Each year, millions of women choose cosmetic surgery to enhance the shape, fullness, and overall appearance of their breasts. Typically, breast lifts and breast augmentations are the two most popular procedures used to achieve these results. While these surgeries can be performed separately from each other to improve the breasts, results are optimized when a breast lift and breast augmentation are performed together.
Breast Lift Basics
A breast lift, also referred to as mastopexy, is a procedure that elevates the breasts by tightening the tissue around the breast and removing excess skin. In some cases, the areola becomes enlarged with the aging process and gravity. Breast lifts can reduce this enlargement while adding shape and contour to the breasts. The result of a correctly performed breast lift is a profile that appears perky and youthful. Studies from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicate that the number of people attaining breast lifts exceeds that of those attaining breast implants 2-to-1.
Why Breast Lifts?
Over time, a woman’s breasts will begin to change. This results in a loss of firmness and youthful shape. Some of the life factors that can contribute to the loss of skin elasticity and firmness include weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, pregnancy, gravity, aging, and heredity.
The Best Candidates For Breast Lifts
The best breast lift candidates are:
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- Those who are at a stable weight
- Those who are physically healthy
- Non-smokers
- Individuals who are bothered by breasts that sag or have lost volume/shape
- People whose breasts have an elongated, flatter shape
- Individuals with areolas and nipples that point downward
- People with stretched skin
- Individuals with one breast that is lower than the other
Breast Augmentation Basics
Breast augmentation, also referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, is the use of breast implants to increase the symmetry and fullness of breasts. Breast augmentation can also be used to restore volume that is lost after life changes such as pregnancy or weight loss.
The Best Candidates For Breast Augmentation
The best breast augmentation candidates are those who:
- Are physically healthy
- Have realistic expectations
- Have fully developed breasts
- Feel that their breasts are not large enough
- Believe that the upper breast region looks “empty”
- Have asymmetrical breasts
- Have one or two breasts that did not develop normally
Making The Decision
A breast lift can improve the position and elevation of your breasts, and an augmentation can increase the volume and fullness. If you desire both sets of results, combining these procedures may be the best course of treatment for you. In some cases, the breast lift and breast augmentation can be performed simultaneously. In other cases, two separate procedures are required.
At J. Anthony Stephens Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, our medical team – led by Dr. Anthony Stephens – will work with you to determine the most effective procedure for your needs. Contact Dr. Anthony Stephens today to schedule your consultation.
