Breast surgery has come a long way over the last few decades, with new techniques continually emerging to meet the needs and desires of those seeking improvement in breast aesthetics. Among these surgical innovations is the autoaugmentation breast lift, also referred to by terms such as auto augmentation mastopexy, mastopexy with auto augmentation, or breast lift with auto augmentation. If you have ever wondered, “What is auto augmentation?” and how it differs from traditional breast augmentation or a standard breast lift, you have come to the right place. We will walk you through the ins and outs of autoaugmentation, discuss the advantages and disadvantages, and explore important considerations such as recovery, suitability, and potential outcomes.

We provide a resource that answers all your questions regarding autoaugmentation breast lift procedures. As interest in cosmetic surgery continues to grow, many individuals are looking for ways to achieve a more youthful, lifted appearance without resorting to artificial implants. This is where the concept of an auto-augmentation breast lift comes into play: it uses your own breast tissue to reshape and enhance your breasts, offering a more natural look and feel. Below, we delve into every aspect of this procedure, from the fundamentals to the finer details, helping you make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for you.

Introduction to Autoaugmentation Breast Lift

Defining Autoaugmentation

Autoaugmentation is a breast enhancement procedure that uses a patient’s existing breast tissue rather than employing implants (such as silicone or saline). A more complete name for this technique is often given as mastopexy autoaugmentation, auto augmentation mastopexy, or breast auto augmentation. In simple terms, the breast tissue that is already present is repositioned and rearranged to create fullness in the upper portion of the breast, offering the appearance of added volume and shape.

In a conventional breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped to lift the breasts to a more youthful position. In contrast, an autoaugmentation breast lift goes one step further, typically taking the breast tissue that would otherwise be discarded during a standard lift and using it to enhance the breast’s volume—especially in the upper pole.

Why is Autoaugmentation Gaining Popularity?

The trend of seeking a natural approach to breast enhancement is partly due to patient preferences and partly due to advancements in surgical techniques. Many people find that implant-based augmentations can deliver excellent volume but may not feel as natural or might come with concerns about implant longevity. In addition, certain patients already have sufficient breast tissue but suffer from sagging (ptosis), loss of upper pole fullness, or a change in shape over time. Thus, autoaugmentation breast lift can serve as an appealing solution: it shapes and lifts the breasts while giving the upper part of the breast a perky, youthful contour—using one’s own tissue.

According to studies, mastopexy techniques have been refined over decades, and surgeons continue to explore ways to enhance patient satisfaction and safety. Autoaugmentation leverages these developments, aligning with a move towards more holistic and natural transformations.

A Brief History of Breast Lift and Autoaugmentation

The Evolution of Breast Surgery

Breast surgery is not a new concept. From reconstructive procedures to cosmetic enhancements, the field has evolved over a century to incorporate innovative methods. Traditional breast lifts (mastopexy) are often attributed to surgeons in the early 20th century, who sought ways to lift and reshape the breasts without significantly altering their volume.

Emergence of Autoaugmentation

The earliest iterations of autoaugmentation began to appear once surgeons noticed that the tissue removed during a breast lift could be relocated to enhance fullness in other areas of the breast rather than being discarded. Surgeons started to experiment with repositioning this tissue, especially for patients who wanted a little more “oomph” in the upper poles without adding implants. Over time, better understanding of vascular supply and surgical techniques led to more consistent and safe results. Nowadays, the autoaugmentation approach is a well-established procedure offered by many specialised plastic surgeons such as Mr Nassab, plastic surgeon in Manchester, Cheshire and Dubai.

Understanding Breast Anatomy and Sagging

Anatomy of the Breast

To understand the principle behind auto augmentation mastopexy (autoaugmentation breast lift), you must first consider how breasts are structured:

• Glandular Tissue: The breast contains mammary glands, responsible for milk production.

• Fat Tissue: The volume of the breast often depends on the amount of fat tissue present.

• Cooper’s Ligaments: These ligaments provide support but can stretch or weaken over time.

• Skin Envelope: The skin plays a key role in holding the breast shape. When skin loses elasticity, sagging occurs.

Causes of Breast Sagging

Common reasons for breast sagging, also referred to as ptosis, include:

1. Ageing: The collagen and elastin in the skin break down over time, leading to sagging.

2. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: These events can cause significant changes in breast size, contributing to stretched skin.

