or enjoying swimsuit season at the beach. Patients of all ages can benefit from this procedure to give them the shape they’ve always wanted and to regain what was lost after significant changes to their bodies.

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Why Should I Choose Dr. Alderman for Breast Lift with Implants?

Dr. Alderman is well known for both her caring bedside manner and her professional accomplishments.  Breast surgery is one of her favorite procedures to perform, and she spends a significant amount of time staying up to date on all of the latest advancements in these procedures.  She prides herself on her natural results and excellent scar outcomes.  She really tries to make a connection with each patient, understand her personal and professional goals, and tailor a surgical plan for that particular patient. 

One size does NOT fit all with breast surgery.  Each patient has different anatomy, expectations, and lifestyles.  Dr. Alderman strives to fully understand the expectations of each patient and deliver the best outcomes possible. 

How Do I Choose the Size and Shape of My Implants?

Dr. Alderman spends a significant amount of time educating patients about their options, ranging from the surgical incision, where the implant will be located (above or below the muscle), and most importantly, the final breast size.  Many of her patients are moms, professionals or both and want a very natural appearance – others want a fuller look.  Dr. Alderman spends a lot of time trying to understand her patients’ stage of life and desired outcome so that she can achieve their desired results.

Dr. Alderman will take measurements of your current breast width, the width of your chest, and the width of your shoulders. Implants look most natural if they are close to the same width as your natural breasts. Projection is another consideration. This refers to how far the breast projects outward from the chest while you are in profile.

If all of this sounds confusing, don’t worry. Dr. Alderman will walk you through all of these choices so that you can feel confident about your surgery.

Breast Implant Options in Atlanta & Alpharetta

There are three different types of implants, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages:

How Long Do Implants Last?

Dr. Alderman’s top priority is your safety. She recently asked for data on her personal experience with Mentor implants over the past 12 years. Dr. Alderman is happy to report that her implant rupture and contracture rate is one of the lowest in the country and far below what is reported as the national average.  She has used well over 3,500 implants and has had only 2 patients with an implant rupture (0.0005 % rupture rate) and only 26 patients with contracture (0.007 % contracture rate).  However, she does stress that implants are not lifetime devices. Dr. Alderman encourages patients to come see her about 10-15 years after surgery and consider implant replacement.

Breast Lift FAQs

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is considered when the nipple drops below the midpoint of the breast mound or the breast tissue drops below the breast fold.  Relaxation of the breast generally occurs with weight loss or pregnancy.  Breasts can also genetically develop in a relaxed shape, necessitating the need for a mastopexy even in younger patients.

Breast lifts can be performed in several different ways.  For patients who feel too large, a small amount of tissue at the lower part of the breast can be removed during the procedure to unweight the breasts and create a longer-lasting lift.  For patients who want to retain all of their volume and who do not want implants, an auto-augmentation can be performed whereby the lower breast tissue is relocated behind the nipple for added projection and upper breast volume.  Patients who want to maximize upper breast volume should consider an implant, which is the best way to make a substantial change in the volume and projection of the upper aspect of the breast.

If a patient needs both a lift and increased volume, the two procedures are usually performed at the same time so that the patient has only one recovery. 

Patients should expect that the breast shape will be rejuvenated, with smaller nipples centered on the breast mount and the lower breast tissue will be lifted above the lower breast fold.  The result is a perky, youthful breast.

In general, the results of the breast lift should last a lifetime as long as a patient maintains a stable weight and does not have anymore pregnancies.  However, the long-term results do ultimately depend on the patient’s skin quality.  The implants themselves are not lifetime devices and should be replaced every 10-15 years.

Most patients can return to a desk-type job a week after surgery.  Patients with more strenuous work requirements will have lifting restrictions for 6 weeks.

Patients may return to light cardiovascular exercise, such as a treadmill or stationary bike, 3 weeks after surgery.  At 6 weeks, patients may resume all activities with just a few exceptions related to specific chest exercises.

Patients are cautioned to try and avoid any heavy lifting for 6 weeks, but definitely for the first 2 weeks.  Having others at home to help with the little ones is very important.

