For many women, breast size and shape can be a cause for self-consciousness. This is especially true as you age. Over time, your breasts may begin to sag or the size of your breasts may be smaller than they used to be. You deserve to feel fully confident in your body and a breast lift surgery is one way to help you achieve this. This surgery reshapes sagging breasts to achieve a more youthful look. You may also hear about breast implants and breast augmentation. While a breast augmentation focuses on the same part of your body as a breast lift, these two procedures are very different. This is important to consider when deciding which type of plastic surgery is best for you.
Breast Lift
The primary goal of a breast lift procedure, also called mastopexy, is to move sagging breasts upward and to reposition the nipple and areola. This surgery can also reduce the size of your nipples. Your plastic surgeon will begin the procedure by making an incision around your areola and vertically down your breast. They will then remove excess tissue and tighten the remaining skin, moving your nipples and areola upward in the process while contouring your breast.
A breast lift is a good option if you notice sagging breasts, nipples that fall below your breast crease, or nipples that are pointing downward. It’s important to note that a breast lift does not significantly change the size of your breasts. If you want to increase your breast size, then mastopexy alone will not help you reach your goal. Instead, you may want to consider breast augmentation.
Breast Augmentation
A breast augmentation procedure increases the size of your breasts through the use of implants. Many women consider getting an augmentation after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or other major changes in breast size. In other cases, you may simply feel that larger breasts will improve your self-confidence and appearance.
Unlike a breast lift, breast augmentation focuses on the size and shape and not sagging or drooping. This procedure is better-suited if size is your primary concern. Breast implants do give you the ability to choose the final shape of your breasts and may correct a small amount of sagging. However, they will not dramatically lift your breasts.
Combining These Surgical Procedures
In many cases, women choose to combine a breast lift and breast augmentation to get the best possible results. The combination of the two surgeries leads to fuller and perkier breasts and may have a more pronounced effect than one surgery on its own. In particular, the combination of these plastic surgery procedures is common for women who want to restore the appearance of their body after pregnancy with a “mommy makeover.”
Breast Surgery by Hess & Sandeen
If you are considering a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both, Hess & Sandeen can help. We are board-certified plastic surgeons in Tucson with extensive experience and a patient-centered approach. We will go over your specific goals and find the procedure that is right for you.