3. Weight Fluctuation: Gains or losses in body weight can affect the breasts’ fullness and position.

4. Genetics: Some individuals may naturally have less supportive tissue or a particular breast shape that predisposes them to sagging.

How Does an Autoaugmentation Breast Lift Work?

When someone undergoes a standard mastopexy (breast lift), loose and excess skin is removed to tighten and elevate the breast. However, with an autoaugmentation breast lift, we take a portion of the breast tissue, often located in the lower part of the breast, and reposition it higher up to recreate fullness in the upper portion of the breast. This technique is sometimes combined with rearranging or folding the tissue to achieve the desired shape. Thus, you maintain your natural tissues—no foreign materials or implants are introduced. This is why auto augmentation is a good alternative to an implant augmentation mastopexy.

The Surgical Steps in Brief

While the exact surgical approach may vary based on the patient’s anatomy, desired outcome, and the surgeon’s preferences, these steps outline a typical autoaugmentation mastopexy:

1. Incision Placement

Incisions can vary, but for a lift, incisions are often around the areola, potentially extending vertically down the breast and along the breast crease. The type of incision depends on the degree of lift required. The most common one is as described also called the anchor scar. There is also the lollipop scar which does not have the lower horizontal scar.

2. Tissue Repositioning

We access the underlying breast tissue. Instead of discarding any excess tissue, a portion is carefully preserved and repositioned—frequently to the upper region of the breast. This pedicle of breast tissue is then sutured to the chest wall fascia to hold it in position and provide the upper pole fullness.

3. Reshaping and Lifting

The breast is reshaped to achieve a perkier, more lifted appearance. The areola may be repositioned for aesthetic alignment. We remove the loose skin and wrap this around the pedicle we made.

4. Closure

The incisions are closed with sutures, often with care taken to minimise scarring. Dressings or surgical tapes are applied as needed.

5. Recovery Process

Patients typically return home the same day after surgery and return at one week for their dressing change.

Candidates for an Autoaugmentation Breast Lift

Who Should Consider This Procedure?

A range of individuals could be ideal candidates for auto augmentation breast lift:

• Desire for a Natural Look: Those who want more fullness in the breasts without introducing implants.

• Adequate Existing Breast Tissue: Patients whose breasts contain enough tissue to reposition.

• Sagging with Loss of Upper Pole Fullness: Individuals experiencing a “deflated” appearance in the top portion of their breasts.

• Stable Body Weight: Candidates should ideally maintain a stable weight, as fluctuations can affect results.

• Non-Smoker: Smoking can negatively affect wound healing and recovery. Smokers have a significant risk of nipple necrosis and so we would not perform this procedure in smokers. Smoking also reduces circulation to the pedicle flap we create and so this can also become necrotic.

• Realistic Expectations: Patients should have an open discussion about achievable outcomes. The fullness achieved may be comparable to an implant in some cases but the results will not the be same as a patient having a primary breast augmentation.

Benefits of an Autoaugmentation Breast Lift

Natural Appearance and Feel

One of the most compelling benefits is the natural result that many individuals report. Because the tissue is your own, the breast can look and feel incredibly natural post-surgery.

Avoiding Implants

Some people prefer to avoid implants for personal or medical reasons (such as concerns about implant rupture, capsular contracture, breast implant illness or the need for future replacements). Auto breast augmentation circumvents those issues.

Addressing Sagging and Volume

Traditional mastopexy addresses sagging but might not sufficiently boost volume. With autoaugmentation, you get the perks of a lift while adding a slight to moderate increase in volume in the upper pole of the breast.

Improved Body Contour

By elevating the breasts and maintaining (or redistributing) volume, an autoaugmentation breast lift can help balance a person’s overall body shape, potentially enhancing self-confidence and wardrobe choices.

AutoAugmentation Before and After

If you are considering the procedure, you have likely searched the internet for auto augmentation before and after photos or specifically sought out auto-augmentation breast lift before and after galleries. While these images are a helpful starting point, remember that everyone’s body is different. Results vary based on:

• Initial Breast Shape and Size: Those with more abundant tissue generally have a more noticeable transformation.

• Skin Quality: Thicker, more elastic skin can lead to better shaping and longer-lasting results.

• Lifestyle Factors: The ability to maintain a stable weight and avoid smoking can promote better healing and more enduring results.