Insurance generally covers issues related to cancer of the breast but not issues related to aging such as breast lift surgery.

Yes.  North Atlanta Plastic Surgery has several financing options for you to help cover the costs of surgery, such as Care Credit and Alphaeon.

The cost depends on the type of implant selected.  A breast lift with implants procedure varies from patient to patient. To learn the cost of your Atlanta breast lift with implants, schedule a consultation today.

Anytime you operate on the breast there is a risk of losing nipple sensation.  However, with breast lift and implant surgery, the risk is fairly low in the range of 2-5% risk.  This is because the incision around the nipple is very superficial (not even through all layers of the skin) and the internal dissection is avoided in the outer aspect of the implant pocket where most of the nerves are located.

Absolutely!  The breast-feeding mechanism, which includes the breast gland, milk ducts and nipple, is not disturbed.  Unfortunately, about 30% of women who have never had surgery on their breasts cannot breastfeed, and if you are in that category, then you may have difficulty.  But the surgery itself will not impair or limit your ability to breastfeed.

Dr. Alderman tries to minimize scaring and has patients in 4-6 months of scar care after surgery to optimize results.  For the majority of patients, the scars are in the shape of a lollipop, with a scar around the nipple and then a straight line from the nipple to the fold of the breast.  Rarely ever is a scar placed in the fold of the breast, also known as an ‘anchor’ scar.  The scar care consists of specialized taping technique for 2 months followed by a silicone-based product.  The majority of patients end up with a fine, white line 6 months to a year after surgery.  It is important for patients to avoid sun exposure to the scar for the first year after surgery.

For the vast majority of patients, the surgery can be done at one time.  Rarely, a patient may have severe relaxation of the breast tissue such as in the case of massive weight loss, and the decision is made to perform the operations separately in order to have the safest, most predictable outcome.  In these rare cases, the breast lift is performed first and the implant is placed about 6 months later. 

Patients who are good candidates for surgery are those in good health with no significant medical problems.  It is important to refrain from any nicotine or marijuana products for 2-3 weeks before and after surgery as these substances impair blood flow to the surgical area.  It is also important for patients over 40 years of age to have an updated mammogram.  Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, such as with gastric sleeve surgery, should have a stable weight for 6 months to a year after their weight loss surgery.

Breast implants are the best way to enhance the volume of the upper aspect of your breasts.  Unlike a push-up bra, implants will maintain the upper breast volume in all settings, regardless of your attire.  For example, patients with breast implants can just wear a camisole top or a sundress without a bra and still look great.  Implants allow women a lot of flexibility with clothing.

Meet Dr. Alderman

Dr. Amy Alderman is a nationally known, board-certified plastic surgeon located in Buckhead near Atlanta. As a female surgeon and mother of two children, she provides a unique perspective to patient care. Each surgical plan is individually tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyles and is aimed at enhancing her patient’s natural beauty and restoring confidence. She is known for her personal approach to patient care and has unparalleled commitment to patient safety, which can be attributed to years of education, professional experience and involvement in national patient safety initiatives.

Meet Dr. Alderman

Cosmetic Breast Surgery: Comprehensively Enhancing Your Appearance

Our Atlanta plastic surgeon truly enjoys providing breast surgery for patients interested in a new aesthetic. When you visit Dr. Alderman, you have the benefit of choosing between many different surgical methods and enhancement options to suit your needs for overall breast size, shape, and the recovery experience. Dr. Alderman is a firm believer in the lollipop lift as a strategy for changing the position of breasts. For augmentation, patients can choose natural fat transfer or a variety of implants in terms of shape, make-up, and texture.

For more information about the specific components of a lift procedure and implants, Dr. Alderman encourages you to continue browsing her website.

What Can I Expect During Recovery from a Breast Lift with Implants?

You should take it easy for the first few days, but take short walks starting the next day. You can return to work within 7-10 days, as long as your job is not physically strenuous. You should be able to resume exercise and lifting in about 3 weeks.

