Breast Lift or Augmentation?

As with other areas of the body, the aesthetics of the breasts are affected by a number of factors, including age, lifestyle, past pregnancies, and genetics. While many women have naturally small breasts, this does not mean that the effects of aging will not become apparent as time goes on, particularly after pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are not happy with your breasts’ size and appearance, then you may be considering plastic surgery to improve the aesthetics of the area. However, there are two popular procedures that can help with this, depending on the circumstances: breast lift and breast augmentation. But which surgery is best for you? Let’s take a look at both the options.

About Breast Lifts

A breast lift is a procedure to help counter the effects of gravity and childbearing that occur as a woman ages. Loss of skin elasticity and other factors cause sagging, stretched out breasts over time, and many women do not like the way these changes affect the overall shape of their bodies. Drooping breasts are lifted for a more youthful contour with breast lift, also known as mastoplexy. Mastoplexy is performed by removing and tightening excess skin, and reshaping the tissue underneath. Stretched areolas (the area around the nipple) can also be addressed with this procedure. The breast lift is usually favored by women who are happy with their breast size, but want to rejuvenate and lift the area.

About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a common procedure used to add size and volume to the breasts, usually using a type of synthetic implant. Implants are inserted under or over the muscle, and come in a variety of types, including saline-filled, silicone gel-filled, and a new, shape-stable silicone implant known as a “gummy bear” implant. Implants may be round, teardrop, or “natural” shapes, and there are options to suit every woman interested in increasing cup size. Breast augmentation is most often performed on young women and is not a solution for aging breasts.

Combination Procedure

Not sure whether breast augmentation or a breast lift is right for you? You may want to consider a combination of the two. Breast lift surgery can greatly improve the appearance and shape of the breasts, but it can also reduce the overall cup size, as tissue is removed during the procedure. To make up for this loss, or simply to get additional volume, it makes sense to combine a breast lift and breast augmentation. These two procedures are often part of a “mommy makeover” as well, and can greatly improve confidence and self-esteem in patients with realistic expectations. A combination procedure has the added benefits of one recovery period and comprehensive results that complement one another.

Timing

If you are thinking about a breast lift and/or augmentation, you’ll want to plan carefully and think about your timing. If you are planning to have children and breastfeed in the near future, it may make sense to wait until you are past that phase of your life for a couple of reasons. First, breastfeeding can cause the breasts to droop and stretch, which could compromise your results. Second, while it is usually possible to breastfeed following augmentation and mastoplexy, it is possible to lose the ability following surgery. Because of this, you should consider waiting to move forward with surgery if breastfeeding is something you would like to do.

Are You a Candidate?

Not everyone is a good candidate for cosmetic breast surgery. Patients must be in general good health, have realistic expectations, and be prepared to take on the pre and post-operative care required for breast procedures. Only a plastic surgeon can assess candidacy and give advice on which procedure(s) may be right for you.

A Knowledgeable Surgeon

Above all else, you should make sure you seek only the best in the plastic surgeon who will perform your surgery. A board certified surgeon will be able to help you determine the procedure that is right for you to achieve your goals. Your results depend largely on the skill and knowledge of your plastic surgeon, so take your time during the research and consultation phase of your surgical planning.

If you are looking for a board certified, knowledgeable, and compassionate surgeon, come to Masri Clinic for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery in Dearborn and Birmingham, Michigan. Dr. Raj Gupta is double board certified, has over 25 years of experience, and works with each patient to find the solution that will work best for him or her. For more information, and to schedule your free consultation, call 866-487-3223 today.