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Breasts come in many shapes and sizes.
But what happens when you’re unhappy with the appearance of your bust? Perhaps you have small, asymmetrical, or deflated breasts and are considering a change. When that time comes, you need to know your enhancement options.
Today’s breast augmentation and breast lift techniques have come a long way. And plastic surgeons on the cutting edge of breast enhancement surgery — like the cosmetic team here at Inland Breast and Body — are ready to help you gain that confidence in your body you may have been lacking.
Here are the most popular choices for breast enhancement and why you should consider all your options before deciding with your plastic surgeon.
Option #1: Breast Lift
A breast lift does just that: lift. With this procedure, the breasts are reshaped and repositioned to be higher and projected further from the chest wall.
Incisions are made on the breast, depending on the extent of breast ptosis (laxity) present. While incisions may only be needed around the areola, they often continue down the lower pole of the breast and across the inframammary fold to properly shape the breast.
Excess skin is removed, internal tissues are tightened, and the nipple and areola complex is resized and repositioned to elevate and tighten the breasts.
The Pros
Because the breasts are higher on the chest and the skin is no longer lax, a breast lift gives a more youthful appearance. Discomfort, such as rashes underneath sagging, can also be lessened or alleviated.
The Cons
Breast lift surgery does not increase lost volume.
Is a Breast Lift Right for You?
A breast lift alone might be right if you struggle with sagging breasts but remain pleased with their size and volume. Otherwise, you may need to consider an alternative or additional procedure.
Option #2: Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation increases the volume and enhances the shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation increases the size of naturally small breasts or replaces the volume lost during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
Customizable saline or silicone implants are used to increase fullness. These implants will be selected during a consultation with your plastic surgeon based on your aesthetic goals, body type, and current best size.
Incisions are made around the areola or across the inframammary fold to place and position the implants.
The Pros
Breast augmentation can help reshape and enlarge the breasts, whether they have always been small or deflated over time.
The Cons
Breast implants must be surgically removed if you decide they are no longer for you (or if they develop a complication). Additionally, breast implants cannot raise sagging breasts or tighten skin.
Is a Breast Augmentation Right for You?
Breast augmentation might be right for you if you want more fullness in your breasts.
Option #3: Breast Lift With Augmentation
This combined option addresses three of the most common issues women face: projection, shape, and fullness. The breasts are lifted, the areolas are positioned higher, and the volume is increased.
This option is often chosen with a Mommy Makeover. But it is also appropriate for women who want fuller, higher breasts.
The Pros
You take care of the most common issues women face with their breasts — sagging, lax skin, and loss of volume — all in one combined surgery. Most women say they love how they look in clothes after this combined surgery.
Which Breast Enhancement Option Is Right for You?
Your best bet is to sit down with your plastic surgeon and discuss these choices. Your surgeon can give you a realistic bird’s-eye view of what you can expect.
Interested in Learning About Breast Enhancement?
If you are interested in breast augmentation, breast lift, or both, contact Dr. Andreasen by calling 909-291-4900 or filling out our online contact form.
