Patients considering breast lift surgery often have a variety of questions about the procedure and the options available to them, including the addition of breast implants, recovery time, and the possible combination of other procedures. It can be easy to think about breasts as being either too small or too big, or in some cases, just the right size. But plenty of women who consider breast surgery aren’t necessarily unhappy with their breast size. Instead, they are more concerned about the position of their breasts, breast shape, areola and nipple appearance, overall breast volume, and the risk of fat accumulating in the area.
In certain cases, opting for plastic surgery such as a surgical breast lift or a breast implant can make a significant difference. By making precise incisions and repositioning tissues, the breast lift procedure can lead to a smaller scar and a better appearance. Before deciding upon an option, it is important to consult a doctor and seek out testimonials of others who have had the procedure to better understand the risks and benefits involved.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the effects of gravity can all leave you with breasts that aren’t what they once were. For some women, a breast lift (mastopexy) can help to restore the breasts to their original position, giving them a youthful, perky look. But there tends to be a fair amount of confusion when it comes to what a breast lift can and can’t do, or about what needs to happen during the surgery. For example, some assume that a breast lift without implants isn’t possible. To determine if you are a candidate for the procedure and to avoid complications, it is essential to consult with an experienced surgeon. Schedule an appointment to discuss the types of procedures available and understand which one is best suited for your needs.
In fact, the opposite is true. For some women, a breast lift without breast implants might be ideal. It all comes down to knowing the differences between each type of procedure and having an honest discussion with your surgeon about what you want. Assessing the breast tissue, addressing concerns, and reviewing photos of past procedures in their practice can help the surgeon determine the best approach for each individual patient.
Breast Lift Vs. Breast Augmentation
For starters, it helps to understand what a breast lift is, what breast augmentation is and how the two are different. A breast augmentation involves placing implants, made from either saline or silicone, into the breasts. The goal of the surgery is to increase the size of the breasts while taking into consideration the body’s proportions and balance.
You might want the surgery if you’ve long been unhappy about having small breasts or if you have uneven breasts and want to create a more symmetrical appearance. Some women choose to get implants because they’ve lost volume in their breasts after breastfeeding or giving birth.
On the other hand, a breast lift isn’t concerned with size at all. Instead, its focus is on position. During a breast lift, your surgeon will remove excess skin and work on re-positioning the breasts so that they sit higher on the chest. A breast lift can also reduce the size of stretched out nipples and reshape the areola. Skin may also be tightened around the breasts. After surgery, swelling may occur, and a supportive bra is recommended during the healing process.
Sometimes, a surgeon can combine a breast lift with augmentation. That usually happens if you want to both increase the size of the breasts and make them look perkier or more elevated. This combination approach provides a more well-rounded result in some cases.
What a Breast Lift Without Implants Can Do
But combining the two surgeries isn’t always necessary and in some cases, might not be desirable. If you already have large breasts that are sagging, adding implants might not benefit you much. In fact, if you have very large breasts, you might be better off choosing a breast reduction combined with a lift.
When a breast lift is performed on its own, the goal is often to focus solely on improving the shape of the breasts. If you recently finished breastfeeding, you might have noticed that your breasts droop or look deflated. A lift can help to elevate them and restore their pre-baby shape. The excess skin can be removed during this process.
Why You Might Want a Breast Lift With Augmentation
While breast lift without implants is the right choice for some women, combining the surgery with breast augmentation is the way to go for others. There are a few benefits to combining the surgeries, even if you don’t want to increase the size of your breasts dramatically.
One benefit is that a breast lift with implants might provide longer-lasting results than the lift on its own. You’ll keep aging after the procedure and gravity will continue to do its thing. Having implants in place can help your breasts maintain a perky position for longer.
Another benefit of combining a breast lift with implants might not appeal to all women. But if you’re looking to enhance your cleavage, it might be best to combine the two surgeries. Even if you have fairly large breasts to begin with, a breast lift on its own is unlikely to do much to make the upper part of the breasts look fuller. But adding implants can increase that fullness, creating more cleavage.
If you are weighing the pros and cons of a breast lift with implants or without, it can be helpful to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgeries. Dr. Paul Vitenas is one of Houston’s top-rated plastic surgeons. He can help you choose the surgery or surgeries that will help you best achieve your goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas, call 281-484-0088 today.