Breast Lift with Implants in Bellevue
Fuller, Lifted, Naturally You
A breast lift with implants — also called an augmentation mastopexy — addresses two of the most common breast concerns at once: lost volume and lost lift. If your breasts have changed due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or simply the passage of time, this combination procedure restores both fullness and position in a single surgery. Dr. Kristopher Day, double board-certified and Ivy League trained, personalizes every plan to your anatomy, your goals, and the results you want to see.
Double Board-Certified (ABPS + ABS)
Ivy League Trained
Highly Rated Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
Proudly Serving Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Renton
What Is Breast Lift with Implants?
A breast lift with implants combines two distinct surgical procedures into one operating room session. The mastopexy (breast lift) component repositions the breast tissue, tightens the skin envelope, elevates the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful position, and removes excess skin that contributes to sagging. The augmentation component adds an implant — silicone, saline, or a cohesive gel formulation — to restore or increase volume.
When performed together, the result is a breast that is both higher on the chest and fuller than either procedure could deliver on its own. Many patients find this combination ideal after pregnancy and breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or simply noticing that volume and position have changed over time.
Dr. Day's Approach: Auto-Augmentation Breast Lift
Dr. Day offers several specialized techniques depending on a patient’s anatomy, goals, and degree of tissue laxity. One such technique is the auto-augmentation breast lift (also known as Rubin-type mastopexy), which reshapes existing breast tissue internally — repositioning it to add internal projection without removing tissue. It is important to note that auto-augmentation mastopexy does not use implants; it is a distinct procedure from breast lift with implants (augmentation-mastopexy). This technique is most appropriate for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and have good existing breast tissue volume but severe ptosis, and who wish to avoid implants. For patients seeking both a lift and added implant volume, Dr. Day will discuss the full range of augmentation-mastopexy options during consultation.
Benefits Of a Breast Lift with Implants
Choosing to address volume and position together offers advantages that neither procedure alone can fully deliver:
- One surgery, one recovery: Combining procedures means a single anesthesia event, one recovery period, and a single downtime block — rather than scheduling two separate surgeries months apart.
- Fuller upper pole: A lift alone rarely restores the rounded upper fullness that implants provide. An implant alone cannot correct significant ptosis (sagging). Combined, each addresses what the other cannot.
- Proportionate results: Dr. Day sizes the implant to complement the lifted breast shape, creating a result that looks natural and proportionate to your frame — not simply larger.
- Rejuvenated nipple position: The lift component repositions the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful, forward-facing position that augmentation alone cannot achieve.
- Long-lasting outcome: Tightening the internal breast tissue during the lift provides a more stable foundation for the implant over time.
- Improved symmetry: If natural asymmetry exists, the procedure can be tailored to address differences in position and volume simultaneously.
"I had a breast lift with Dr. Day, and I cannot say enough good things about both him and his entire team. From the very first consultation, he made me feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely cared for. He took the time to explain every step, answered all of my questions with patience, and helped me feel completely confident and educated with my decision. The surgery itself went flawlessly, and my results are even better than I imagined; natural, lifted, and perfectly proportioned. If you are considering a breast lift (or any cosmetic surgery), I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Day. His skill, artistry, and compassion are unmatched."
— Judy Ann, Breast Lift Patient • Google Review
Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift with Implants?
Dr. Day evaluates each patient individually during a personal consultation. In general, ideal candidates share the following characteristics:
- You May Be a Good Candidate If...
- Breasts have lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Nipple position has dropped below the breast crease
- Breasts feel deflated or empty at the top
- Your weight has been stable for at least 6 months
- You are a non-smoker or committed to quitting before surgery
- You have realistic expectations about outcomes
- You May Want to Wait If:
- You are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are planning significant future pregnancies
- You have active infections or uncontrolled health conditions
- Your weight has not been stable for at least 6 months
- You smoke and are unwilling to stop prior to surgery
- You are seeking perfection rather than meaningful improvement
Not Sure If You're a Candidate?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Day to discuss your goals and options.
