Breast lift, augmentation safe together

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LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- A breast lift and breast augmentation with implants can safely be performed in a single procedure, U.S. plastic surgeons say.

Dr. Michael Bradley Calobrace of Louisville, Ky., and colleagues reviewed their experience with performing breast lift surgery -- mastopexy -- and breast augmentation in a single procedure.

Of the 430 breast lift procedures performed from 2005 to 2009, breast augmentation using implants was performed at the same time in 332 cases, the researchers said.

The women's average age was 47 years; about one-third were undergoing a repeat operation after previous cosmetic plastic surgery to the breasts.

Calobrace and colleagues assessed the rates of complications and repeat operations.

The study, published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, found the overall complication rate for women undergoing simultaneous breast lift/augmentation procedures was about 23 percent. The most common complications were hardening of the capsule around the implant, scarring and recurrent drooping of the breasts, the study said.