Below is an auto augmentation breast lift before and after photo for one of our patients. There results are shown at 2 months postop. We can see from the position of the mole on the left breast compared to the nipple position.

Potential Risks and Complications

Although mastopexy with auto augmentation is generally safe, all surgeries carry risks. Potential complications include:

1. Infection: Signs may include increased redness, swelling, or fever.

2. Bleeding or Haematoma: Rare but can require additional surgical intervention.

3. Poor Wound Healing: More common in smokers or those with certain medical conditions.

4. Changes in Nipple Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in sensitivity can occur.

5. Asymmetry: Minor shape or size differences can happen, sometimes requiring revision.

6. Scarring: Although incisions are placed to minimise visible scarring, individuals vary in their healing patterns.

Choosing a qualified, board-certified or accredited plastic surgeon with experience in auto augmentation mastopexy is crucial for minimising risks and ensuring you receive the highest level of care.

Autoaugmentation vs. Implant-Based Augmentation

Volume Potential

• Autoaugmentation: Limited by your available tissue. It can create a moderate increase in fullness.

• Implants: Offers a wider range of volume increases, from small to very large.

Maintenance and Future Surgeries

• Autoaugmentation: Because the surgery uses your own tissue, you typically will not need “maintenance” surgeries down the line, barring changes in body weight or ageing.

• Implants: May require eventual replacement, especially if complications such as rupture or capsular contracture occur.

Shape and Natural Feel

• Autoaugmentation: Often produces a highly natural look and feel, as it is your own breast tissue.

• Implants: Advances in implant technology have improved naturalness, but some patients still prefer avoiding foreign materials.

Combining Autoaugmentation with Other Procedures

Many patients use cosmetic surgery as an opportunity to address multiple concerns at once. Possible complementary procedures include:

1. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Often combined in a “Mummy Makeover” to address changes post-pregnancy.

2. Liposuction: Can help contour other areas of the body, enhancing overall results.

3. Breast Reduction: Sometimes, a patient may have ample tissue to achieve an autoaugmentation in the upper pole while reducing overall breast size in the lower pole.

4. Nipple and Areola Correction: Adjusting the size or position of the areola can enhance the final aesthetic.

How much does an autoaugmentation cost?

The price for an auto augmentation breast lift starts from £10500 with Mr Nassab. There is an initial consultation fee which is £100 which is separate. The procedure fee includes surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia, hospital or theatre fees, and follow-up appointments.

Long-Term Outcomes and Future Considerations

Durability of Results

While an auto-augmentation breast lift can provide long-lasting results, your breasts will still be subject to natural ageing processes, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause). However, because the procedure relies on your own tissue, you won’t have implant-related maintenance or replacement concerns. The breasts will alway continue to droop or sag with time and there may be bottoming out when the volume goes to the bottom of the breasts.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

We advise completing your family or waiting until you are not planning more pregnancies to ensure the most enduring results. Pregnancy can stretch the skin again and alter the shape of the breasts, potentially diminishing the benefits of the procedure. We warn patients that they may not be able to breast feed after this kind of procedure.

Is Autoaugmentation Right for You?

In summary, an autoaugmentation breast lift—also known by various terms such as mastopexy autoaugmentation, breast lift with auto augmentation, or auto augmentation breast lift—is an innovative procedure that leverages your own tissue to achieve a lifted, more youthful breast shape. With its roots in traditional mastopexy, this advanced technique eliminates the need for implants, using instead your natural tissue to create the fullness you desire. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who already have enough breast tissue but want to correct sagging and enhance upper pole fullness.

If you have been searching for auto augmentation before and after images or are simply curious about how to reclaim a perkier breast shape without implants, an autoaugmentation mastopexy could be an excellent choice. The key is to consult with Mr Nassab plastic surgeon who thoroughly understands the intricacies of autoaugmentation. We will guide you in determining whether you have enough tissue for this technique, discuss what kind of lift and incisions may be required, and outline potential risks and recovery expectations.

As with all cosmetic procedures, it is essential to approach your decision with realistic expectations, good overall health, and a willingness to follow postoperative instructions carefully. When done for the right reasons and in the hands of a qualified professional, an auto augmentation breast lift can offer long-lasting, natural-looking results that enhance both your figure and your self-confidence.