Breast lift, augmentation and implants are surgical procedures designed to improve the appearance of a woman’s breasts. These procedures can be used to increase the size of the breasts, correct sagging or unevenness, or restore volume lost due to weight changes or pregnancy. Depending on the individual needs of each patient, these procedures may be done separately or combined.
Definition of Breast Lift, Augmentation and Implants
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. It can also reduce the size of the areola (the dark area around the nipple). Breast augmentation is a procedure that involves placing implants behind each breast to increase its size and fullness. Implants come in many shapes and sizes and can be filled with either saline or silicone gel.
Who is it For?
Breast lift, augmentation and implants are typically recommended for women who have lost volume in their breasts due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss. They may also be recommended for women who want to enhance their body shape, increase their cup size, or correct asymmetry between their breasts.
What is the End Result?
The end result of breast lift, augmentation and implants is improved breast shape and size. Women who undergo these procedures typically report feeling more confident about their appearance as well as increased satisfaction with their body image.
Procedure
|
Who is it For?
|
End Result
|
Breast Lift
|
Women who have lost volume in their breasts due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss.
|
Improved breast shape and size.
|
Women who want to enhance their body shape, increase their cup size, or correct asymmetry between their breasts.
|
Improved breast shape and size.
|
|
Implants
|
Women who have lost volume in their breasts due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss.
|
Improved breast shape and size.
|
Breast Augmentation
What is it?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the insertion of implants to increase the size and projection of a woman’s breasts. It can also be used to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States, with over 300,000 women undergoing the procedure each year.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Women who undergo breast augmentation often report feeling more confident and satisfied with their appearance. Additionally, some women may experience improved posture due to the increased size and projection of their breasts.
Types of Implants
When considering breast augmentation, patients must choose between two types of implants: saline or silicone gel. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water while silicone gel implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Both types have an outer shell made of silicone and come in various sizes and shapes. Patients should discuss their implant options with their surgeon to determine which type is best for them.
Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation
All surgical procedures come with risks and breast augmentation is no exception. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, implant rupture or deflation, and capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant). Patients should discuss all potential risks and complications with their doctor before undergoing any procedure.
Information
|
Data
|
Number of Women Undergoing Procedure Annually
|
300,000
|
Types of Implants Available
|
Saline & Silicone Gel
|
Average Recovery Time
|
2-3 Weeks
|
Possible Complications
|
Infection, Bleeding, Scarring, Asymmetry, Implant Rupture or Deflation, Capsular Contracture (Scar Tissue Around the Implant)
|
Breast Lift
What is it?
A breast lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Breast lifts are typically done in combination with breast augmentation or implants to achieve the desired result. The procedure can also be done alone, without any other procedures.
Benefits of a Breast Lift
The primary benefit of a breast lift is improved shape, firmness, and appearance of the breasts. It can also help improve self-confidence and body image, as well as reduce sagging of the breasts due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss. Additionally, some women find that a breast lift can make it easier to find clothes that fit properly since their breasts will now be more proportionate with their frame.
Risks Associated with a Breast Lift
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with a breast lift. These include infection, scarring, asymmetry (unevenness between the two sides), changes in nipple sensation or sensitivity, and an increased risk of capsular contracture (hardening of the implant capsule). It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before deciding on whether or not to proceed with the procedure.
Breast lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to raise and firm the breasts, with potential benefits and risks.
Combination Procedures
What is the benefit of combining procedures?
Combining breast augmentation and a breast lift is becoming increasingly popular among women who want to improve their overall look and feel of their breasts. Combining these two procedures can help to achieve the desired results, often in a single surgical session. This combination procedure can also help reduce recovery time and minimize scarring, while providing improved symmetry and proportion for the breasts.
The main benefit of combining breast augmentation with a breast lift is that it allows for more comprehensive improvements than either procedure alone. Breast augmentation will increase the size of the breasts, while a breast lift will reposition them on the chest wall for a more youthful appearance. By combining both treatments, patients can achieve fuller, perkier breasts with improved shape and contour. Additionally, this combination procedure can address any sagging or asymmetry that may be present in the breasts due to aging or pregnancy.
How to choose between the two options
When considering undergoing a combination procedure, it is important to discuss your goals with your surgeon to determine which option is best for you. If you are primarily looking to increase the size of your breasts, then breast augmentation alone may be sufficient. However, if you are looking to address sagging or asymmetry, then a combination procedure may be recommended as it will provide more comprehensive improvement than either procedure alone.
Your surgeon will also assess your current anatomy and discuss your medical history before recommending any treatment options. Depending on your individual needs and goals, they may suggest different combinations of implants and lifts in order to achieve an optimal outcome that meets your expectations. It is important to understand all of your options before making any decisions regarding surgery.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your surgeon to decide which combination of procedures will best meet your needs and give you the results that you desire. Your surgeon should provide you with detailed information about each option so that you can make an informed decision about which treatment plan is right for you.
Combining breast augmentation and a breast lift can help reduce recovery time, minimize scarring, and provide improved symmetry and proportion for the breasts. Patients should discuss their goals with their surgeon to determine which option is best for them.
Patient Resources
Online Resources
For those considering breast lift, augmentation or implants, there are numerous online resources available to aid in the decision-making process. A great place to start is with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), which provides a wealth of information on the procedures and their associated risks. Additionally, patient forums are a great way to connect with others who have undergone similar surgeries and can provide valuable insight into the experience.
In-Person Consultation
Ultimately, however, no amount of online research can replace an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. During this visit, patients should feel comfortable asking questions about the procedure and its associated risks. It is important to find a doctor that you trust and who has extensive experience performing these operations. Additionally, most surgeons will offer 3D imaging technology that allows for a “virtual” look at what your results may be after surgery.