What does one do if they’re not happy about the size, droop or shape of their breasts? Which is the most suitable procedure? Several surgical methods are available out there depending on what one wants to achieve.
Breast lift and breast augmentation are among the most popular surgical options. Ultimately, consulting a certified plastic surgeon that focuses on aesthetic breast surgery is necessary to identify the procedure that matches one’s goals.
What’s a Breast Lift Procedure?
Loss of volume in the breasts often causes drooping (breast ptosis). Drooping is particularly evident as females grow older, bear children or experience fluctuations in body weight. A Cleveland breast lift procedure can help to correct breast ptosis by volumetrically reshaping the woman’s breasts.
A simple examination to establish whether someone is a candidate for the procedure is the pencil test. In this test, a person puts a pencil as high as they can under the breast fold. Given that the pencil holds, then the person has signs of breast ptosis. If the nipple falls below the pencil, that shows that the woman has significant breast drooping and more than likely an excellent candidate for a breast lift.
Breast lifts are available in three types:
- Periareolar: The approach is best for those who have large areolas and minimal ptosis that requires correction.
- Vertical breast reduction: It allows for a greater lift for moderately drooping breasts.
- Inverted-T incision: It’s the most common approach and it allows for a maximum breast lift.
All in all, the breast lift approach that is right for someone depends on the breast volume, tissue and level of breast sagging they have.
What is Breast Augmentation?
For those who want bigger breasts, then augmentation is the way to go. When considering breast augmentation surgical procedure, the following areas are put into consideration:
- Placement of the incision and implant: The most common incisions for augmentation are inframammary, trans-axillary, and periareolar. Every incisional method has its set of pros and cons.
- Implant shape and size: When choosing the most suitable shape and size, a patient’s chest wall shape, body form, lifestyle, natural foundation, and aims are put into consideration. Under the guidance of a plastic surgeon, patients can decide the shape and size that fits them best. Usually, it is better not to exceed two bra cup sizes, because anything bigger may overwhelm the chest in terms of appearance.
- The type of the implant: Silicone vs. saline is dependent on many factors such as the body type, desired results and individual preference. Silicone is usually more expensive, needs a bigger incision and is a more technical surgical procedure. On the upside, silicone implants have a more natural feel and are a superb option for patients with small amounts of breast tissue. On the other hand, saline implants are excellent for those with ample breast tissue, because it can add volume and shape without altering the natural feel of the breasts. Both silicone and saline implants have a lifespan of 10-15 years, are FDA-approved and are safe.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation – Which is better?
Each procedure comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s essential to understand that breast augmentation procedures focus on the breast’s size and shape and won’t help with drooping breasts. Different from breast augmentation, a breast lift procedure primarily deals with the position of the breasts and won’t increase the size of one’s bust.
Many times, a breast lift is done together with a breast augmentation in order to restore the breasts to a more youthful appearance.