Your Breast Lift with Implants Journey
Your Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Day will review your breast anatomy, discuss your goals, and walk through your implant and incision options. He will assess the degree of ptosis (sagging) and determine the most appropriate lift pattern and implant type for your desired outcome. Sizing decisions are made collaboratively — Dr. Day will use your anatomical measurements and aesthetic goals to guide his recommendation.
Incision Options
The appropriate incision pattern depends on the degree of lifting required:
- Anchor (Wise pattern): Around the areola, vertically to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease. Most commonly used for significant ptosis. Provides the most comprehensive reshaping access.
- Lollipop (vertical mastopexy): Around the areola and vertically to the crease. Appropriate for moderate ptosis with less scarring than the anchor pattern.
- Crescent: A small arc above the areola. Suitable only for minimal lifts. Less commonly required in combined procedures.
- Donut (periareolar): An incision placed entirely around the areola. Appropriate for patients who require more correction than a crescent provides but have less severe ptosis than a lollipop or anchor pattern would address. Results in a single circular scar at the areolar border.
Implant Options
The implant added as part of the procedure can be silicone, saline, or a highly cohesive gel formulation (often marketed as gummy bear — though that term simply refers to modern cohesive silicone technology, which is the current standard). Dr. Day will recommend the type and size most appropriate for your anatomy and the lift pattern selected.
No-Touch Technique
For the implant portion, Dr. Day employs the no-touch technique — inserting the implant through a Keller Funnel, a sterile sleeve that prevents direct contact between the implant and the skin. This reduces bacterial contamination risk and lowers the likelihood of capsular contracture.
Surgery Day
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 3–4 hours. It is an outpatient procedure performed at one of Dr. Day’s accredited surgical facilities in the Bellevue area. You will go home the same day with a surgical bra and written post-operative instructions.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
What to Expect
Most intense soreness and tightness. Short, gentle walks are encouraged starting Day 1 — low-impact movement supports circulation and reduces swelling. Rest between walks. Pain well-controlled with prescribed medication.
Days 4–7
What to Expect
Significant improvement. Most patients feel more mobile. Surgical bra worn continuously.
Week 1–2
What to Expect
Return to light desk work typically begins during Week 1 for most patients. Driving cleared when off narcotic pain medication and full range of motion restored. Continue frequent short walks.
Weeks 2–4
What to Expect
Begin gradual return to exertional activity. Start at approximately 50% of pre-operative baseline and increase gradually. Light exercise achievable during this window. Avoid direct upper-body strain. Avoid support garments with underwire for at least 6 weeks.
Weeks 4–6
What to Expect
Full return to pre-operative activity level, including upper-body exercise and high-impact workouts, when cleared at the post-operative visit. Most patients achieve complete activity restoration by Weeks 4–6.
Months 2–3
What to Expect
Swelling continues to resolve. Implants begin to settle — the drop-and-fluff process.
Months 3–6
What to Expect
Final shape and position become fully visible as tissue relaxes and implants settle.
Dr. Day's Auto-Augmentation Technique: What It Means for Your Results
Important note: Auto-augmentation mastopexy is a distinct technique that does not use implants. It is presented here as an alternative approach for a specific subset of patients. If you are seeking both a lift and additional volume through an implant (augmentation-mastopexy), please see the discussion throughout this page — the auto-augmentation technique and the combined lift-with-implants procedure serve different patient profiles. Many surgeons approach a combined lift and augmentation straightforwardly: lift the skin, place an implant. Dr. Day also performs the auto-augmentation technique — an internal reshaping of your own breast tissue that creates added fullness and projection using what you already have, without an implant. This is particularly suited for weight loss patients with good tissue volume and significant ptosis who prefer to avoid implants.
In practical terms, this means that rather than simply tightening the outer skin envelope, Dr. Day mobilizes and repositions the breast’s own glandular tissue internally, folding it to build structural support in the upper and central pole. The implant is then placed on a foundation of repositioned natural tissue rather than relying solely on the implant to create projection.
For patients who have lost volume but still have good existing breast tissue — a common profile after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight loss — this technique means the implant can often be modestly sized to achieve a proportionate result, rather than requiring a larger implant to compensate for inadequate internal support.
The end result tends to look and move more naturally because both your own tissue and the implant are contributing to the shape — working together rather than the implant doing all the work.
Fat Transfer and Internal Bra Mastopexy
Important note: Auto-augmentation mastopexy is a distinct technique that does not use implants. It is presented here as an alternative approach for a specific subset of patients. If you are seeking both a lift and additional volume through an implant (augmentation-mastopexy), please see the discussion throughout this page — the auto-augmentation technique and the combined lift-with-implants procedure serve different patient profiles. Many surgeons approach a combined lift and augmentation straightforwardly: lift the skin, place an implant. Dr. Day also performs the auto-augmentation technique — an internal reshaping of your own breast tissue that creates added fullness and projection using what you already have, without an implant. This is particularly suited for weight loss patients with good tissue volume and significant ptosis who prefer to avoid implants.
In practical terms, this means that rather than simply tightening the outer skin envelope, Dr. Day mobilizes and repositions the breast’s own glandular tissue internally, folding it to build structural support in the upper and central pole. The implant is then placed on a foundation of repositioned natural tissue rather than relying solely on the implant to create projection.
For patients who have lost volume but still have good existing breast tissue — a common profile after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight loss — this technique means the implant can often be modestly sized to achieve a proportionate result, rather than requiring a larger implant to compensate for inadequate internal support.
The end result tends to look and move more naturally because both your own tissue and the implant are contributing to the shape — working together rather than the implant doing all the work.
Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting / “Reverse Liposuction”)
Fat transfer — also called fat grafting or “reverse liposuction” — uses the patient’s own harvested fat to add volume to the breasts in addition to, or instead of, an implant. When combined with a breast lift, fat grafting can provide natural volume enhancement, particularly useful in revision cases or for patients who prefer to avoid implants but still want modest fullness. Dr. Day follows current ASPS safety guidelines for all fat transfer procedures.
Internal Bra Augmentation-Mastopexy
An Internal Bra Augmentation-Mastopexy incorporates an internal “hammock” of supportive material — such as Galaflex, Alloderm, or Strattice — to support the breast tissue from within and help sustain long-lasting lift results. This technique is especially well-suited for weight loss patients, patients with poor skin elasticity, those with more severe breast ptosis, or patients desiring larger implants where additional internal support improves outcomes. Dr. Day has dedicated blog content about Internal Bra mastopexy available on the Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery website.
What Results Can I Expect from a Breast Lift with Implants?
A breast lift with implants produces a silhouette that is simultaneously fuller and more youthful in position — something neither procedure alone can fully deliver. Most patients describe their results in terms of how their clothes fit, how they feel in swimwear, and a renewed sense of confidence they associate with how their breasts looked before pregnancy or significant weight changes.
Dr. Day’s approach prioritizes proportionality and natural appearance. The goal is not simply size — it is harmony between the breast shape, nipple position, and the patient’s overall frame. Implant sizing decisions are made with that context in mind.
What the final result typically includes:
- Breasts positioned higher on the chest with the nipple-areola complex at or above the inframammary fold
- Improved upper pole fullness — the rounded contour above the nipple that often deflates after pregnancy
- Reduced skin laxity and a firmer, more defined breast contour
- Better symmetry in cases where natural asymmetry was present
- A natural drop-and-fluff result as the implant settles into final position over 3–6 months
Important expectation note:
Scars are inherent to any mastopexy procedure. Most patients find them manageable and well-concealed within clothing and swimwear. Scar maturation takes 12–18 months — they will be most visible in the first few months and fade significantly with time and proper care.
"Under his care, I underwent transformative procedures, including breast enhancement and Breast Revision. Dr. Day's commitment to patient satisfaction is truly commendable. From the initial consultation, he took the time to thoroughly discuss expectations and potential complications, ensuring a transparent and informed decision-making process. What sets Dr. Day apart is his unwavering commitment to patient care. He goes above and beyond by making himself personally available 24/7 via phone for any post-surgical concerns."
