So you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts and just want them to look much better than they do right now. At times you feel self-conscious about them or maybe just don’t have the self-confidence that you would like to have.
Perhaps, they just don’t look like they used to.
Or, maybe they never were quite what you were hoping for.
Regardless, at this point in time you just want something done so that they will look much better and you will be happier and have more confidence. However, you are not quite sure what the best solution is.
Seek a Consultation with a Reputable Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Are your breasts too small?
Have your breasts lost their perkiness and are sagging?
Do your breasts hang down and not have the firmness and size that you want?
If any one of these above situations apply to you or if you have other cosmetic concerns related to your breasts, you should seek answers from a reputable, experienced professional.
That professional should be a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Preferably, they should either specialize in cosmetic breast surgery or at least have extensive experience in it.
Of course, the right advice or an excellent outcome can never be guaranteed. However, you are much more likely to get reasonable recommendations as compared to alternatives who don’t meet these criteria.
What is a Breast Augmentation?
A breast augmentation, also known as a breast enlargement, is the plastic surgery procedure that adds volume to the breasts. This is overwhelmingly accomplished by the insertion of breast implants, either silicone or saline. Fat injections into the breast are an uncommon alternative to breast implants. This procedure typically results in a very limited size enlargement and does have other significant restrictions.
When is a Breast Augmentation a Good Choice?
Indications for a breast enlargement include:
- Desiring an increased breast size
- Improving the appearance of the breasts such as of their projection and for cleavage
- Rejuvenating the appearance of breasts that have lost volume from pregnancy or weight loss
- Helping to address significant breast asymmetries
- Correcting breast deformities including congenital ones
When is a Breast Augmentation Not the Right Answer?
A breast augmentation can work well when more volume is desired for a variety of reasons and there is good skin tone. It absolutely is not the appropriate choice for the treatment of droopy breasts. Unfortunately, all too often I have seen patients who had placement of massively large breast implants as the only treatment for sagging breasts. This is done to try to avoid a breast lift where the scars are more extensive and the surgery is far more expensive.
This approach is disastrous and wrong. Correcting this can be extremely problematic at best with long term compromised, limited results.
A breast augmentation can give the appearance of greater cleavage due to the enlarged breast size. However, it will not magically reposition breasts that are far apart closer together. This is especially true when the breast implants are placed in a submuscular pocket.
What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
A breast lift (mastopexy) is the plastic surgery procedure that addresses breasts that have lost their elasticity and are droopy. No longer firm and well positioned, there is sagging of the skin as well as of the nipple-areola complexes – to a lower position on the chest wall. The procedure entails re-elevating the breasts, including the nipple-areola complexes, on the chest wall by removing excess skin, tissue contouring and repositioning.
This results in firmer, more youthful and attractive appearing breasts.
When is a Breast Lift a Good Choice?
If you are unhappy that your breasts are descending south on your chest – skin, breast tissue and the nipple-areola complexes – then some form of a lift may very well be indicated and beneficial. Depending on the degree of drooping, there are several different techniques that can be considered in order to restore a more normal shape and appropriate position on your chest. Click here for more specific information on this.
In the process of lifting the breast, there is most often some degree of reduction in size. Depending on a variety of factors, this may be around one cup size. The reasons for this are due to the necessary and strategic removal of some tissue as well as the compacting of what remains.
So, a mastopexy by itself can be the right solution if you want a lift and don’t mind being at least a little smaller in size.
Your breasts can be perkier after a lift due to the tissue repositioning and contouring but they generally will be smaller to some degree. The improved, more youthful appearance can be very rewarding not only physically but also psychologically.
When is a Breast Lift Not the Right Choice?
The following are a few reasons why a breast lift may not be the right choice for you:
- There is no drooping. If you don’t like the way that your breasts look but they don’t droop, then a breast lift is not the appropriate choice for you.
- Your breasts are smaller than you would like and are droopy. Though a breast lift can address the sagging, it won’t enlarge your breasts. A breast augmentation would needed as well.
- You don’t want large scars on your breasts. If you don’t want the more lengthy scars that may be necessary for a lift, then this procedure may not be for you.
- You are a smoker who can’t or won’t stop smoking. Smoking cigarettes can substantially impair blood flow into tissues. With a breast lift, this can mean necrosis (death) of skin, breast tissue and even the nipple-areola complexes as well as delayed healing and wider scars. Not what you need or want!
- You are planning to lose a substantial amount of weight. If you are planning to lose 10 to 15 pounds or more, it is strongly recommended doing so before pursing this surgery otherwise your results will be of short duration.
When is a Mastopexy-Augmentation a Good Choice?
If your breasts are sagging and smaller than you would like them to be, neither a breast augmentation nor a breast lift alone will accomplish what you are seeking to address and you likely will not be satisfied with the outcome. However, combining both procedures at the same surgical setting can provide you with the most appropriate and comprehensive results.
Larger, fuller, firmer and re-contoured breasts positioned in a more natural and rejuvenated position.
There are some specific exceptions, however, where undergoing a planned breast augmentation and a breast lift at two different surgical settings may be a more prudent choice. Your plastic surgeon can discuss this with you if it is the more appropriate course of action.
Considering Breast Enhancement Surgery?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, you may want to consider pursuing cosmetic breast surgery. Whether a breast augmentation with implants, a breast lift, or a combination of both may ultimately be right for you, consider scheduling your complimentary consultation with me, Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub.
You can do so by contacting the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery either by phone at (480) 451-3000 or by email using our contact form.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona