If you’re considering breast augmentation and also thinking about having liposuction, you may be wondering if the two procedures can be performed together. Many people find they have more than one area they’d like to address surgically, for example, increasing breast volume while also targeting fat in specific areas like the abdomen, hips, or thighs.

In many cases, liposuction and breast augmentation can be performed during the same operation. However, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Combining procedures can be a suitable approach, but it can also add complexity, which means it may not be suitable for everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore what combining these two procedures involves, how it works in practice, who might be a good candidate, and what you should discuss with your doctor if you’re thinking about having both at once.

Why combine liposuction and breast augmentation?

Both liposuction and breast augmentation address different concerns. Breast augmentation is about increasing breast size and changing the shape through implants or, in some cases, fat transfer. Liposuction removes excess fat from targeted areas.

If a fat transfer breast augmentation is performed, this actually requires liposuction as part of the process. The procedure involves taking fat from a different area of the body and moving it to the breasts to increase volume. However, if a breast augmentation with breast implants is performed, this doesn’t require liposuction – but the two procedures may still be combined, depending on the patient’s needs.

How each procedure is performed

A breast augmentation is usually performed by creating a small incision, creating a pocket for the implant, and inserting the implant either under the breast tissue or partially under the muscle. However, Dr Rastogi will discuss which incision is best for you in your consultation. If a breast fat transfer is performed instead of placing implants, fat is taken using liposuction from another area of the body and moved to the breasts, using small incisions.

As a standalone procedure, liposuction uses small incisions to place a thin tube (which is called a cannula). The cannula is then used to carefully break up the targeted fat, before it is suctioned out with a vacuum device. The procedure can be performed on multiple different areas, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms and more.

What to consider before taking a combined approach

Even though it is possible to have both procedures at once, it’s not always the best choice for every patient. Combining surgeries does mean a longer time under anaesthesia and a slightly longer, sometimes more challenging recovery.

Your overall health, your ability to heal, and the complexity of the steps all factor into whether it’s appropriate to combine procedures. Some patients may need to undergo each procedure separately, particularly if large volumes of fat are to be removed or if there are concerns about how the body will tolerate a longer operation.

While recovery periods overlap, each area of the body heals at its own pace. You’ll need to follow specific aftercare instructions for both your breasts and the areas where fat was removed, which may mean wearing different types of compression garments and being mindful of how you sleep, move, and support yourself.

Who makes a good candidate for both procedures?

Not everyone who wants both procedures will be a good candidate for having them performed together.

Dr Rastogi will assess your suitability based on several factors, including your overall health and medical history, whether you are at or near a stable weight, whether you have realistic expectations about the results, how much fat is being removed and how much breast volume is being added, the quality of your skin and tissue in the areas being treated and how much time you’re able to take for recovery.

Being in good general health is particularly important when combining procedures, because your body needs to cope with a longer operation and heal more than one area at the same time.

What to expect for the recovery period after a combined approach

After surgery, you’ll have soreness and swelling in both your chest and the areas treated with liposuction. Compression garments are usually worn over the liposuction sites to help reduce swelling and support healing, and a surgical bra is worn to support the breasts.

You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least two weeks. Most people are able to return to light activities and desk work after about one week, depending on how extensive the liposuction was. Full recovery can take up to six weeks, with the final results becoming visible as swelling gradually subsides.

Since you’ll be healing in more than one area, it’s especially important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions closely. Taking care not to strain your chest or the areas where fat was removed will help ensure that you heal well.

Why a consultation is important

If you’re interested in both breast augmentation and liposuction, the most important first step is to have a video consultation. This is then followed by an in room consultation. The video consultation is a great first step, especially if you are wanting to consult with multiple doctors.

Dr Rastogi can assess your anatomy, listen to your goals, and help you decide whether combining the two procedures makes sense for you.

In some cases, it may be better to stage the surgeries, focusing on one area at a time. In others, combining them may be suitable.

Your consultation is also the time to discuss what recovery will involve, what kind of results you can expect, and any specific risks that might apply to your situation.

Dr Rastogi: Cosmetic Doctor in Double Bay, Sydney

If you’d like to have a consultation for a breast augmentation or liposuction and want to find out if you may be suitable for a combined procedure, you are welcome to have a consultation with cosmetic doctor Dr Rastogi.

A consultation at Dr Rastogi’s Double Bay, Sydney location will provide you with important information about each procedure and prepare you for the process.

Please contact our team to discuss how to book your consultation, or to ask any questions about the process.

Dr Rastogi’s articles about liposuction:

Read more about breast augmentation:

Can I Have Liposuction and Breast Augmentation At The Same Time?