— Jennifer Peterson, Patient • Google Review
Breast Lift with Implants Cost in Bellevue
A breast lift with implants involves two surgical components — mastopexy and augmentation — combined in one procedure. Your total cost reflects the surgeon’s fee, implant cost, anesthesia, and facility fees. Combining both procedures into a single surgery is typically more cost-effective than scheduling them separately.
Factors that influence your final cost:
- Degree of ptosis (sagging) and complexity of the lift required
- Implant type — silicone, saline, or highly cohesive gel formulations
- Implant size and projection profile
- Incision pattern (anchor, lollipop, or crescent)
- Anesthesia and surgical facility fees
What’s Included in Your Breast Lift with Implants Investment
Your surgical fee covers all of the following at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery:
- Surgeon's fee
- Facility / operating room fee
- Anesthesia (administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist)
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery medication (Exparel)
- Cosmetic surgery insurance coverage (Cosmetasure)
- High-end compression garment (Isavella)
- High-end scar ointment (Biocorneum)
- Swelling and bruising ointment (Arnica)
- Post-operative recovery and follow-up care
- Clara Recovery Supplements
Financing Options
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit. Ask our patient care coordinator about financing options during your consultation.
Starting from $9,000
Final pricing is confirmed at your consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Kristopher Day for Your Breast Lift with Implants?
Breast lift with implants is one of the most technically demanding procedures in cosmetic breast surgery. It requires mastery of both augmentation and mastopexy — knowing not just how to place an implant, but how to reshape, support, and position tissue so the final result remains stable and natural over time. Not every surgeon performs both procedures with equal expertise.
Dr. Day's qualifications for this procedure:
- Double Board-Certified: American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) + American Board of Surgery (ABS) — the highest standard of surgical certification
- 10+ Years of Surgical Experience: Extensive experience performing augmentation mastopexy procedures with consistently high patient satisfaction scores — including complex cases involving significant ptosis and post-pregnancy volume loss
- Auto-Augmentation Specialist: Uses an internal tissue reshaping technique as part of the combined procedure — a differentiator in the Bellevue market
- No-Touch Implant Technique: Employs the Keller Funnel for implant insertion to minimize infection risk and reduce capsular contracture rates
- Highly Rated by Patients: One of the highest patient satisfaction scores among plastic surgeons in Bellevue — verified across hundreds of Google reviews
- Accredited Surgical Facilities: Swedish Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Carillon Point Surgery Center, Sound Plastic Surgery Center
- Boutique Practice: Dr. Day operates a single-surgeon practice — you always know who is performing your surgery
Call to schedule your consultation: (425) 818-8991
Conveniently Located for Eastside Families
Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery is centrally located in downtown Bellevue, making Dr. Day’s fellowship-trained expertise accessible to families throughout Bellevue and the greater Eastside — without the stress of navigating Seattle traffic. Our patients enjoy a private, boutique surgical experience with on-site validated parking, just minutes from the communities they call home.
Seattle
~15 minutes
World-class plastic surgery results without the downtown Seattle parking hassle. A quick drive across SR-520 or I-90 to our private Bellevue office.
Kirkland
~10 minutes
Just minutes from downtown Kirkland and the Juanita waterfront via I-405 or surface streets.
Redmond
~10 minutes
Convenient for the Redmond tech community via SR-520 or surface streets.
Mercer Island
~10 minutes
A quick drive across I-90. Our discreet, private environment is ideal for discerning Mercer Island residents.
Issaquah
~10 minutes
Convenient for Issaquah Highlands and Gilman Village area families via I-90.
Renton
~5 minutes
Easy access from Renton and the Landing via I-405 North. Boutique care and personalized attention just minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a breast lift and implants really be done in the same surgery?
Yes. Combining a mastopexy and augmentation in a single procedure is a well-established approach in plastic surgery. Doing them together allows the surgeon to size and position the implant relative to the lifted tissue simultaneously — which typically produces better-integrated results than staging the procedures separately. It also means one recovery period rather than two.
Why not just get implants and skip the lift?
