Choosing Between Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation
While breast augmentation continues to be the most popular breast enhancement procedure today, breast lift is not that far behind. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast lift is growing at twice the rate of breast augmentation surgeries.
Read on as Portland plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald DeMars discusses the differences between these two procedures in this blog post.
Fuller, Larger Breasts with Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation fills out naturally small, deflated or asymmetrical breasts to improve size and volume. Dr. DeMars can place either saline implants or silicone gel implants in front of or behind the pectoral muscle. Breast implants come in round and teardrop (anatomically correct) shape, giving women a choice in the breast shape they want to achieve.
Although breast implants can be placed to fill out breasts that have become deflated due to weight fluctuations, aging, pregnancy and nursing, they generally do not improve the position of the breasts or treat loose skin. In fact, breast implants (especially larger ones over time) can worsen breast sag.
Two main types of incision techniques for breast augmentation are: inframammary (under the natural breast fold) and periareolar (around the areola). Scarring from both incision techniques can usually be concealed by skin creases or clothing.
Perkier, Lifted Breasts with Breast Lift
Breast lift improves the position of saggy or flat breasts. Are you unsure if you can benefit from breast lift? You may benefit if the nipple/areola sit at or below the natural breast crease. During the procedure, excess skin is trimmed and the underlying tissues are tightened and lifted higher on the chest wall. Stretched out areolas and downward pointing nipples are also corrected during breast lift.
Dr. DeMars can use a variety of incision techniques for breast lift. The three main types are: around the areola; around the areola, extending vertically down to the breast crease; and around the areola, extending vertically down from the breast crease with an additional incision within the natural breast crease.
“Most patients are rightly concerned about breast lift scars, but if a lift is needed there is no substitute for that procedure,” Dr. DeMars says. “The improvement can be dramatic while the scars eventually turn into fine white lines.”
Combining the Two Procedures
If you’re bothered by both lack of breast fullness and breast sag, Dr. DeMars may suggest combining breast lift with implants. A combination procedure improves the shape, volume and position of the breast simultaneously for more noticeable results.
Ultimately the best treatment option for you depends on your specific cosmetic needs and goals. Dr. DeMars is happy to discuss your options in detail with you during a personal consultation. Contact his Portland practice to speak to a member of our team today.