You will feel more comfortable sleeping on your back for the first few nights, and you will wear a surgical bra for a few weeks. You can continue to have mammograms after receiving implants, and you should be able to breastfeed if you become pregnant. Most implants last 10-20 years.

Are you concerned with sagging, deflated breasts? Or are your breasts naturally low-hanging and small? Call us today to schedule a consultation to find out more about a breast lift with implants in Atlanta, GA with Dr. Alderman.

View Gallery

Be sure to view our Before and After Photo Gallery of Breast Lift with Implants procedures to see real patient results at North Atlanta Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Alderman’s National Efforts on this Topic:

Subject Matter Expert for the FDA’s ALCL Implant PROFILE Study

Subject Matter Expert for American Society of Plastic Surgery initiative for U.S. National Breast Implant Registry

Surgical Editor, Cochrane Breast Cancer Group

American Society of Plastic Surgery Representative on the Plastic Surgery Foundation’s National Breast Implant Registry

American Society of Plastic Surgery Breast Subcommittee

American Society of Plastic Surgery Patient Safety Committee

American Society of Plastic Surgery & Plastic Surgery Education Foundation Breast Surgery Task Force

Vice Chairperson, ASPS Education Aesthetic Council

1. Alderman, A., Hall-Findlay, B. Breast Augmentation: Overview and Pearls for Practice. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, San Diego, Oct 2013.

2. Alderman, A., Hall-Findlay, B. Breast Augmentation: Overview & Pearls for Practice. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Chicago, Oct 2014.

3. Alderman, A., Hall-Findlay, B. Breast Augmentation: Analysis & Outcomes. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Chicago, Oct 2014.

4. Alderman, A., Gutowski, K, Schwartz, M. Breast Augmentation: Analysis, Execution and Outcomes. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, Sept 2016.

5. Alderman, A. Live surgery telecast: Breast Augmentation. SESPRS 2017 Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium, January 20-22, 2017 Atlanta, GA

The Future of Breast Augmentation: The Breast-Q in Aesthetic Breast Surgery.  2012 Atlanta Breast Symposium, Atlanta, GA

Management of Early and Late Periprosthetic Fluid Collections.  Challenging Complications in Plastic Surgery Symposium: Successful Management Strategies.  Washington, DC, July 2012.

Augmentation Mastopexy Panel.  Challenging Complications in Plastic Surgery Symposium: Successful Management Strategies.  Washington, DC, July 2012.

Managing the Unfavorable Scar: When to Perform Surgical Revision.  Challenging Complications in Plastic Surgery Symposium: Successful Management Strategies.  Washington, DC, July 2012.

Periprosthetic Redness/Infection: Strategies for Treatment.  Challenging Complications in Plastic Surgery Symposium: Successful Management Strategies.  Washington, DC, July 2012.

Improving Outcomes and Reoperations in Breast Augmentation Surgeries:  Minimizing Infection and Capsular Contracture. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Oct 2012.

American Society of Plastic Surgery Presidents Panel: The PIP Crisis and International Perspectives on Implants and Registries: ASPS/PSF Vision for the National Breast Implant Registry.  American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Oct 2012.

Reconstruction Bowl: Academic vs. Private Practice.  American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Oct 2012.

American Society of Plastic Surgery/Plastic Surgery Education Foundation’s Vision for a National Breast Implant Registry. Georgia Society of Plastic Surgery Annual Meeting, Dec 2012, Atlanta, GA.

VTE Prevention in Cosmetic Surgery.  Georgia Society of Plastic Surgery Annual Meeting, Aug 2013, Brasstown Resort, GA.