Implants add volume, but they cannot meaningfully correct a nipple that has dropped below the inframammary fold or tighten stretched, excess skin. If significant ptosis (sagging) is present, an implant alone will produce a bottom-heavy result with the nipple still pointing downward. The lift is what corrects position; the implant is what restores volume.
Will I be able to breastfeed after this procedure?
Breastfeeding ability depends on surgical technique, existing glandular tissue, and individual anatomy. Many patients have successfully breastfed after combined procedures, but it cannot be guaranteed. If future breastfeeding is a priority, discuss this explicitly during your consultation so Dr. Day can factor it into the surgical plan.
How do I choose the right implant size for a lift procedure?
Sizing decisions for a combined procedure require a different approach than augmentation alone. The lift reshapes and tightens the tissue envelope, which changes the internal space available. Dr. Day will evaluate your chest dimensions, existing tissue volume, and the planned lift pattern when guiding you toward an appropriate implant size. The goal is a result that looks natural and balanced — not simply larger.
What is the drop-and-fluff process and does it apply here?
Yes. All breast implants typically sit higher on the chest immediately after surgery and gradually settle into their final position over time. This is more pronounced with submuscular placement as the pectoralis muscle adjusts, but the settling process applies to all augmentation approaches. In a combined procedure, the lift tissue also continues to relax. Your final breast shape becomes fully visible around the 3–6 month mark — not immediately post-surgery.
How noticeable are the scars?
Scarring is inherent to any mastopexy. The most common approach for this procedure is the anchor pattern, which leaves scars around the areola, vertically to the crease, and horizontally along the crease. In most patients, these scars are well-concealed within bra and swimwear lines. Scars mature and fade significantly over 12–18 months. Proper scar management — following post-operative instructions closely — makes a meaningful difference in the final appearance.
What is the no-touch technique and does it apply to this procedure?
Yes. For the implant component, Dr. Day uses the no-touch technique — inserting the implant through a Keller Funnel, a sterile sleeve that prevents the implant from contacting skin or surgeon gloves. This reduces the risk of bacterial contamination and is associated with lower rates of capsular contracture, which is the most common long-term complication of breast implants.
How long does recovery take, and when can I return to work?
Short, gentle walks are encouraged starting the day after surgery. Most patients return to desk-based work during Week 1. Light activity, including gentle walks, resumes the day after surgery. A gradual return to more exertional activity begins at Weeks 2–4, starting at approximately 50% of your pre-operative baseline and increasing gradually from there. Full unrestricted activity — including upper-body exercise — is typically cleared at the Weeks 4–6 post-operative visit. Final implant position and shape become fully visible at 3–6 months. If your work involves physical labor, a longer initial leave is recommended.
How much does a breast lift with implants cost in Bellevue?
A breast lift with implants at Pacific Sound Plastic Surgery in Bellevue starts from $9,000. Your final cost depends on the degree of lifting required, implant type and size, anesthesia, and facility fees. A personalized estimate is provided at your consultation. CareCredit (6-month financing) and Alphaeon Credit are available for qualified patients.
Why should I choose Dr. Day for this procedure specifically?
Dr. Day is double board-certified (ABPS + ABS) and Ivy League trained, bringing more than a decade of surgical experience to every procedure. He uses the auto-augmentation technique for the lift component and the no-touch technique for the implant — both differentiated approaches that are not standard in the local market. He operates a boutique single-surgeon practice, which means you will always know exactly who is performing your surgery.
What is a “staged” breast augmentation and lift, and do I need one?
A staged breast augmentation and lift means separating the lift and augmentation into two separate surgeries with a healing period in between, rather than performing them simultaneously. This approach is used when a patient desires a particularly large implant relative to their preoperative breast size, has poor soft tissue elasticity, or has other factors that could increase the risk of complications if both procedures are performed at once. Staging reduces tension on healing tissues and can improve long-term outcomes in these cases. It is particularly common in massive weight loss patients. Dr. Day will assess whether a staged or combined approach is most appropriate for your anatomy during your consultation.
Schedule Your Breast Lift with Implants Consultation
You deserve to feel confident in your body again. Dr. Day and the Pacific Sound team create personalized transformation plans tailored to your unique goals.