If you often wish that your breasts were larger, fuller, or more shapely, breast augmentation surgery may be the right choice for you. If you have moderate to significant sagging or ptosis of your breasts, then you will likely need to have your breast lifted at the same time that the implant is placed. If only an implant is placed in a breast that has moderate to significant sagging, the final appearance will not be optimal. The implant may be high on the chest while the breast will appear to be falling off of the implant. There are different types of lifts that can be performed depending on how much of a lift is needed. The procedure performed for someone with mild sagging is different than for someone with significant sagging.
Generally speaking, to perform a lift, you will have to have an incision made around your areola. The areola can be made smaller if desired. As the degree of sagging increases, the final scar may extend from the areola to the breast fold, and in some cases, will then continue in the breast fold. The three terms often used are “periareolar” (scar only around the areola), “lollipop” (scar around the areola and down toward the fold, in the shape of a lollipop), or “anchor”, “wise pattern” or “inverted T” (scar same as lollipop plus in the breast fold). While many women are concerned about having scars on their breasts, the majority of women, once they have healed and the scars have started to fade, are much happier with the shape and appearance of their breasts, even with the scars.
Your new look will bring you greater freedom with fashion and may give your self-image a boost as well. If you are interested in being lifted but do not want to be larger, then you may be a candidate for a lift (mastopexy) alone, without an implant Find out more. The disadvantage to a lift alone for some women is that there is less fullness in the upper portion of the breast when there is no implant, compared to when an implant is placed. The majority of women prefer to have fullness in the upper breast, and so they choose to have an implant placed. Implants can be silicone or saline, depending on what the patient prefers. Dr. Wigoda will discuss all of your options with you at your consultation.
To learn more about saline vs silicone implants, click here to watch Dr. Wigoda’s educational video. Watch video. Please note that while silicone gel implants are more expensive than saline implants, the majority of patients prefer silicone gel implants. Both implant types have proven to be very safe. You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) with a lift (mastopexy) if you have any of the following conditions: Your breasts have moderate to significant sagging and:
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- Weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts
- After having children, your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmness
- Dresses that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustline
- One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other
- You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top
How Is Breast Augmentation with a Lift Performed?
The specific method chosen for your breast augmentation with lift will be determined by your anatomy, Dr. Wigoda’s preferences, and your desired results. Dr. Wigoda will give you an idea of where you can expect the final scars to be during your consultation. Once the incision is made, Dr. Wigoda creates a pocket into which the implant is inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle located below the breast tissue and above the chest wall. Dr. Wigoda will then perform the lift. Generally speaking, only excess skin is removed, leaving all of the breast tissue intact. The breast is lifted and reshaped. For most patients, nipple sensitivity and the ability to breastfeed remain intact.
However, with augmentation alone, or in combination with a lift, the possibility of a loss of sensation and/or loss of ability to breastfeed, does exist. Anatomic teardrop-shaped implants are available and may be optimal in certain patients, depending on their anatomy and the look they desire. On average, it takes approximately one hour for Dr. Wigoda to perform a breast augmentation. If a lift is needed, the total surgical time may increase to between 2.5 to 4 hours.
Painless Breast Implants®
Dr. Wigoda performs Breast Augmentation using a special technique that he has developed over his more than 16 years in practice where there is significantly reduced pain and a quicker recovery. The reduction in pain also occurs when having a lift. In other words, there is typically little to no increase in pain when having a lift in addition to the augmentation. To learn more visit Painlessbreastimplants.com.