Patient Safety: Prevention of VTE in Cosmetic Surgery.  QMP Aesthetic Surgery Symposium, Nov 2013, Chicago, IL

Prevention and Management of Capsular Contracture in Breast Augmentation.  QMP Aesthetic Surgery Symposium, Nov 2013, Chicago, IL

Management of the Late Periprosthetic Fluid Collection.  ASPS Management of Complications in Plastic Surgery Symposium.  March 28-29, 2014, Chicago, IL

Management of Complications in Augmentation Mastopexy Panel: panel participant.  ASPS Management of Complications in Plastic Surgery Symposium.  March 28-29, 2014, Chicago, IL

DVT Prophylaxis in the Breast Patient.  ASPS Management of Complications in Plastic Surgery Symposium.  March 28-29, 2014,Chicago, IL

Moderator: Fat Grafting to the Breast.  ASPS Management of Complications In Plastic Surgery Symposium.  March 28-29, 2014, Chicago, IL

Webinar: ASPS Dueling Perspectives in Breast Surgery: “Subglandular Augmentation: The Good Often Outweighs the Bad”.  May 13, 2014.

Preoperative Evaluation for Aesthetic Breast Surgery.  Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons, Callaway Gardens, GA, Aug 2, 2014.

Optimizing Outcomes in Breast Augmentation.  Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons, Greenbrier, West VA, June 6 – 8, 2014.

Aesthetic Breast Surgery: Preoperative Analysis and Markings: How I Do It.  ASPS Dueling Perspectives in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Symposium, Washington, DC, June 20-22, 2014.

VTE Prophylaxis in Breast Surgery.  SESPRS 2015 Atlanta Breast Symposium, Atlanta, GA Jan 23-25, 2015.

Management of Late Breast Seromas.  SESPRS 2015 Atlanta Breast Symposium, Atlanta, GA Jan 23-25, 2015.

Subpectoral Device Placement: Minimizing Complications.  Aesthetica 2015, Las Vegas April 30-May 2, 2015.

Patient Safety and DVT Prophylaxis with Breast Surgery.  Aesthetica 2015, Las Vegas April 30-May 2, 2015.

The Complex Scar: New Strategies to Improve Appearance.  Aesthetica, June 2016, Washington, DC.

Tips and Tricks: Where to set your fold with form-stable implants.  Aesthetica, June 2016, Washington, DC.

To texture or not to texture: deconstructing what we know about implant surface characteristics.  Atlanta Breast Symposium, Jan 2018.

Strategies for setting appropriate NAC position with cosmetic breast surgery.  Atlanta Breast Symposium, Jan 2018.

VTE and breast surgery: current recommendations for chemoprophylaxis.  Atlanta Breast Symposium, Jan 2018.

Alderman, AK, Kerrigan, CL, Lemaine, V, Pusic, AL, Vidal, DC.  Evidence-Based Medicine &Health Services Research in Plastic Surgery.  In Plastic Surgery  1st Edition

Alderman, AK, Chung, KC.  Outcomes for Surgical Guidance in Plastic Surgery: Measuring Outcomes in Aesthetic Surgery.  Clinics in of Plastic Surgery, 2013:297-304.

Alderman, AK, Kerrigan, CL, Lemaine, V, Pusic, AL, Vidal, DC.  Evidence-Based Medicine &Health Services Research in Plastic Surgery.  In Plastic Surgery 4th Edition

Pannucci, C, Alderman, AK.  Venous Thromboembolism and the Aesthetic Surgery Patient.  Essentials of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Alderman, AK, Collins, ED, Streu, R, Grotting, JC, Sulkin, AL, Neligan, P, Haeck, PC, Gutowski, KA.  Benchmarking outcomes in plastic surgery: national complication rates for abdominoplasty and breast augmentation.  Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2009;124:2127-33.

Alderman, AK.  Discussion: A Multi-Institutional Perspective of Complication Rates for Elective Non-Reconstructive Breast Surgery: An Analysis of NSQIP Data from 2006 to 2010, Aesthetic Surgery Journal: 33(3): 387-388, 2013.

Alderman, AK, Bauer, JB, Fardo, DF, Abrahamse, PA, Pusic, AL.  Understanding the Impact of Breast Augmentation on Quality of Life: Prospective Analysis Using the BREAST-Q.  Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, April 2014.

Alderman, AK, Pusic, AP, Murphy, DK.  Prospective Analysis of Primary Breast Augmentation on Body Image Using the BREAST-Q: Results from a Nationwide Study.  Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 137:954e, 2016.