Auto-augmentation is a breast lift that puts your own tissue back where volume has been lost, instead of adding an implant. The tissue that would normally be discarded from the lower breast is kept, raised on its blood supply and secured high on the chest wall to rebuild the upper fullness.
It is most useful after major weight loss, where the breast is deflated rather than simply low, and where the patient would rather not have an implant.
What it can and cannot do
| Auto-augmentation | Lift with an implant | |
|---|---|---|
| Source of volume | Your own breast tissue, repositioned | A silicone implant |
| Amount achievable | Limited by how much tissue you have left | Chosen; larger increases possible |
| Device in the body | None | Yes, with the maintenance that implies |
| Future surgery | No implant-related revision | Implants may need replacing over a lifetime |
| Predictability of upper fullness | Less predictable; some settling expected | More predictable |
| Operating time | Longer | Shorter |
The honest limitation is the first row. If very little breast tissue remains after weight loss, there is nothing to move, and an implant or fat grafting is the better answer. This is decided by examination, not by preference.
Who it suits
- Patients after major weight loss with moderate residual breast tissue and a low nipple
- Patients who want to avoid an implant, whether for maintenance, imaging or personal reasons
- Patients having other body contouring at the same time, where a single anaesthetic covers both
- Patients whose weight has been stable — further loss will deflate the result again
It suits less well where skin quality is very poor, where the remaining tissue is thin, or where a substantial size increase is the goal.
The operation and the scars
The skin incisions are those of a lift: around the areola, down to the fold and, in most weight-loss patients, along the fold — the anchor pattern. The difference is beneath the skin, where the lower tissue is preserved as a flap rather than removed, and fixed to the chest wall. Some techniques also use a lateral roll of tissue that would otherwise be discarded, which has the side benefit of tidying the area towards the armpit.
Because the work is internal, the scar pattern is no greater than a standard lift. How lift scars settle.
Recovery
Broadly as for a breast lift: Prineo and Micropore on the wounds for six weeks, a pressure garment for six weeks, desk work at about two weeks and full exercise at six. Because more tissue is mobilised, swelling settles a little more slowly, and the upper fullness looks exaggerated at first before relaxing into position over about three months. Dr Kumar reviews his surgical patients for twelve months.
Does it last?
Repositioned tissue is still breast tissue, so it responds to gravity, weight change and time as the rest of the breast does. Techniques that secure the flap to the chest wall hold better than those relying on skin alone, but some settling is expected and no surgeon can promise a fixed result. Further substantial weight loss is the change most likely to undo it.
Cost and Medicare
Where the lift component meets item 45558 — at least two-thirds of the breast tissue including the nipple below the inframammary fold, with marked photographic evidence in your notes — a Medicare benefit may apply, claimable once in a lifetime. The auto-augmentation itself is part of that operation rather than a separately rebated item, and the extra operating time is reflected in the anaesthetic. Your quote is itemised so you can see each part. More about costs.
Common questions
Is it the same as fat grafting? No. Fat grafting injects fat taken by liposuction from elsewhere. Auto-augmentation moves breast tissue that is already there, on its own blood supply.
Can both be done? Sometimes, where a little more fullness is wanted than the flap provides.
Does it affect mammograms? It is your own tissue, so imaging remains straightforward. Tell the radiographer you have had breast surgery.
Can an implant be added later? Yes, if you change your mind, though it is a further operation.
Am I a candidate? It depends on how much tissue remains, which needs examination. If you are travelling a distance, you can send photos first.
Next step
Bring a GP referral to a consultation — it is required to see Dr Kumar — and he will tell you whether there is enough of your own tissue to do this, or whether another option suits you better. Call 1300 267 726. More about breast lift after major weight loss and body contouring after weight loss.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
