It is often the case that patients believe they need a breast augmentation when a breast lift is in order, or vice versa.
There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which, if not both, procedures will deliver the best results. The first is if the nipples are at or below the level of the breast fold. The second is the degree of skin laxity in the breasts.
If there is a significant amount of skin laxity and the nipples are at or below the level of the breast fold, then chances are a breast lift is necessary. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts.
Breast lift alone will not add volume though. Just as significant weight loss or pregnancy can cause the breasts to sag, it can also decrease the former volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed to meet this goal.
Simply adding an implant to sagging breasts will not solve the problem. At the very least it will create the look of larger sagging breasts. It may even cause them to droop more because of the added volume. If the implant is placed beneath the chest muscle but the height of the nipple is not addressed, the implant will appear too high and the breast will look abnormal. This is why it is important to undergo a thorough evaluation by a Board Certified surgeon who specializes in breast surgery. Dr. Rubinstein will be able to determine the best approach for the most natural-looking results.
An independent breast augmentation may be appropriate if breast drooping is non-existent to very mild and the nipple is still close to the center of the breast and does not point downward. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, then a breast augmentation is the right procedure. Breast augmentation will not prevent future drooping, and women with smaller breasts are able to experience the results of breast implants and/or breast lift longer.
Women who are planning on become pregnant in the future are advised to postpone a breast lift until after they are done having children, as pregnancy can cause additional stretching and sagging.
Dr. Rubinstein at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists as the body surgeon, offering his extensive expertise in such procedures as liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift and Mommy Makeovers. Mid-Hudson Valley residents interested in breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction or other procedures may call 845-863-1772 with inquiries.
