Breast Augmentation, Lift, or Both?

Breast lift and breast augmentation for my Pensacola and Destin patients are 2 of the most commonly requested procedures. However, many women come in for consultation without fully understanding the difference between the two.

Breast Augmentation Benefits

Breast augmentation was the number-one cosmetic surgical procedure of 2017 in the United States. Over 300,000 women opted for breast enhancements just last year—up 3% from 2016. Part of this growth can be attributed to the trend of both younger and older women seeking the procedure. Today, women from their early 20s to their late 60s are getting implants for a number of reasons, including:

• They have disproportionally small breasts. This is probably the most common reason women undergo breast augmentation. They want their breasts to proportionally match the rest of their body.
• One breast is larger than the other. No 2 breasts are exactly alike. However, some women have more obvious asymmetry than others. Breast augmentation can correct this imbalance using different sized implants.
• They have lost weight. Often, women who lose weight notice decreased breast volume. Breast implants can help restore your original breast size.
• Pregnancy has caused volume loss. Many women are unhappy with their breasts after pregnancy and nursing, which can sometimes cause breasts to get smaller or look “deflated.”
• They want their clothes to fit better. Most women’s clothes are designed for a size C cup. Many women want to fill out certain dress and shirt styles that they were never able to wear before.
• They want to boost their confidence. Breast implants can improve your sense of femininity. It is not uncommon for women to get breast augmentations for self-esteem reasons.

I use a special “No Scar on the Breast®” technique for breast augmentation that leaves only a tiny scar in the crease under each arm. This approach allows patients to have well-concealed scars, natural-looking results, choice of silicone or saline implants, enhanced recovery, optimal incision healing, and lower risk of infection.

Breast Lift Benefits

Mastopexy, also known as breast lift surgery, can tighten breast tissue and remove excess skin to provide you with lifted and firm breasts. Because breast shape and firmness can change due to multiple factors, there are many different motivations for surgery. Women often choose mastopexy because:

• They are unhappy with the shape of their breasts. Natural aging and gravity can cause breast shape to gradually change. A breast lift can help women restore a youthful breast contour.
• Their nipples hang below the crease of their breasts. Severe sagging can cause your nipples to turn downward. This procedure can enhance shape to correct downturned nipples.
• They have neck or back pain caused by sagging breasts. Breast-related soreness is much more common than you think. A breast lift can not only provide cosmetic benefits, but also improve posture and reduce back pain.
• Their physical activities are limited due to their breasts. Sagging breasts can make it difficult to run, lift weights, or do other high-intensity exercises.
• Pregnancy has affected their breasts. After pregnancy, some women find that their breasts do not go back to their original shape.
• Weight loss has changed their breast shape. Sometimes weight loss can cause breasts to sag. A breast lift can be a beautiful finishing touch to a weight loss journey.

I use the specially designed “internal suspension technique” that not only improves breast shape, but also decreases the chance of “bottoming out.” It reduces tension by giving your breasts more support from within.

Breast Augmentation with a Lift

For women seeking breast enhancement after pregnancy or substantial weight loss, I recommend a combination of breast augmentation with a lift. With older techniques, the combination procedure raised concerns about providing sufficient blood supply to the tissues. However, I use an innovative approach that provides ample blood supply, avoids extensive dissection, and minimizes potential risk. A breast augmentation with a lift can now safely give you fuller, perkier breasts.

Check out real patient results for the 2 procedures in our photo gallery. If you want to learn more about your options, request a consultation online or give us a call at (850) 654-1194.