It’s fairly common for women considering breast enhancement surgery after having children or losing weight to ask if they can achieve their desired results by getting breast implants without a breast lift. They want to avoid the additional incisions needed to perform a breast lift. Breast augmentation and breast lift, however, accomplish different things, but combining them is a very popular option.
The key to deciding between these procedures lies in understanding your goals and the current state of your breasts. In this post, I’ll explain what each procedure accomplishes.
When Is a Breast Lift the Best Approach?
A breast lift (mastopexy) elevates sagging breasts, reshaping them by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. It’s ideal for women who want to achieve a firmer, more youthful contour. It’s the best approach for women who are bothered by their sagging or drooping breasts and understand that the surgery usually involves either a “lollipop” or “anchor” incision pattern.
The lollipop pattern includes an incision around the areola and another vertical incision that extends from the areola to the base of the breast. An anchor pattern adds a horizontal incision along the inframmary fold. In some cases, in which there is mild sagging, an incision around the areola is sufficient.
Breast Lift Before and After Photos
When Is Breast Augmentation the Best Approach?
Women who want to increase their breast size but don’t need to address significant sagging or laxity are ideal candidates for breast augmentation. This procedure creates fuller, rounder breasts by adding silicone or saline implants. It is also helpful for correcting asymmetry, which is a concern for many women.
Breast augmentation is not ideal for correcting drooping or sagging breasts, however. Adding implants alone may correct some very minor laxity, but notable sagging is typically best addressed with a breast lift or combined breast lift with implants.
Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos
When Is a Breast Lift With Implants the Best Approach?
A breast lift with implants adds volume (and corrects asymmetry when necessary) while also lifting the breasts to a more youthful position and reshaping or repositioning the nipples. This creates a more comprehensive, customized improvement than what is possible with breast augmentation or a breast lift alone. Women who undergo a breast lift without implants should expect to lose at least 1 bra-cup size.
This combined approach is popular with women who have:
- Had children
- Experienced significant weight loss
- Developed sagging as a result of aging
It restores a more youthful breast look and feel, both by lifting stretched tissues and replacing or adding volume.
Combining these procedures also allows you to enjoy the benefits of 2 procedures without doubling your recovery time. You will recover from both procedures at the same time, enabling you to return to your usual routine more quickly and with more confidence than ever.
Breast Lift With Augmentation Before and After Photos
Deciding Which Is Right for You
This is not a decision you have to make alone. The best way to determine which breast enhancement procedure is right for you is to consult personally with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
During the consultation, we’ll discuss your goals in-depth, and I will examine your body to better understand these goals and your anatomy. From there, we will work together to develop a custom treatment plan designed to give you the results you have been dreaming of, whether that involves breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a combination of both.
What Determines the Cost of Breast Augmentation With a Lift?
The cost of any cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, including breast augmentation with a breast lift, is influenced by factors such as the type of breast implants you choose, the extent of the lift needed, the surgeon’s experience and training, and the type of anesthesia used. Additionally, some patients decide to get a breast lift without implants. We provide patients with a detailed price quote after their consultation.
If you choose cohesive silicone gel implants, they typically cost more than implants filled with saline. During your personal consultation with me, you can describe your aesthetic goals and we will discuss the details of the procedure.
Recovery After Breast Enhancement Surgery
Whether you get a breast lift, augmentation, or combine the procedures, the recovery is similar. Due to the dual nature of the procedure, it may take slightly longer to recover after a combination surgery. Here are a few important recovery recommendations and milestones:
- We recommend patients take 4 to 7 days off from work or school after the surgery.
- We provide a support bra and recommend that you wear it for 4 to 8 weeks after surgery to help reduce swelling and support your breasts as they heal.
- You may shower 3 days after surgery, being careful with the incisions.
- Do not stretch or raise your arms above your shoulders for approximately 10 to 14 days.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach for 4 to 6 weeks.
- You must not wear an underwire bra for 6 to 8 weeks.
We provide detailed instructions regarding recovery and encourage patients to contact the office with any questions or concerns they might have.
Remember, we always strive to equip you with the resources and information you need during each step of your aesthetic transformation. If you have more questions about breast augmentation and recovery, please request a consultation or call my office at (818) 500-0823.
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